I joined PwC on the graduate scheme after graduating from Durham University with a degree in economics. I obtained my ACA qualification at PwC and spent ten years working in the International Tax and Treasury team in the UK and Singapore. I then moved to Dubai as International Tax Manager for Reckitt Benckiser responsible for the Developing Markets team and, after a brief spell at EY, I joined Kentech as Head of Tax and Treasury just over two years ago.
I like that you need to really understand the business and how it operates. On a daily basis I interact with all the business’s different functions, and all geographic regions, and as a result I feel very integrated in the business and am always learning new things and being exposed to new ideas.
In Dubai we are currently allowed back to the office at 100% capacity, although at Kentech it is down to your personal preference whether you attend the office or work from home. I work from the office almost every day as I enjoy interacting with my colleagues, and also from a treasury perspective I have to print, sign, scan and courier lots of banking documents which is much more easily done from the office. I spent two months working from home earlier in the year when Dubai had stricter lockdown rules, and more recently I have just finished 14-days self-isolation having tested positive for Covid (fortunately only with mild symptoms), and apart from the challenges with original documents I think it’s been incredible how easily we’ve moved to working virtually. I think a major positive arising from these unfortunate circumstances is flexible working will become much more common.
Kentech is a fast growing company and my role was newly created. It’s been a fantastic project to build and grow the treasury function and it’s something we’re still very much in the middle of as the company continues to grow. We’ve made some great progress with developing banking relationships, amending the group legal structure to enable improved treasury function, making internal processes and systems more robust and managing our cash flow and foreign exchange exposure.
It’s been very useful. I learned a lot about treasury policies and processes which I’ve been able to directly apply to my role, as well as the various software that is available to assist a treasury function. As someone who didn’t start their career in a treasury specific role, it’s also given me more confidence to fulfil my role.
Aside from the qualification, the greatest benefit I’ve obtained from the ACT has been attending the conferences. I was able to attend the Middle East Treasury Conference in person last year, and the various virtual conferences that have taken place this year. I’ve found them extremely useful for broadening my treasury knowledge, and learning about the challenges that other treasurers are currently facing.
Always say yes! Whilst that’s actually dreadful advice and there are plenty of occasions you should say no, the general approach has served me well. Seizing the opportunities that arose to me to work in Singapore and Dubai, despite having to step outside my comfort zone and all the associated uncertainties, has worked out really well. It has led to career opportunities that wouldn’t have materialised otherwise, as well as lots of incredible life experiences and meeting lots of fantastic people.
Adventurous, honest, friendly.
My absolute favourite thing to do is to travel, and throughout my career I’ve always ensured I maximise use of my annual leave. I’ve visited 91 countries and, whilst I love adventurous trips and my holidays aren’t often relaxing, I find a clear break from the office really helps with returning to work energised, focused and with new ideas. On a day-to-day basis I find exercise very important to manage energy levels and concentration. I love to run (I’ve ran seven marathons!) and try and squeeze some golf in before and after work whenever possible. We’re very lucky in Dubai that we have the facilities to do this.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I’ve a long list of classic books which I haven’t read but feel like I should. I’ve had a bit more spare time the last few weeks with being in isolation, so have been trying to work my way through the list!