This month we spoke with Chloe Brown, Accountant - Financial Management, Yorke Peninsula Council, about her role, her recent participation in the Strategic Management Program, and what's next in her professional development journey.

What is your role and how long have you been in local government?

At Yorke Peninsula Council, I’m an Accountant – Financial Management, which means my biggest priorities are long term financial plans, budgets and general financial tasks. This year, I also had the opportunity to assist with Councils’ rate review process. My direct reports in this role include an Accounts Payable Officer, and a Finance Officer, so my weeks are usually quite interesting and diverse. My time in council has spanned eleven years and counting.

You recently participated in the LG Professionals SA Strategic Management Program; how would you describe your experience?

The Strategic Management Program was a great experience, with a balanced mix of in person learning and virtual learning, which was very helpful to me as a regional attendee. We had an excellent group of people, all with diverse backgrounds and roles within our respective council’s; this allowed for even more learning opportunities from my peers themselves. The topics we covered in the program were relevant to local government and flowed together beautifully.

What’s your biggest takeaway from the program? What advice would you give to others considering this program?

My biggest takeaway was to push my thinking to consider things from all sides - not everything can come down to dollars and cents (which is how my world works a lot), to think strategically, and to use the tools available to further your thinking. The Strategic Management Program provides different tools and perspectives to assist with this. You will also have the opportunity to think differently from the relationships you form with others participating in the program. One of the most valuable things about this program was not only learning from the lecturers, but from each other as well.

Give it a shot, even if you only take away a few learnings, you will gain great connections from those who are on the journey with you. My only advice is to take a considered approach to the planning and time required for assignments, as it can take a lot but is worth it in the end.

What’s next for you in your professional development journey?

To take opportunities as they arise, continue to grow, and to develop as a person and an employee.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really enjoy reading, walking my dog, Bess, and enjoying the outdoors. I’m also passionate about playing and watching sport and spending time with my friends and family.