Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like?
In my role, there is no such thing as a typical day. Each day varies significantly depending on the needs of our customers and the projects I'm involved in. On any given day, I might be conducting product demonstrations for new or existing customers, running or supporting workshops, or working on the analysis and documentation of new customer requirements. I also spend time responding to queries from customers, collaborating with Business Analysts, and assisting our Customer Care team. My role often involves on-site visits with clients to better understand their needs, and I frequently attend industry events and forums to stay informed on trends and innovations in the sector.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I started my career in a large Australian bank where I worked as a training officer. Later, I was recruited by the funds management arm to work as a business development manager. This role led to a secondment to head office, where I was responsible for rewriting training manuals, overseeing insurance system changes and documentation. This experience sparked my interest in systems analysis. Since then, I have gained work experience in insurance, travel, real estate and financial systems.
What do you enjoy most about working at finova
The variety of work, the challenges in trying to provide the best solution, hybrid working, working with and assisting our Business Analysts and customers. We really do have some fantastic staff and customers at finova.
Can you share a recent project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
Assisting in the implementation of payment term mortgages for both origination and servicing. This was a new product type for finova and the industry, so it was rewarding to see it come to fruition.
How do you stay motivated and productive while working on challenging tasks?
To start, I think it’s important to set clear goals and prioritise the order in which you will tackle the challenge. Your colleagues are some of the best resources, so when I get ‘stuck’ or need to bounce ideas off someone, I will contact one of my colleagues. Even with focus, motivation and support, you may still hit a brick wall, either in terms of energy or working through the task. In those instances, I either put the task aside and work on something else for a while, or I go for a walk to clear my head and create space to think logically through the challenge.
What are some of the key skills you think are important for success in your role?
Confidence, communication, the ability to prioritise competing priorities, presentation skills, and problem-solving skills.
How do you approach professional development and staying up-to-date in your field?
Getting numerous updates from industry sites, which I share with the Analysis and Solutions team, primarily through people I meet when participating in forums at the Equity Release Council and communications from the Council.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work to relax and unwind?
I enjoy walking in the Seven Valleys, gardening, horse riding, and looking after our horse and donkey. They are fantastic ways to unwind and relax. We have 3.5 acres of land, so there are always plenty of jobs to be done.
What’s one fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
Aside from riding horses when I was younger (which some people already know), I represented several districts at the Zone Polocrosse championships in Australia.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year at finova?
More innovation and changes in the alternative lending market, which finova can help support.
Are you interested in joining finova?
We have great opportunities across the business. Check out our current role openings on our careers page: https://www.finova.tech/careers
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