Awards 2006: Sharon Burd – Public sector FD of the year

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The first woman to be appointed as director of finance to the Metropolitan Police has been awarded this year’s Financial Director of the Year for Public Services Award.

Sharon Burd has been head of the Met’s finance function during a period of modernisation and change. The organisation has faced unprecedented challenges to combat crime and the threat of terrorism and Burd has been instrumental in putting into place business-like, fit-for-purpose support services for the £2.9bn organisation.

Her achievements include finding £228m in efficiency savings, implementing enterprise management systems, streamlining procurement with a resulting £35m in cumulative cashable savings, and securing extra funding and resources to support the Met’s growing needs.

The judges said: ‘She is innovative and an all-round top performer who has transformed her organisation. Sharon has pushed for progress and has clearly put in a huge effort to attain her achievements.’

Burd’s commitment to training has become an essential part of her campaign to improve the finance department’s profile and increase its professionalism. Partnering with the London Boroughs of Islington and Hackney, she has implemented a three-year graduate trainee scheme to allow the service to nurture its own future accountants and finance specialists. She has introduced a similar scheme for school leavers to study with the AAT.

The Met’s finance department is an accredi-ted training body for CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA and AAT, and Burd holds a Best Practice Employer Certificate from CIPFA for excellent student support.

In 2003, 22 finance staff were members of CCAB bodies. This has risen to 66 under her tenure. She has also introduced internal training and monthly briefing sessions to improve financial awareness.

Burd has created a modern and professional finance division that supports every aspect of the Metropolitan Police Service. Each ‘business group’ within the service has its own named accountant and team to provide support and financial expertise.

Outside her finance remit, Burd is also a respected senior member of the Metropolitan Police Service. She also plays a leading role on the Metropolitan Forces Committee, working in partnership with colleagues in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

The Metropolitan Police commissioner awarded Burd a commendation for her commitment to training – the finance division is an accredited training body with CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA and AAT. She is also one of the few civilian members of the Association of Chief Police Officers, and an ACCA council member.