Nicola Worrow first connected with Kimberly Day in 2020, recognising early her rare combination of technical progression and proven leadership of a sizeable team - something few candidates at that stage of their career could demonstrate.

When United Rental Group sought a Finance Manager with both capability and scale, Kimberly stood out and was the clear hire. Since then, Kimberley has since progressed to Group Financial Controller, further cementing her impact within the business.

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What initially drew you to accounting and finance?

I was initially drawn to accounting because I’ve always enjoyed problem solving and working with numbers. I like the idea that finance sits at the centre of a business. You’re not just reporting the figures; you’re telling a story and helping to guide decision making and impact. Finance offers both structure and variety in that no two days are the same and there’s always something new to learn.

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You have worked in several fast-paced environments - how has that experience shaped your approach to leadership and decision-making?

Working in fast paced environments has taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and focusing on solutions rather than problems. It’s easy to get caught up in urgency but good leadership requires clarity and prioritisation.

I’ve learned to make informed decisions quickly, while ensuring my team feels supported and understands the “why” behind what we’re doing. Communication and trust are critical - Especially when timelines are tight.

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What challenges do you think women in finance face today, and how can the industry better support them?

While progress has been made, women in finance can still face challenges around representation at senior levels, confidence gaps, and balancing career progression with personal commitments.

The industry can better support women by promoting visible female leaders, encouraging mentorship and creating flexible working environments that allow people to thrive without feeling they must choose between career and family. Open conversations and inclusive cultures makes a huge difference.

I recently saw a quote that said “your circle determines your ceiling” and I absolutely believe that to be true. It’s important to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and to empower others to do the same.

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Having managed two large finance teams, what have been some of the most rewarding and the most challenging aspects of your leadership journey?

The most rewarding aspect has been developing people. Seeing team members grow in confidence, gain qualifications and progress into more senior roles. Building a strong, collaborative culture where people feel valued is something I’m very proud of.

The most challenging part is balancing operational delivery with team development. In busy finance functions, deadlines never stop, so ensuring individuals still receive time, feedback and growth opportunities requires deliberate effort.

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What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m most proud of progressing from Finance Manager to Financial Controller while leading a large team and maintaining strong performance during periods of change – Notably, having no Finance Director in place at United for 9 months. Stepping into greater responsibility and earning the trust of the Board at United has been a significant milestone for me.

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What is the one piece of advice you give to up-and-coming finance professionals?

Be curious and proactive. Don’t just focus on producing numbers… understand the business behind them. Ask questions, seek opportunities outside your comfort zone and build strong relationships across departments. Technical skills are essential but communication and commercial awareness are what set you apart.

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How do you like to spend your time away from the office?

Outside of work, I like to challenge myself in ways that push me beyond my comfort zone. I’m currently training for the 2026 London Marathon after applying on a whim in 2025 and somehow securing a place! As someone who didn’t previously run, it’s been a steep learning curve but it’s teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience, consistency and doing hard things even when they feel daunting.

I’ll be running in support of Ashgate Hospice, a truly incredible charity. It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine a personal challenge with giving back to a cause that makes such a meaningful difference.