Finance

 

What are your perceptions of AkzoNobel?

Since joining the company, my perception is that AkzoNobel is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of the modern global operating environment. I think this is ideal for a graduate to flourish because it means there are always new challenges, and hence opportunities to show that you have made a difference.  As a graduate it is great to be part of this; seeing processes improve and being a part of it. Also, the large scale of AkzoNobel means that opportunities for development are varied, which certainly appeals to me.

What training have you had in your career to date?

AkzoNobel’s commitment to investment in its graduates is clear. I took part in the Graduate Development Programme which is for 3 years in the Finance Department.  The programme is based around a range of four residential courses that aim to develop the key competencies that are valued by the organisation. I found these events to be great fun, providing an opportunity for networking across the businesses and functions.  AkzoNobel have also supported me through the completion of my CIMA exams by paying my course fees and allowing me time off work to study.

What has your career involved to date?

I benefited from gaining exposure to several distinct roles as a graduate. I spent a year at the Dulux Decorator Centre Head Office in Manchester, working in Financial Accounts and Internal Audit Departments. I then moved to Slough to work in the UK Trade Business where I gained greater experience in Management Accounting. This was followed by a stint in European Finance which included some European travel, which was great. My last placement saw me work as a Commercial Finance Manager working closely with the Sales Team to manage the financial aspects of our trading relationship with some key retailers.

After finishing my CIMA exams I became the Financial Controller of AkzoNobel’s Hammerite Products Ltd which is a Supply Chain entity based near Newcastle-Upon-Tyne that manufactures metalcare and woodcare products. During this time I managed the local Finance team of 3 people, as well as sat on the local Site Management Team. This role afforded me a higher degree of responsibility, and I certainly learnt a lot.

At the beginning of 2008 I moved back to Slough to take up the role of UK Reporting Manager, which has chiefly involved helping to ensure financial reporting is completed accurately and on time. This has been challenging as it has involved the integration of the former ICI business units into AkzoNobel reporting processes. This is definitely an exciting time for the business with many opportunities for exploiting synergies through learning from each other.