After university, I started my career working for an accountancy practice opposite Selfridges which was good for the accountancy training but not so good on the bank balance! I then moved into fund accounting, became ACCA qualified in 2002 before ending up working in treasury in 2004. I gained a wealth of treasury experience during nearly 7 years of working at SABMiller and achieved the AMCT qualification in 2009, followed by the Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner qualification in 2012. My background is within treasury accounting but I have moved into treasury projects such as TMS implementations, upgrades or accounting automations on several different treasury management systems in a diverse selection of companies.
It was actually by accident. I was sent a job spec for an interesting treasury role at Schroders, almost as an afterthought by a recruitment agent. I was offered the job and stayed there for two years. I have had several treasury roles since, and I love that each treasury department has different goals, systems, policies etc. which means variety and I learn more with each role.
I’ve been working for a travel company since May. It’s a new treasury team with new systems and processes. As there are only 3 of us in the team it’s been very hands on. That’s why I enjoy it and I’ve learnt so much. I’ve been involved with the TMS implementation and getting everything ready for trading to commence including the set up and automation of accounting and rates. It’s been great working for a travel company as I love to see the world!
I was working at SABMiller when they acquired Foster’s Lager. The IT department wanted someone to go to Melbourne for a 4 month secondment as the TMS support on Australian working hours. As I was already working on the Foster’s TMS implementation project and could go almost at the drop of a hat, I was the lucky one. It was a great experience and I became an accountant-IT hybrid learning all about servers and services! The TMS go-live happened when I was out there and it was rewarding to see the successful result of all the hard work I’d put into the project.
Sit the ACT exams and get the AMCT qualification as it provides a great base. Learn about the different areas within treasury before deciding where you want to end up. Keep your options open.
I enjoy the TMS implementation projects so I’m planning to learn SQL, or a computer language. For pleasure, the plan is a Japan trip next year!
A novel set in Bali along with a guide to Lisbon…both are linked to trips planned in the next few months.
Enthusiastic, curious and friendly.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If there’s no one to ask, then Google is great (unless it’s for a medical diagnosis then avoid at all costs!).
One of my managers at SABMiller, Dale Dillicar. She was my manager for about 4 years and was approachable, fair and a great listener. She created a treasury project role for me, which was the start of my treasury projects career, as she knew I enjoyed working on projects. She moved back to Auckland a few years ago and is now my Auckland host/tour guide/chauffeur when I holiday there!