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Nicole Carroll is a Senior Associate with Barden, and a recruitment expert in Part-Qualified and Operational Finance careers.
We sat down with Cole recently to learn a little bit more about her…
Where are you from?
I’m from a village in Kildare called Allenwood but currently based in Dublin. Now rooted in the Northside.
Where did you study?
I started with the Institute of Technology Carlow and completed 3 years of a BA (Hons) Sports Management Degree. I then transferred to complete my final year In TUD while on a rugby scholarship.
What did you enjoy most about your time studying?
Honestly, not so much the studying aspect, that’s something I learned to enjoy later.
I was very lucky to be studying something I was passionate about and the majority of my time in college was focused on the practical side of sports, rugby in particular. The degree was demanding but in hindsight It was probably the springboard that inspired my rugby journey.
Clearly, I went down a different career path in the end, but I wouldn’t change the journey to get here.
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
My parents both own businesses in Kildare, I remember being paid a packet of jellies for a morning of work with them… if that counts?
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
For me, recruitment feels like many, many small achievements and over time that is very rewarding as a whole.
There are also achievements in sports and I’m fortunate to have some great personal memories but specifically with my club Suttonians RFC. I’ll always be a small part of a much bigger story in the club.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
The people. Given my sporting background, I am very particular about the type of people I surround myself with. I knew Barden was the right team for me from my very first interaction.
What’s the best thing about working here?
Again, the people. It’s rare to find a genuine team who are all rowing in the same direction. Barden has found the perfect balance of professionalism and fun, it’s a very healthy environment which allows us do our job and focus on helping people.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I help people across a number of different areas in the accounting & finance world, we call it “Operational Finance” but that translates to, Part Qualified Accountants, Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable (up to Senior Manager levels), Payroll, Credit Control, and Accounts Assistants. Basically, everything non-qualified.
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
Probably Barden’s unique approach to the recruitment process/experience.
What three words/phrases best describe you?
Passionate, Fiery, Committed
Who is your role model, and why?
Gráinne Mhaol. She’s such a powerful figure in Irish folklore. I remember learning about her in school and being fascinated with the stories but I’ve spent a lot of time in the West of Ireland recently for rugby so it holds a special place in my heart. Also, she’s a badass! 😉
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Glass half full or half empty?
Always half full.
What’s your favourite song?
I just found out that I’m in the top 2% of listeners for “The Smiths” in 2021… so I’ll say Bigmouth Strikes Again.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
That’s a very long list but I think number one would be a trip to Borneo. An opportunity to visit the ancient rainforests and potentially see Orangutans in the wild would be amazing.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
Is that a trick question? Spiderman is from the Marvel Universe while Batman and Wonder Woman are both DC, so we’ll never know. Is the Joker an option? I’m partial to a good villain.
Building Your Team or Considering Your Career Options?
Nicole Carroll is a Senior Associate with Barden, and a recruitment expert in Part-Qualified and Operational Finance careers.
She is the go to person when it comes to operational finance recruitment and building operational finance teams. Reach out to Nicole to see how she, and her team, can help you.
Contact Nicole at Nicole.carroll@barden.ie or via LinkedIn.