Charlotte, Management Accountant

Name: Charlotte Fraser
Job Title: Management Accountant
Joined the team: November 2018

What’s a typical day like?

No two days at Katharine House are ever the same and that’s what makes working in the finance team interesting, exciting and challenging. Yes, we have the day-to-day tasks that need attending to, however, it’s a case of juggling these with other matters and queries from staff and volunteers, as well as a wide variety of external companies and individuals. But no matter what’s taking place, there’s always the comfort in knowing that there is a great team of people at the hospice, close at hand ready to support each other no matter what.

What’s your favourite part of working for Katharine House?

The people and the flexibility that I have to work from home (which helps a great deal as I can’t drive due to my disability) or in the office. I’ve been provided with a great set up of tech that’s portable. I love my job as I really like numbers!

What do you wish people knew about hospice care?

That it’s not just going into the hospice for your last days and clocking out. The amount of work and care that’s provided externally as well as in the Katharine House building is huge.

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had while working here?

I’ve had so many, that I couldn’t pick one. Maybe the cheese scones that are made in our kitchen. Now that the kitchen is cooking food for everyone again (rather than just for the patients), I’m hoping the scones will return to the menu!

Why do you think the work we do is important?

From a finance perspective, every charity needs someone like to me to grease the cogs in the background to ensure everyone gets paid at the right time and our fundraisers can see how much they’re raising for our cause. As for the hospice – well, there aren’t very many hospices around, so the care that we provide for people living in our local community is essential.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I had to sum up my role in one sentence, I’d say: a valuable asset to the charity.

The best thing about my job is: I get to do what I like doing and doing it well.

My highlight since joining Katharine House is: working with a brilliant team, especially the way I’ve been helped to continue working with my disability.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: India.

If I won the lottery, I would buy: a pilot and a jet to visit my sister regularly in Australia.

My favourite dessert is: cheese and biscuits followed by an espresso martini. 

My favourite season is: I can’t choose one. As a keen gardener, they are each special in their own way.

People are often surprised when I tell them: that my hobby is hot air ballooning. I don’t get to do it much anymore, but this gives me more time to work on my veggie patch.

My all-time greatest song is: You can’t beat 99 Red Balloons by Nena! 

If I had one superpower, it would be: to see in the dark.

My all-time favourite film is: Out of Africa. I lived in Nairobi when it was being filmed there so I know many of the locations and some of my friends are in it!

My favourite thing to eat is: avocado.

I never miss an episode of: Masterchef.

Without doubt, the best animals are: my own ones! I have five chickens, two goldfish and a dog called Popcorn.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: believe in myself.

My proudest moment was: giving birth to my daughter.

When I’m not at work, you will probably find me: in the veggie patch or the pub.

My go-to biscuit is: shortbread.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want: all my friends to join me with some sun lotion. 

Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our Events calendar and For Patients and Families pages.
• If you’re a local business and want to learn more about supporting Katharine House, go to our Corporate pages.
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