After fifty-five years working in accountancy for leading Scottish law firm, Thorntons, Ella Dunn is finally hanging up her cashroom cap.
The accounts supervisor joined the firm in 1966 at just 16 years old, when it was known as Dickie, Gray, McDonald & Fair in offices in Whitehall Street, Dundee.
In that time, Ella has worked through decimilisation and the introduction of computers, and watched the firm grow from seven to over 500 employees.
She said: “When I started as an office junior, we used massive accounting machines with rows of numbers to input pounds, shillings and pence. It was so loud we had to work in a soundproof room so that others in the office would be able to hear their telephones.
“Decimalisation was certainly a challenge, but good teamwork got us through it. The difference automation and technology have made is incredible. For example, balancing our month end figures would have taken us up to ten days but can now be done within minutes.”
Having undergone a course in Business Studies at Dundee College of Commerce, Ella knew she was destined for a career in accounts and was awarded the Burroughs Cup of Excellence.
She carved out a successful career at Thorntons, working up the ranks to accounts supervisor. During that time, she also saw many trainee solicitors climb the career ladder to become senior solicitors, legal directors, and Partners.
Ella said: “I have made so many great friends and happy memories, including some brilliant office parties! I have been overwhelmed by all the lovely thank you messages I’ve received from everyone".
Ella officially retired on January 31 and is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim, her two daughters, her son and her two grandchildren. She plans to enjoy life at a more “leisurely pace”, taking up walking and enjoying holidays with family.
Colin Graham, Chair of Thorntons said: “We really want to thank Ella for all of her hard work and commitment over the years. Her attitude and enthusiasm are an inspiration to so many of us in the firm. She has been a true asset to Thorntons, and we will be so sad to see her go. While we will miss her dearly, we wish her all the very best in her retirement.”