Senior Finance Officer | BNP Paribas

What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical workday can vary depending on where we are in the reporting cycle. In the Finance team you have monthly tasks, such as preparing the monthly management accounts that are presented to various Executive committees, and completing financial statements as required for the Jersey and Guernsey Branch. However, as a local Finance team we also work with various other teams within the bank – be that Finance teams in other locations, or local teams representing different business lines. This gives me the opportunity for exposure to many other tasks and products, meaning that I am continually learning throughout the year.

How did you get your job?

I was already working as a Senior Fund Accountant within BNP Paribas Jersey and was made aware of an opportunity within the local Finance team through our internal newsletter and mobility program. There are regular opportunities available within BNP for mobility, and it is a seamless process moving between teams to find the right career, while staying within the same business.

What training, degree, education do you need?

I am a Qualified Charted Accountant (CA SA), I studied in South Africa where I completed my bachelors and post bachelor’s degree in accounting.

What are the most important skills needed for your job?

The most important skills in the role would be problem solving, being adaptable, and having good communication and organisational skills.

Problem solving > is important to be able to answer the various questions that come our way from different teams within the bank, as well as adapting to changes and upgrades in the technology that we use.

Communication > is key as we are a small team and we do have a lot of overlap, so it helps for understanding the whole picture and working with other teams in the bank. 

Organisational > Internal Finance is a busy department and so organisational skills are key to be able to manage the day-to-day tasks required throughout the reporting cycle.

What would you tell your younger self?

Be patient and trust the process. It might be tough and hard work, but it is all worth it.

What is on your bucket list and why?

Watching the Springboks vs England at Twickenham. As a South African rugby is in my blood and watching the 4x world cup champions play England at the home of rugby would be a dream come true.

Tell us a fun fact about you?

My first ever international flight was when I moved from South Africa to Jersey