What advice would you give individuals who are starting out in finance now?   

The primary piece of advice I would give is to avoid pigeonholing yourself in one area of finance. If opportunities come up in a different area, you shouldn’t be scared to give it a go, you might find that you enjoy it and you learn something new and different from every role.

Leaving yourself open to new things and not limiting yourself to one sector is the best way to learn. I’ve seen colleagues stay in a niche role for years, which is fine if that suits you, but I would suggest that, especially early on, you'll be in a stronger position by looking around, learning what you do and do not like.

What do you think has given you the edge to gain the role that you’re currently in?

I think having really relevant experience. When I was offered this role, I was offered another completely different role at the same time. My varied background in a wide range of positions gave me the opportunity to secure either job role.

By sticking to similar roles earlier in my career, I restricted my options, whereas now I am able to experience varied areas of business and liaise more effectively with different teams.

How has the industry changed since you first started out? And are these changes for the better?   

When I started my career, financial roles were more of a data collection and reporting exercise. Today, however, positions center largely around interpreting data, understanding what it's telling you and being able to give advice to the business off the back of that. It has evolved from a fact-finding role to an advisory and collaborative one working across different departments to, for example, offer guidance and advise budget holders.

The fact that there is a much larger pool of information and data available now has further complicated many financial roles. This has put an even greater importance on those who interpret and understand that data, as well as making it a harder and more complex task.

Those working in finance are in a uniquely strong position to be able provide informed advice. In many organisations, different teams and departments are often working independently and are isolated from one another. Finance teams frequently have the advantage of working with multiple teams and gathering a holistic view over organisational processes. The ability to see how departments intersect and relate to one another, allows you to offer better informed advice and guidance.

Are there any changes or improvements that finance departments could make to promote great inclusivity or open it up to people from all different backgrounds?

Hybrid and flexible working practices provide great opportunities for organisations to open up the sector to people from diverse backgrounds. Going back into the office five days a week doesn’t suit everyone and will restrict what people can and will apply for those roles. Working policies should be adaptable and tailored to different people instead of taking a one-size- fits all approach.

Greater flexibility around working hours should also be embraced. Employers should look to give praise based on whether you are completing the work and meeting your targets, rather than the fact that you're sat at your desk for eight hours a day. Gone are the days of nine to five. If someone works better in the evening, then it makes sense for them to work in the evening.

Job sharing is another great option to offer to those requiring flexible work – in my opinion there isn’t enough of it and people should stay open to the idea as it can be an effective way of working. Embracing a broad range of working policies will help to attract a wider range of people to the sector.