Rate My Professor Debbie Acreman

Debbie Acreman serves as Finance Associate in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago, within the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Division, located in Dunedin, New Zealand. Her role involves managing financial operations and supporting the department's administrative needs, including budgeting and account oversight. She can be contacted via direct dial at +64 3 479 3760 or email at debbie.acreman@otago.ac.nz. Acreman holds professional accounting qualifications MAAT and CPFA, underscoring her specialized knowledge in management accounting and public finance administration.

With more than 20 years of experience in finance spanning manufacturing, education, health, and charity sectors, Acreman has built a robust career in financial management. Prior to her positions at Otago, she worked in the UK charity sector, holding the position of Finance Controller for an osteoporosis awareness and funding organization, where she collaborated on initiatives involving prominent figures like the Duchess of Cornwall. She also served as Financial Accountant for the largest charity in South West England, responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and conducting audits. Originally from Bath, South West England, she relocated to New Zealand in March 2011 with her husband. She commenced employment at the University of Otago in September 2011 as a campus temporary staff member, working across various departments. In August 2012, she obtained her first permanent role in the School of Pharmacy. By 2014, she had joined the Department of Biochemistry as Financial Administrator, where she adeptly prepared the draft 2015 budget, managed diverse accounts, and integrated into the financial team alongside colleagues like David Scobie. Subsequently, from July 2018 onward, she took up her current post in the Department of Anatomy, contributing to the financial services supporting biomedical sciences research and education at the institution. Her meticulous approach and adaptability have been highlighted in departmental communications, such as the Biochemistry newsletter introducing her expertise.