Faces of Citibase: Meet Laura Hobster

With so many members of the Citibase team being customer-facing, it’s easy to forget there’s an entire engine room of people, working behind the scenes, to support SMEs and building owners who become a part of the Citibase story.

Meet Laura, She’s one of our Finance Business Partners who has a passion for numbers and isn’t afraid to use it. On Fridays, she can be found sipping a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.

What is your role at Citibase?

I recently became Finance Business Partner in June this year, making the transition from Senior Management Accountant. As well as being involved in the monthly accounts preparation and budget management, I work with the wider business to help achieve our goals.

When did you join Citibase and what was your role?

I joined Citibase almost five years ago in November 2014. I started off as an Assistant Accountant and have been given the opportunities to show what I can do and progress throughout the business.

How has Citibase helped you in your career development?

Citibase was my first finance job straight out of university and I had no real idea of what working in finance and management accounts would be like. As well as gaining a vast amount of knowledge, I have developed further and become a fully qualified accountant thanks to the study package offered to me by Citibase.

As well as financial experience it has developed my corporate communication skills through working with a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally. Citibase has supported me in becoming a well-rounded financial professional.

What are you most proud of?

In terms of my career, it must be becoming fully qualified. At one-point I thought it would never end after a-levels and university, but I kept at it and here I am! Closely followed by winning an award at our fantastic 25th Anniversary event. In terms of life achievements, it’s got to be getting myself together and becoming a homeowner at the ripe old age of 27.

Who inspires you?

This is probably going to sound really cheesy, but I’d honestly say, my parents. They’ve worked hard to become the professionals they are today whilst also bringing up my sister and I (and if I do say so myself, we are great human beings). Now they are in their 50s, living life to the fullest. I’m sure they have a better social life than I do!

What’s your coffee order?

I’m more of a tea girl than a coffee girl. But for anyone passing a coffee shop on the way to GN House, I’ll happily receive a hot chocolate please, if it’s a Friday – cream and marshmallows!

Your favourite movie quote?

I think it has got to be “nobody puts baby in the corner” from Dirty Dancing. It’s one of those films that you can’t help but smile at the end…and Patrick Swayze also helps the situation.

The last song you played?

My playlist is a mix of cheesy pop and chart hits. Last played song was Wiley ft Idris – Boasty – A song I highly recommend when going to the gym.