Tom Terry: Payment Data Administrator, Saltgate Jersey
What made you choose to work for Saltgate?
Having worked as a Chef for five years, I decided to explore a new challenge by moving into Finance at the age of 23. Growing up in Jersey, I was fortunate to have access to the opportunities that this finance-centred island provides. I discovered Saltgate through a recruitment agency, and their values and focus on work-life balance caught my attention. I really appreciate the open office layout of our Jersey office, where the directors are right here with us at our desks instead of being isolated in an office. This setup makes it much easier to interact with them and learn from their experiences. Long nights and working weekends were the norm when I was in the catering industry, so it is a breath of fresh air to work with a company that strives to ensure its employees have a good work-life balance. The ‘Flexigate’ programe is a personal favourite of mine which allows us to be flexible with two hours of our week, giving us a helpful window to manage our personal lives during work hours, whether it’s catching a 4 PM flight on a Friday for a weekend trip or taking an extra hour at lunch to catch up on personal jobs.
What professional training have you done?
Whilst not related to Finance I have completed my City & Guilds Diploma in Culinary Skills Level 2 at Highlands College.
What do you do on an average day?
Being on the Payments team, my main job is to process payments for the various client teams in the office. Saltgate has made significant investments in how the business processes payments, introducing our own proprietary payment front-end system known as STAR. This has provided us with a central hub that includes the various banking platforms we administer. Currently, I am helping to test and set up the next banking platform which will be added onto STAR, to increase the catchment for the business and bring us one step closer to processing all our payments through our new platform. On a monthly basis, I gather statistics for the number of payments processed through STAR and help the business identify blockers we may be facing and how we can improve the new platform.
What is your next step?
Having enjoyed my time with Saltgate and in the finance industry, I am looking to begin my ACCA exams and start the journey to become a chartered accountant.
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
I don’t think I would want to change my experience; I’d encourage myself to pursue what I loved which was cooking and still is. Whilst the catering industry didn’t work out for me, I have still gained valuable skills during my time as a Chef which surprisingly have transferred over very well to my new role at Saltgate. I would say to be confident in your abilities and don’t underestimate yourself. When I first thought about changing my career from catering to finance, I was worried that I wouldn’t have the skills or knowledge to be able to succeed, but after three promotions I can say that with hard work and determination anything is possible.
A little more about Tom
Age: 25
What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?
Cliché but like lots of 8-year old boys, it was to be a footballer.
Favourite way to relax?
Meeting up with my friends, I feel really lucky to have stayed so close with them even though we’ve all pursued different career paths. I’ve also made some great friends at Saltgate, and there are lots of opportunities to join in with sports at Saltgate.
Favourite place to eat in Jersey?
Anley Steet. From my experience as a chef, I love the everchanging menu at Anley Street, their pie of the month is fantastic for groups and their new smash burgers they have introduced are great.
Favourite possession?
I love having my own flat to come home to after a day’s work. Being able to live independently has really allowed me to focus on my career progression and think about the next steps I would like to take in my personal life.
Eva Wallace: Administrator in Ogier Global’s Real Estate Team
What made you choose to work for Ogier?
I chose Ogier as I believed it provided the best opportunity for growth and experience, as well as its global reputation. Ogier offers hard-to-beat flexible working policies, plus a supportive and welcoming environment which stood out to me the most when I was applying and made for an easy decision.
What professional training have you done?
At university, I completed an Equine Business Management course because I originally saw my future in that industry. Now that I have made the switch to working as an administrator for Ogier Global, for several reasons, the firm is supporting me with my CGI International Finance and Administration Level 4 qualification, and I have already completed the CORE module. Ogier also promotes continuous learning, so I have completed various internal continuing professional development (CPD) courses.
What do you do on an average day?
My day-to-day tasks always vary, which is why I enjoy the role. No day is typically the same, however my responsibility is responding to client queries, which can involve simple document requests, organising board meetings or sending asset deals for approval. Overall, we work collaboratively within the team to take care of company secretary responsibilities and regulatory obligations. There are also a range of internal procedures to follow which are implemented in my daily schedule.
