As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, Ardmac is proud to recognise the talented women contributing to our business across every discipline. While construction is often associated with site roles, the success of every project relies on a diverse range of expertise – including finance, commercial strategy, and leadership.
One such story is that of Suellen Cruz, who joined Ardmac through our Graduate Programme and has since completed her professional exams to become a fully qualified accountant. As the first graduate to complete the full Ardmac Graduate Programme, Suellen’s journey reflects both the strength of the programme and Ardmac’s commitment to developing long‑term careers.
Discovering a Career with Purpose
Suellen’s interest in accounting developed through her academic studies and a growing appreciation for how finance supports business decision‑making and growth. She completed a BA in Business at South East Technological University (SETU), where she built a strong foundation in problem‑solving, structure, and understanding how organisations operate in practice.
A key turning point came during a work placement completed as part of her degree. This experience provided valuable exposure to the day‑to‑day realities of finance and confirmed that accounting was the career path she wanted to pursue. After graduating, Suellen joined the Ardmac finance team, beginning both her professional career and her ACCA qualification.
“Accounting appealed to me because it combines analytical thinking with real‑world impact. You’re helping to guide strategic decisions and support business growth.”
Why Ardmac?
The Ardmac Graduate Programme stood out to Suellen for its balance of structured development and hands‑on experience within a fast‑paced, commercial environment. From the outset, she received clear support from her managers and mentor to continue her professional studies, demonstrating Ardmac’s commitment to investing in its people.
Working full‑time while studying allowed Suellen to immediately apply classroom learning to real business scenarios. From early stages of the programme, she was involved in meaningful work, collaborating with experienced professionals and steadily building confidence through responsibility and ownership.
A Meaningful Milestone 
Completing both the Graduate Programme and her ACCA qualification marked a major milestone, professionally and personally. Being the first Ardmac graduate to complete the full programme is an achievement Suellen is particularly proud of, as she hopes it will encourage and support future graduates coming through the business.
On a personal level, this achievement represents years of perseverance and determination and holds added significance as she became the first person in her family to reach this level of professional education.
“It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I hope it helps pave the way for future graduates at Ardmac.”
Learning Beyond the Exams
While technical knowledge was a key part of Suellen’s development, some of the most valuable lessons came from balancing work, exams, and personal commitments. Time management, resilience, discipline, and communication became essential skills during busy periods such as month‑end close and audits.
She also learned the importance of embracing opportunity – saying yes to new challenges, trusting the process, and taking progress one step at a time. These lessons continue to shape how she approaches her role today.
The Power of Support and Trust
Throughout her journey, Suellen highlights the importance of Ardmac’s open and supportive culture. Support extended well beyond study funding, with flexible working arrangements, study leave, and encouragement from colleagues and managers playing a critical role during demanding periods.
Equally important was the trust placed in her from early on. Being encouraged to take ownership of tasks and responsibilities helped build confidence and decisiveness, reinforcing accountability and professional growth.
“The open and supportive culture made a huge difference, particularly during the most demanding periods.” she tells us.
Looking Ahead
Now fully qualified, Suellen is focused on the next phase of her career at Ardmac. She is looking forward to taking on greater responsibility, contributing more strategically to the business, and continuing to develop her commercial understanding. Supporting and mentoring future graduates is also something she is keen to be involved in, helping others navigate the same path she has successfully completed.
Advice for Future Graduates
For those considering the Ardmac Graduate Programme or a professional qualification, Suellen’s advice is simple: stay committed, stay curious, and make the most of the support around you. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new challenges.
Celebrating Women in Construction
This month we celebrate Women in Construction, and Suellen’s story highlights the various role women play across all areas of the construction industry and the importance of creating pathways that support learning, development, and long‑term careers.
At Ardmac, we are proud to invest in our people and to support graduates as they build rewarding careers from the ground up.
Interested in starting your journey with Ardmac?
Find out more about our Graduate Programme.
