I trained originally as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, qualifying in 2000 then completed my AMCT qualification whilst working in a finance role in Stagecoach back in 2004. This led to a role in the Stagecoach treasury team where I am now Head of Treasury. It's an area of the business which I enjoy hugely and am constantly learning and developing in - particularly over the last few years!
GAIN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE FROM A TREASURER OUTSIDE YOUR TEAM
I decided to get a mentor as I really wanted to get the benefit of an experienced treasury professional outside my organisation who I could use as a sounding board in terms of both my career aspirations and also my personal and professional objectives. The ACT Mentor Me scheme enabled me to match with an experienced treasurer who could share their experience. With the right mentor, I knew I would be able to ask questions that would never sound silly and that I would gain confidence.
ESTABLISHING A STRUCTURE FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS KEY
I knew it was important to set up a structure for our meetings – both in terms of what we wanted to achieve but also in terms of when we would speak. So, we decided to meet every 4-6 weeks for an hour on Zoom.
Firstly, we looked at where exactly I was at in my career and where I was aiming to be going forwards. My mentor helped me to consider my strengths and weaknesses and also assisted in updating my CV.
KEY BENEFITS
There were so many benefits to being mentored – both tangible and intangible! The key benefit though was that it really gave me confidence in my abilities as a senior treasury professional and made me consider how I was already managing both myself and my workload within the organisation.
It also challenged me to consider my future career and working plans as well as thinking about some of the conversations I should be having with my colleagues and how the treasury function interacts throughout the business.
THERE IS A LOT TO GAIN BY JOINING A MENTORING SCHEME
If anyone is thinking of joining a mentoring scheme I would highly recommend it - so much so that I am considering being a mentor myself having benefitted so much from the scheme.
I have developed a very strong relationship with my mentor and I know that I will be able to use them as a strong sounding board and confidante on many matters going forward to continue my professional development.
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The ACT’s Mentor Me scheme is a member resource which matches treasurers using an online platform which tailors the mentees' need with the mentors’ skill. To find out more visit https://www.treasurers.org/mentoring