Paul joined ACVO in 2019 after taking early retirement from his role within the city council’s finance team: “Initially I was thinking of taking on another full time role for a couple of years. That’s when the ACVO post came up,” he reflects.
“Although it was a part time role, the job content really appealed to me so I decided to give it a go – and here we are, six and a half years later.”
Paul describes his time at ACVO as being shaped by two key aspects of work – both supporting the organisation internally as well as helping the wider third sector across Aberdeen.
“My role has involved looking after ACVO’s own finances – producing the accounts, management information and supporting the team from a finance perspective. I have ensured ACVO remains financially strong with a bright future.
“I have also directly supported third sector organisations across the city – offering free advice that we can give and providing paid services to organisations needing more direct support.”
Paul says that this combination of work has brought both satisfaction and a strong sense of purpose:
“Working with organisations and seeing how the work we’ve done together has made a difference to their lives, operations and the people they support – that’s one of the really warm feelings you get about working with ACVO.”
Since 2019, Paul has been at the heart of many key financial processes, particularly over recent years as ACVO has begun delivering a number of funds in Aberdeen.
From the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund to the Just Transition PB Fund, the Community & Coast Fund to the Cash First Flexible Crisis Fund, Paul’s involvement has ensured that each one is financially sound and viable for ACVO to administer to communities all across the city.
Annual General Meetings have been another significant moment in his role: “The AGMs are the culmination of another year of activity from a finance perspective. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reflect and report on how things have gone to our members.
“Throughout my tenure, I have attended seven AGMs and ACVO has evidently gone from strength to strength. It’s certainly a team effort and it has been great to be part of that journey.”
“ACVO has been a great group of people to work with over the years,” Paul says. “I’ll certainly miss the regular interactions with everyone as well as the sense of satisfaction from the work. I’ve really enjoyed my time here but it’s now time to start a new chapter.”
As he heads into retirement, Paul is looking forward to embracing a different pace of life: “The biggest change will be no longer having to rely on buses to get me to work from Fraserburgh,” he laughs.
Bouncing back from a period of ill health, Paul’s retirement will focus on health, wellbeing and rediscovering hobbies and activities.
“I want to get fitter and stronger again, increasing my physical activity back to what it was before. Maybe play more golf – whether that improves or worsens my handicap, only time will tell!”
He also hopes to continue listening to more music, reading and exploring what the UK has to offer: “There’s so much to see nearby locally and I always think ‘I’ll do it next week’ – now I’m looking forward to getting
around the country and seeing a few more parts that I have yet to visit.”
As Paul steps back from his role, ACVO is delighted to welcome Sam Walker as our new Finance Manager. Sam joins the organisation with a strong background in financial management and a passion for supporting the third sector.
“I’m proud to leave Sam with such a dedicated and supportive team at ACVO. I know he’ll make his own contributions and bring his own strengths to the organisation. With his support, I’m confident that ACVO is in a strong position to continue thriving long into the future.
“I want to thank everybody at ACVO for the support you have given me over the years. I wish everyone the very best, whatever direction life takes you. I’ll certainly miss everyone, but I’m sure we will find ways to stay in touch. Perhaps I’ll even be invited along to some work socials!”
From all of us at ACVO, we thank Paul for his years of dedication, professionalism and expertise in finance. His work has strengthened ACVO and supported hundreds of organisations across Aberdeen which is something to be greatly proud of. We wish him all the best in his retirement and he will always remain a valued colleague of the ACVO team.
This article originally appeared in the February 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
