Member story: Lucinda Hamilton, Partner and Treasury Manager, John Lewis

1. Please describe your career path to date.

Following the completion of my degree in Law and Accounting I really struggled to decide whether to follow a law or accounting path. I chose to do neither and managed to secure a job in a Living and Dining buying team. However, my passion for numbers and finance did not die away and so I applied to the John Lewis Partnership finance scheme. This gave me exposure to finance as a whole; commercial, processing and accounting. I then secured an analyst role in the Partnership Treasury team and the rest was history. I have worked at the John Lewis Partnership and Fintech, Moneybox.

2. What do you like about working in treasury?

Treasury is fast paced, exciting and very varied. It keeps you on your toes and you never quite know when is next around the corner. It gives you the opportunity to work with just about any department in a company, which in turn keeps things fresh and interesting. 

3. What three tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting a career in treasury?

• Embrace all opportunities as you never know where they will take you. 
• If you choose to do exams, get them done as early as you can. I learnt so much and could really apply the theory to my day to day work.
• Enjoy it!

4. What has been the most interesting project you have been involved with and why?

Setting up a treasury team from scratch at Moneybox. I learnt so much; from back office processes to onboarding new relationship counterparties. 

5. Who is your career hero?

John Lewis Partnership's Treasurer: Lynn Lochhead. She is a real inspiration to anyone in treasury. She is approachable, extremely knowledgeable but overall great fun! Lynn is able to see the potential in people and give people opportunities to thrive.

6. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Check which screen you are sharing on Zoom.

7. What member benefit do you use the most?

I thoroughly enjoy The Treasurer magazine and the social events the ACT hosts, it brings people together and creates a strong community. I also enjoy the knowledge hub on the website as it can give you clear, concise overviews of pressing topics such as the IBOR transition last year.

8. What gadget could you not do without and why?

Wireless mouse! It really is a game changer.

9. What book are you reading at the moment?

"Atomic Habits " by James Clear. A very interesting read so far on why humans do what they do subconsciously. 

10. As we start a new year, do you have any New Year's resolutions?

I am running the London Marathon in October, so my resolution is to stick to my training plan. Wish me luck!