What is your next step?
My focus for this year is to continue sitting the exams for the CGI International Finance and Administration Level 4 qualification. In the future, I will also be focusing on training more specific to Real Estate to expand on my knowledge in that particular field.
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
Reflecting on what I know now, I would tell myself to take the opportunity that you think will be most valuable, even if it may also be the most challenging. Whatever route you take, it is also important that it’s suited to you, so that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
A little more about Eva
Age: 22
University attended: Hartpury University
Course: BA (Hons) Equine Business Management
What did you want to be when you were 8 years old? Zookeeper
Favourite way to relax: A walk on the beach
Favourite place to eat in Jersey: Gradees Restaurant
Favourite possession: My photo album for memories
Ibrahim Khaled Elkanuni: Recovery & Reorganisation Associate, Grant Thornton
What made you choose to work for Grant Thornton?
I had heard of the company because two friends of mine work at Grant Thornton in Cambridge. I decided to apply to Grant Thornton in the Channel Islands after attending a presentation on Recovery & Reorganisation at university, which was delivered by some employees from the CI firm. Recovery & Reorganisation is a department that isn’t a usual destination for graduates and I was curious about the work.
What professional training have you done?
I am studying towards the ICAEW ACA qualification.
What do you do on an average day?
While the norm is to work on many cases at a time, my day is slightly different. My work recently tends to focus in detail on 3-4 cases at a time where I am either reviewing 600 documents to filter through information for my manager, or analysing 6,000 transactions for the purpose of a forensic report.
What is your next step?
Before completing the ICAEW ACA qualification I would love to have a year’s secondment with the Audit department to help build on my technical skills.
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
Establish a rapport with individual recruiters in the company/team. A lot of students would’ve nailed down the technical skills and assessments but in my opinion the biggest differentiator is your ability to connect with people. Once that is achieved, recruiters can see that you would be a great fit for their team.
A little more about Ibrahim
Age: 27
University: Bayes Business School
Course: Investment & Financial Risk Management
What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?
A farmer – I used to pick olives when I was a child.
Favourite way to relax?
During the week I enjoy morning walks by the beach, or afternoon runs during my lunch break. On the weekend I like to grind and brew fresh coffee, and play around with different coffee profiles.
Favourite place to eat in Jersey?
The Good Egg, or The Rice Bowl.
Richard Foster: Tax Senior, Grant Thornton
What made you choose to work for Grant Thornton?
I moved to Jersey in 2019 and contacted various recruitment agencies to aid my job search. Whilst discussing options with one of the recruiters, Grant Thornton came up in conversation and after researching the company and discussing it with friends who already worked in the Jersey and UK finance industry, I could see this was a company that values people and encourages individuals to develop and grow. The opportunity of undertaking the ACCA qualification supported by the company was ideal for me, especially as I did not have a background in finance.
What professional training have you done?
I am currently undertaking the ACCA qualification and should become part-qualified this year.
What do you do on an average day?
As a Tax Senior, an average day usually consists of preparing Jersey personal and corporate tax returns and being the day-to-day point of contact for my clients. I also assist the team in reviewing our associates’ work, and offering training and support when needed.
What is your next step?
I want to continue developing my knowledge, skills and experience within Jersey tax compliance, and to become ACCA qualified.
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
Take more risks and apply for roles that you want but may not feel you are qualified for. I always felt that I would not be considered for roles which were not related to my degree, however it is important to realise that personality – and demonstrating a willingness to learn – is vitally important to employers, especially at a trainee level. It is also never too late to consider a career change!
A little more about Richard
Age: 37
University: Sheffield Hallam University
Course: Sport & Leisure Management
What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?
I was obsessed with football when I was a child, so being a footballer would have been the dream job.
Favourite way to relax?
Spending time with my wife and daughter. I also enjoying going out to restaurants and watching football.
Favourite place to eat in Jersey?
Sumas will always mean a lot to me as it is where we had our wedding reception. I also like Bass & Lobster, and Longueville Manor.
