"From the first day I felt like part of the team. I was given responsibility early on, which I did not expect!"
Dora Beggs
International Graduate 2005
hired into Finance, Europe
What does Finance at Standard Chartered involve?
At Standard Chartered, Finance is a partner to the Business with two main responsibilities - regulatory and performance management. The regulatory element involves drafting the statutory financial accounts, while performance management has more of a strategic planning and analytical role.
I worked on the performance management reporting team where we prepared monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly reports. The primary aim of these reports is to analyse the performance of the Group as a whole, identify opportunities and set goals.
What's so special about Finance and working in the UK?
London is a cosmopolitan city with many different nationalities and cultures living together. It's also the financial capital of the world. Standard Chartered Head Office is based in the UK, hence we have the Group Finance function supporting the board, and Country Finance partnering the Business.
I can see that my work in Finance has an important and significant input into the daily running of the Bank. It is reviewed by the leaders of Standard Chartered, and it helps and guides them in their decision-making process.
I enjoy interacting with people from various backgrounds, both in my private and professional life. Standard Chartered is a global institution and this enables me to work with international colleagues from around the world. This makes both the UK and Standard Chartered a special place to live and work.
What advantages are there to starting your career in Finance?
I first came to Standard Chartered on a summer internship and I gained a deep insight into the workings of Group Finance. The support I received from my colleagues during my internship, along with the extensive development training programme on offer to international graduates, was what attracted me to seriously consider a career at Standard Chartered.
During my rotations I have been exposed to different areas of Finance, both here and abroad, which has helped develop my skills and given me a good understanding of the fundamentals involved.
I am currently working towards the ACCA qualification - sponsored by Standard Chartered - which gives me an unprecedented opportunity to move comfortably into different roles within Finance, and also functionally across the Bank once I have completed the programme.
What do you like best about your job/rotations?
I am currently based in Group Business Performance in Group Finance where I have the chance to oversee the overall performance of Standard Chartered and be involved with different functions in various locations around the world. What I like most in this rotation is being involved with the half-year and year-end process, the buzz surrounding these reporting periods, and working closely with the leaders of the Bank.
What surprised you most when you joined Standard Chartered?
I was most surprised by the friendliness and supportive nature of my colleagues, and the full commitment of Standard Chartered towards international graduates. My colleagues were always ready to help me and guide me through new and sometimes difficult tasks. From the first day I felt like part of the team. I was given responsibility for projects and tasks early on, which I did not expect.
Do you have any key messages for candidates thinking of joining us?
Just enjoy your work! If you like numbers, you're at the right place. If you like to learn and develop yourself, again you are at the right place. If you like working with people from around the world, you are at the best place. Be ready to be challenged and to work hard!
What is the best background/skill to be successful at Standard Chartered?
To be successful at Standard Chartered you have to be motivated, engaged and creative. You will learn to work to tight deadlines, which can be challenging. You need to be adaptable and a good communicator to be able to work in teams which can cross international borders. Just be yourself, and committed to our values - trustworthy, responsive, creative,
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