Meet Liam Byrne

Tell us about yourself, your role and your journey at OCS

I began my career with OCS immediately after leaving school, starting as a finance apprentice. Over the past ten years, I have progressed through roles including accounts clerk, assistant accountant, assistant management accountant, senior management accountant and currently, financial performance analyst. This journey has provided me with a broad spectrum of experience and responsibilities across different roles and departments within the business.

What attracted you to OCS, over other companies?

When I first joined the company, it was known as Servest. Since then, we have transitioned to OCS. The primary reason I was drawn to apply was the dynamic and fast-paced environment. I thrive in settings where there is constant change and need to stay agile, ensuring that no two weeks are the same. Additionally, the role offers numerous opportunities to engage in a range of tasks, allowing me to develop my skills and gain diverse experiences.

What key milestones or achievements have you accomplished during your time here?

One of my proudest achievements has been contributing to the design and implementation of new processes in the various roles I have been in. These initiatives have streamlined and sped up reporting times in several instances. I also value the relationships I have built with colleagues throughout the business. These connections have been instrumental to my growth, both professionally and personally.

What specific skills have you developed since joining and how have they contributed to your career growth?

The main skill I have developed at OCS is confidence. I joined after leaving school, feeling quite shy and uncertain about my career path. However, throughout my tenure, I have participated in numerous internal and external projects. These experiences have solidified my career in finance and have progressively built my confidence, enabling me to continually achieve my goals and aspirations year after year.

Can you share any specific training or development programmes at OCS that have been beneficial for your career?

I have received substantial support and opportunities. For instance, the company funded my studies, starting with Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), and fully supported my pursuit of the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification. This has been instrumental in my journey towards achieving my accountancy qualifications. Additionally, I have benefited from various ad hoc training sessions, such as Power BI and Excel training days, which have significantly enhanced my career.

Furthermore, I have participated in annual professional development reviews where I outline my goals and targets to advance to the next level in my career. This structured process has been invaluable in helping me improve each year, providing continuous challenges and growth.

Can you provide examples of how mentorship or support from colleagues has impacted your career?

I had the privilege of being part of the mentoring scheme pilot group, where participants could sign up to have a director as a mentor. This allowed me to bounce ideas off an experienced leader, seek advice or simply catch-up. My mentor was Pam Coulson, the Business Director for Integrated Solutions. We met monthly to discuss our progress, share business updates, review my career development and engage in general life catch-ups.

What aspects of OCS’s work environment and culture would you highlight to attract new graduates?

The fast-paced environment is a key positive aspect for me, as the constant change keeps every day interesting and challenging. This dynamic atmosphere is great when starting a career, providing a wealth of experience. The culture at OCS is shaped by Dan and Tom, the CEO and CFO, who have both been incredibly supportive from the moment I joined up until today.

What advice would you give to those who are considering joining OCS?

My advice would be to seize the opportunity. You will have the chance to engage in multiple aspects of the business, which can kickstart your career and help you develop a diverse set of skills and experiences across different divisions. The senior management team is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment for everyone. We also recently moved to a brand-new office in Ipswich, which serves as a great central hub for the entire business.

What has been your favourite moment working at OCS?

There have been many great moments, but one that stands out is when we organised an inter-company football match with one of our long-standing clients. We rented Bury Town Football Club and for eight weeks leading up to the game, we met before work on Thursdays to train with Julian, a former coach at Norwich. Our Group CEO, Rob Legge, acted as our manager, in his Arsene Wenger-style long coat on the sidelines. The event was a fantastic day that strengthened relationships within the business. It also provided an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues from different areas of the company, building a strong sense of unity and team spirit.