Tara Smith

Tara is an experienced finance leader who brings support, challenge and advice for the executive as the University delivers on its ambitious strategy.

Tara has been a Chartered Accountant for over 25 years and started her career with PwC, working in Ireland, Canada and the UK for more than 10 years focusing on food manufacturing and financial services clients. She then worked for five years in the financial services sector.

Tara joined the civil service in 2006, holding numerous senior finance roles across the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health, where she has led across financial control and financial strategy and planning. Since June 2022, she has been the Director of People and Resources at the Food Standards Agency, where she is responsible for HR, Finance, Estates, Commercial and Planning. Tara is an active leader across the Government Finance Function and a member of the People Committee.

Tara is passionate about the value of supporting young people into brilliant fulfilling roles and careers. she started her career as an apprentice, combining college, study and work experience to become a qualified chartered accountant. She believes the challenges facing young people in the current climate are many and can see a fantastic opportunity for combining education with work placements and experiences.