Sarah Johnson
Name: Sarah Johnson
Date of birth: 2 November 1983
Job title: Catering accountant
Location: RAF Leuchars, St Andrews, Scotland
First job in hospitality? Working in the canteen of a supermarket in my home town of Cupar, Fife, Scotland, serving food.
How did you get from there to your current job? My first job was not very fulfilling, but I still wanted to work in catering because I was keen on the industry. I wanted more of an admin-based role as I was more interested in the work that the stock and food and beverage controllers were doing and I wanted to learn office-based computer skills.
I didn't realise that I'd be able to combine catering with admin until I went along to my local Armed Forces Careers Office. Initially I'd gone there as I wanted the opportunity to travel and meet new people. When the careers officer described the role of catering accountant to me I thought it would be right up my street.
What are your main responsibilities? I think my job's very similar to that of a food and beverage controller in civilian catering. I am responsible for making sure that the catering office runs smoothly. This means I'm in charge of supplying all the food items and commodities used in the mess kitchens at the station.
Now that I'm a senior aircraftwoman, I am responsible for the accounts of three messes, five flying squadrons and the mountain rescue and dog teams.
I use my computer a lot, managing all the orders that come in, then issuing stock and taking it off the computer, so my admin skills come in handy.
What do you mostenjoy about your job?
What do you most dislike about your job? The training was quite tough and I found it pretty tiring. We learnt the procedures for supplying messes and squadrons with food, but were also taught about budget control and different financial systems, which took me a while to get my head around.
What attributes do you need to do your job? We use computerised accounting methods, so a good head for figures is helpful. You need to be keen to develop. I've already gained a NVQ level two in Distribution and Warehouse and am now doing an NVQ level two in Administration. Most importantly, though, you really need to be a team player and be able to get on with people of all different ranks.
What would be your next move? I was promoted in May 2002 so for the moment I want to learn more about the job and gain more catering trade knowledge.
What would be your ultimate career move? When the time is right I'd probably like to go for the role of Corporal, although for now, I've got enough on my plate.
