Interview with Ashleigh Illingworth, Financial Controller
Post info
5 Mar 2025
Please tell me a little bit about yourself
I studied at the University of Sheffield gaining a BSc in Economics. Following this, I entered the work place and held a number of accountancy roles , progressing from a rebate accountant to financial controller, becoming CIMA qualified in 2015. I chose accountancy as I’m numbers orientated and I like in accountancy there is always a right or a wrong answer!
What is your role with Applica?
My role will be Financial Controller. This is the ideal role for me as I have been brought in to improve processes helping to take the business forward and to really scale up. I thrive when I’m given the opportunity to take control of a project and see it through to completion.
Why did you choose to work with Applica
From the very start, all of the people I met during the recruitment process were really friendly, they made me feel really comfortable it was obvious that they really know the industry and that the company is on a very exciting journey.
What do you really enjoy about your profession? What makes you get up in the morning?
I like to feel that I’m adding value and driving business forward. I enjoy being involved in all aspects of the company and integrating with the sales function and the management team. I’m a big advocate for Finance being more than a support function.
Tell me something what not many people know about
I travelled around South and Central America for a year, teaching English, learning Spanish and doing the occasional sky-dive!