Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Who we are

Following the CMSS AGM on 17 August 2010, our new committee is as follows:

 
Chair Riz Dhanani
Vice-chair Caroline Slaney
Past chair Carl Ford
Secretary Chris Forrester
Student representatives Gurpreet Dulay
Victoria Hundleby
Atul Lad
Chris Perfitt
Pete Shakespear

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Riz Dhanani
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL

I have a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and am currently studying for CIPFA’s final test of professional competence while working as a Trainee Accountant at Birmingham City Council.

When I’m not working with numbers, I enjoy playing a variety of sports including football and tennis. I also captained the University of London table tennis team.

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering to get involved in CMSS; we can find a role for you that spares as much time as you have available. Studying CIPFA’s Leadership and Management module taught me a lot about effective delegation and making people feel valued, so I can guarantee a happy working environment!

Caroline Slaney
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY PCT

Having a sarcastic sense of humour can often get me into trouble, I’ve realized that now and try and forewarn new colleagues before I get too settled and forget that they may not understand.  I blame it on my misspent youth going to comedy gigs in London. I know I’m a few years older than most of my fellow students but could really be showing my age by owning up that my favourites back in the day used to be Jack Dee and Newman and Baddiel - “that’s you that is”.

Back to today and things are very hectic for this single working mother of two, I’m an expert at juggling and prioritising my to-do list. Any hobbies (what hobbies?) and extra workloads are not taken on lightly, but I get a sense of satisfaction from volunteering for almost everything that’s put in front of me, and I’m sure my time representing CIPFA Midlands Students’ Society will be time well spent – even if it does clog up my inbox (not a bad thing).

It’s not all work and no play these days as I do still get to catch the odd comedy gig and as an avid Celtic supporter even the odd match up at Paradise, plus it goes without saying that playing around adding new apps on to my phone is, like most of us, time well spent.

Carl Ford
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL

Just like Caroline, I have a sarcastic sense of humour which often gets me into some tricky situations, luckily I've also got a cheeky smile which gets me out of them!

I love travelling and two of my favourite destinations are Paris and Marrakech, next up I'm thinking about exploring either Asia or South America (Brazil looks fun!). During the day I am a mild-mannered accountant, wearing pin-stripe suits, but outside the normal 9 till 5 grind I've just embarked upon a career as a DJ and I've also started to learn to play guitar (I'm sure in 5 years time my profile will still say "I'm learning to play guitar"). Another of my favourite pastimes is karaoke (I think the literal translation of karaoke is 'drunken businessman'?!?) and I can often be seen on a Friday night with a pint in one hand and a mic in the other, trying my best to make it rain....

The past 12 months as Chair of CIPFA Midlands Students’ Society have been really tough, but it has been so rewarding. It has given me skills that no work-based training programme would have, I've made lots of new friends and contacts. I would really encourage all Midlands students to get involved, no matter how small your contribution, because you will get so much more out of being part of the student society than you put in.

Chris Forrester
WOLVERHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL

Well, being amongst the last to write this, most of the fun quirky things I could have said have already been said… although I will not pretend that I can play the trombone but I can play the piano!

I have a BSc in Political Theory, and am currently studying for the final test of professional competence, and have to admit I am finding I have very little free time at the moment. When I do manage a few minutes, I like to go to the gym, socialise with friends and go to the cinema.

I volunteered for the CIPFA Midlands student society as I always regretted not getting more involved at university and didn’t want to miss out again! As with many things in life, you only get out what you put in.

Victoria Hundleby
NHS LINCOLNSHIRE

I’m one of the mere mortals on CMSS with no responsibility…although how is my time still taken up if this is true?!

I have a Maths degree from the University of Leeds and I’m currently studying the Diploma Level of CIPFA.

I’ve volunteered for a few things for CIPFA including the Sixth Form Management Games and presenting at Careers Fairs. It’s always worthwhile volunteering because you get to meet and work with people you normally wouldn’t.

Funnily enough, I enjoy the dressing up for Black Tie Do’s pretending to be in Phantom of the Opera (see picture) side of CIPFA then actually having to pass the endless exams! If you are like me and want to meet some interesting characters and help organise events to suit your needs then get in contact and join CMSS.

Chris Perfitt
NHS DERBYSHIRE COUNTY

Hi, I’m Chris and... I never really know what to write in these boxes.

I work in the health service.

I’m doing the final test bit of CIPFA and am quite nervous about that.

I play the trombone… for some reason this makes people laugh. You’re laughing now aren’t you? Stop it! Playing the trombone is cool, man.

If you work in the NHS and you’re thinking of enrolling to study CIPFA – well done, you absolutely should! If you are sitting on the fence, then I welcome any queries. My email address is chris.perfitt@nhs.net or I can be reached using the Get in touch button on the left.

I am responsible for this website and also act as a link between CMSS and NSF (CIPFA’s national student forum). If you have anything you want to say about the website, or anything you think should be brought to the attention of NSF then I would also like to hear from you (use the same details as above).

In fact, if you’re a student in the Midlands, we really just want to make contact with you about anything. Once we know you’re out there we can start tailoring our events, etc, to you. So. if you don’t have anything CIPFA-related to talk about, send me a joke or something.

Pete Shakespear
STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

I joined Staffordshire County Council in September 2008, after completing a BA(Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Wolverhampton. I am currently part way through the diploma stage of the CIPFA qualification while completing Staffordshire’s graduate program.

When not working or studying (which are rare times), I enjoy playing badminton, spending time with friends and family and travelling. I am also in the process of renovating a house…so my DIY skills are second to none...but if you ever need a plasterer, don’t call me!

If you want to get more involved with CIPFA, joining CMSS is a great start. It’s an ideal opportunity to express your views on the needs of students and direct events. If you are essentially nosy, like to know what’s going on, enjoy a smile and want to make many new contacts and friends we welcome your application.

Interested?

There is room for one or two more on the committee - if you think you have what it takes to join us then
contact us.