At school I studied Accountancy and Business studies and developed a keen interest for business. Following on from this I completed my degree in Business Studies and specialised in finance. From this I decided that I wanted to obtain a professional qualification which naturally led me to doing my Accountancy exams.

My mother most influenced my career direction, she supported and encouraged me in my decisions. She was a strong advocate for education and knew that this would help me get on the career ladder.

I applied for the role having gained experience in Corporate Finance role. I completed my professional Accountancy Exams with BDO and worked in a number of areas within the practice. I applied, successfully completed my interview and secured my first job in Banking.

I manage on behalf of the Bank the lending requests from various businesses. Providing finance to SMEs for various projects to help grow their businesses. Projects such as business acquisition, capital investment in equipment and premises, property acquisition, etc.This can be very rewarding when you see business grow and become more successfully with your help.

I manage a portfolio of high value customers on behalf of the bank. I actively work to recruit new to bank customers. I manage companies with bank lending exposure up on £10-16m, providing a full suite of bank products to a wide variety of customers in a number of sectors. I am responsible for the total customer relationship, including service and lending to both business and personal - I ensure that the day to day banking needs are met, to include electronic banking, managing foreign exchange risk and minimising associated risks to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of good customer service.

Biggest challenge is meeting customer needs in an efficient and effective manner.

I love the variety my job presents. I love to meet different customers and hear how they started in business and what their future ambitions are and how I can help them get there.

Sometimes the paperwork can be time consuming, but necessary to do the job.

Good business and commercial acumen Decisive, with good listening skills, objectivity, independence and an ability to quickly articulate business strategy Good interpersonal skills, ability to develop relationships and to work across different teams / divisions.

Have an understanding of financials, transaction structuring and negotiation skills with knowledge of legal/security requirements. Proven ability to promote the Bank and seek out opportunities to cross-sell group products. Good internal and external network. Resilient with an ability to work to deadlines and a proven team player.

Degree in Business Studies with Diploma in Industrial Studies and MSc Accounting and Finance at University of Ulster. Which led me to getting a training contract at BDO to complete my professional accountancy exams. There are a number of avenues that you can chose from when going into Business and Finance as well as work and study options. Having a professional qualification not only provides you with a good knowledge of business it helps with career opportunities.

Professional Qualification Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ILM Diploma in Leadership and Management MSc Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) Business Studies with Diploma in Industrial Studies

Financial and accounting have been the most beneficial to me in my job

Passing my Professional Accountancy Exams My job at BOI and dealing with the customers that I manage

It's important to be a team player. Be resilient and determined and have strong self-motivating capabilities for both yourself and those around you. An innovative thinker as well as an ability to cope under pressure. Managing priorities and workload.

I would love to own my own business and help and support other businesses to grow and become more successful.

My job allows me to have a good work life balance, it's a 9-5 day job with good terms of employment.

There is good flexibility for working around personal commitments. There are many opportunities across Finance and lots that allow you to progress to senior decision making roles or in sectors that you have a personal interest in. Job security has remained strong even in recession times.

If you enjoy business and are interested in how businesses operate working as a Business Bank manager provides variety - 'No two days are the same'. Work to achieve the subject qualifications and as much experiences along the way. You need to work hard and be determined!

Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing and business development skills Energy and enthusiasm, a self-starter

Mandatory chores!

Plan to possibly look at project management.

Working in an Accountancy Practice, working in a family business, sales or office based roles