Meet Zelda
Turning Ambition into Achievement
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It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop
Zelda Mavengere
Assistant Management Accountant
Quick Fire:
Coffee or Tea – Tea 🍵
Early Bird or Night Owl – Night Owl 🦉
Desk Tidy or Creative Chaos – Tidy Desk 🧼
Music or Silence While Working – Silence 🤫
Calls or Messages – Messages 💬
Lunch Out or Lunch In – Lunch Out 🍲
Monday Motivation or Friday Feels – Friday Feels 🎉
Podcasts or Playlists – Playlists 🎶
Dog Person or Cat Person – Dog 🐶
City Skyline or Countryside Views – Countryside Views 🌳
Summer or Winter – Summer ☀️
Sweet or Savoury – Savoury 🥨
Stay In or Go Out – Stay In 🛋️
Gym or Walks – Walks 🚶
Water Cooler Chat or Email Reply – Email Reply 📩
Post-its or Digital Notes – Post-its 🗒️
Lunchtime Walk or Scroll Break – Scroll Break 📱
What were you doing before you joined Valda? 💼
Before joining Valda Energy, I had recently moved to the UK from South Africa. I was working in hospitality as a crew member while self-funding my ACCA qualification, with the aim of starting a career in finance. I was keen to get my foot in the door of a professional environment where I could gain UK-based work experience, develop transferable skills, and build a pathway into the finance industry.
When I came across a Customer Service role at Valda and after hearing positive things about the company’s culture and growth opportunities, I decided to apply. I saw it as a chance to join a forward-thinking business where I could grow and potentially move into a finance-related role in the future.
How Did a Customer Service Interview Lead to a Role in Finance? 🔄
Attending an assessment centre with around ten other candidates, which included icebreakers, a group activity, and one-to-one interviews. I was the last person to be interviewed, and while waiting, I had a conversation with the Head of HR where I shared my aspirations of working in finance. She mentioned that there was actually a vacancy in the Finance team and encouraged me to explore it.
After completing the Customer Service interview with the hiring manager, I was contacted the next day by the Talent Acquisition Partner, who mentioned the Financial Controller would like to speak with me. I had a Teams interview with the FC and Head of HR on the Monday, followed by an office tour and final interview the next day. To my surprise, on the Wednesday I received a call from the Head of HR offering me a role in the Finance team with a full study support package. It all happened very quickly!
How has this role helped you grow professionally or personally? 🌱
Since joining, I’ve continued my ACCA qualification and completed the foundation level (Level 4 Diploma) within a year. I’ve now progressed to the Applied Skills level. Much of what I study aligns with my day-to-day work, allowing me to apply that knowledge in a real working environment. More recently, I was promoted from Finance Assistant to Assistant Management Accountant, which has been a significant milestone in my journey.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a role at Valda? 💡
My advice would be to stay open-minded and flexible. Sometimes opportunities arise in places or roles you didn’t initially consider. Don’t be afraid to share your aspirations with your interviewers or managers; they might be able to guide you toward a path that suits your skills and goals. Also, take advantage of any study support or development programmes offered by the company. It’s a great way to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully.
About Valda Energy
We are energy specialists for small businesses. Offering both electricity and gas, presenting a viable alternative to the current crop of energy suppliers. British-owned and based in Oxfordshire, with senior management expertise in managing and operating successful energy supply businesses in the UK.