Rate My Professor Esther Sibbald

At the University of Otago, Esther Sibbald holds the position of Finance Manager in the Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor's Office, where she plays a crucial role within the Division of Sciences. Her primary function is to deliver comprehensive financial support and professional advice to both administrative staff and academic personnel across the division. Working alongside the Divisional Finance Manager, Esther ensures that vital information and strategic guidance are provided to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sciences as well as the Senior Manager whenever financial implications arise in divisional matters. The scope of her responsibilities is broad and includes the preparation of detailed monthly financial reports accompanied by thorough analysis, the development of accurate financial models to aid decision-making, the coordination and compilation of the division's annual budget, and the maintenance of ongoing financial forecasting to anticipate future fiscal needs and challenges.

Esther Sibbald's academic foundation was laid at the University of Otago, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, having majored doubly in Zoology and Ecology. Building on this, she attained her Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management in 2002 from the same university. Her early career trajectory saw her engaging with esteemed organizations Landcare Research and Contact Energy, gaining hands-on experience pertinent to her science background. Subsequently, she broadened her horizons by relocating overseas and immersing herself in a series of administration and finance-oriented positions. In 2009, she returned to her alma mater, joining the Zoology Department in the capacity of Departmental Administrator, a role she later elevated to Supervisor. Progressing further in 2019, she assumed the designation of Finance Associate, and from 2020 onward, her focus shifted to providing dedicated financial support to the Sciences Division. Demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning, Esther is presently enrolled in a part-time Diploma in Graduate Studies specializing in Accounting at the University of Otago.