Jason Fielding thought he’d be with the family accountancy firm for life until a friend persuaded him to go for a job with Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association.
And though it’s been a whirlwind first few months since he accepted the post of finance manager, Jason is pleased he listened to IT manager Chris Fox and took the opportunity to join DAMHA and broaden his skills.
“I had mixed emotions leaving the family firm,” said Jason. “It was a small practice so it’s a big change of pace here, there’s a lot more to do. The chance to be beneficial to the local community, providing quality homes to elderly and sometimes vulnerable people was also part of it.”
At school Jason was always interested in computers and originally wanted to work in IT.
“Then during the holidays, I did some work at the family accountancy firm and really enjoyed it. I got accountancy qualifications through distance learning and had worked there ever since.”
With over 2,000 residents and numerous ongoing programmes of work, Jason sums up his role at DAMHA as a balancing act, “making sure the right money goes to the right places.”
And with costs rising across the board, Jason is aware of the challenges facing DAMHA residents.
“Working at a housing association you are aware of the financial struggles faced by many residents and that ultimately every pound saved in finance or elsewhere helps to ensure we provide the best possible, affordable service.”
Now 39, Jason enjoys gaming, particularly Dungeons and Dragons. He lives with his teenage son, also called Jason, who is coming up to GCSEs.
“I know what a challenging time that can be for a teenager. At the minute he is going down the IT route and isn’t interested in finance, which I wasn’t at that age,” said Jason.
“As I’ve found out, you just don’t know what life has in store. I just want him to have the opportunity to follow his own path.”