Finance officer
I’m a finance officer because…
I like organising finance for adult social care and I’m passionate about discussing
ideas with colleagues.
With a BTEC in Business and Finance, my first job was as a finance clerk at Coventry City Council. I was the only deaf colleague. I could lip-read, but it was after my team were given deaf awareness training that I felt equal to them; it really boosted my self-confidence. I’m still with Coventry City Council in a lovely, supportive team.
My job involves checking emails, meetings and working online. I’m profoundly deaf. Being able to lip-read helps when people are speaking to me, but I prefer to use BSL as my main method of communication. Through the Access to Work scheme, I can get support with communication. I have an online interpreter who attends meetings with me and who also helps translate BSL into written English.
It’s important to be assertive and remember your worth. I’ve presented twice on the BBC’s See Hear and was selected for the BT award for best communications. Don’t let other people dictate what your future will be. Be proud to be deaf.
Rita Bagga