Meet the team: Dana Perkins, Senior Finance Manager

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your role at Dexory?

With over 15 years of experience in finance, my career began in practice, where I developed a solid foundation in accounting and financial management. In search of a new challenge, I joined Dexory two years ago, drawn by the energy and opportunity that comes with working at a fast-paced start-up.

I came on board during a pivotal moment, when the finance function was still taking shape. Since then I’ve played a key role in building the systems and processes that now support our financial operations. Today, I lead a team of two and together we handle the ins and outs of finance, from everyday operations to future planning.

Being part of Dexory’s rapid growth has been incredibly rewarding, offering constant opportunities to evolve and grow alongside the business.

Outside of the office, I’m a proud mum to three brilliant boys aged 23, 15, and 14. Balancing a busy career and family life keeps things lively and has definitely taught me a thing or two about multitasking and resilience.

How has your career evolved since you first started?

I began my journey at Dexory as a Finance Executive and thanks to a lot of hard work and dedication, I have been promoted twice, now working as a Senior Finance Manager. When I first joined, we were a team of about 50. Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown to over 150 people. It’s been amazing to be part of that journey and to play a role in helping the company evolve and scale.

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What’s the best team-building activity or event you’ve participated in?

One of the highlights from my early days at Dexory was our first team offsite, a chilled overnight stay at a spa retreat in the Cotswolds. It was such a great way to unwind and properly connect with everyone. We spent the first day making the most of the spa (treatments included!), and the next day was all about team-building activities. It was a fun change of pace and a great chance to work together outside the usual day-to-day.

If you could have a superpower to excel at work, what would it be and why?

If I could pick any superpower to excel at work, I’d go with hyper-adaptability, being able to learn new things instantly, adapt effortlessly, and thrive in any situation. In a world where everything changes fast, having the power to stay sharp and flow with change would be a total game-changer

If you could name the next Dexory robot, what would you call it?

If I got to name the next Dexory robot, I’d call it Ava, after my fun, bouncy cockapoo. Not only is it a cute name, it could also stand for A.V.A.: Autonomous Vision Analyser. A Robot built to see, think, and act with precision.

What’s a professional milestone you’re working towards right now?

I'm currently studying to complete my ACCA qualification, a goal that not only sharpens my technical skills but also deepens my understanding of strategic finance. Balancing work and study can be challenging, but it's also hugely motivating to see the impact of what I’m learning in real-time. It’s another layer of progression that keeps me growing alongside the business.

What’s one tool or piece of software you couldn’t live without?

Xero is our go-to piece of software. It’s the one piece of software we use every single day to keep Dexory’s finances running smoothly. From managing invoices to real-time reporting and reconciliations, it makes everything so much easier. It’s also been absolutely pivotal in setting up our finance function from scratch, giving us the structure, efficiency, and flexibility we needed as we scaled. 

What do you think sets Dexory apart from other places you’ve worked?

From the start, there’s been a real sense of trust at Dexory, the kind that lets you take ownership, try new things, and even experiment a bit. You’re encouraged to think outside the box, step beyond your role, and challenge how things are done. The company’s grown so fast, the work you do genuinely helps shape the direction we’re heading, which isn’t something you find everywhere.

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What’s a professional milestone you’re working toward right now?

Be ready to learn fast and dive right in. In a role like this, things evolve quickly, and being able to adapt with the changes is just as important as any technical skill. You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one, but staying curious, taking ownership, and being able to stay grounded when things get busy will take you far.