Position profile: business banking
George Triantos, Associate – Specialised Services, NAB Business
Industry sector: business banking
How did you get to where you are today?
I recently completed a PhD in Economics, which examined the general state of the Australian Banking sector over the last two decades, with reference to efficiency gains, the impact of the Wallis Report on the banking sector, and the resulting merger activity on the sector as a whole. My undergraduate studies were comprised of a Double Degree in Arts and Economics, with Honours in Economics.
Prior to joining the National Australia Bank, I was an Associate Lecturer in the School of Business at La Trobe University, where I was completing my postgraduate studies. I was actively involved in the teaching of a number of first, second, and third year subjects in both economics and finance, such as International Business, Economic History, and Microeconomics.
During my post graduate studies, I felt it was important to gain a practical understanding of the area that I was researching in my doctoral dissertation, and joined the National Australia Bank. Over the last four years I have worked in a number of different areas such as retail, business, and corporate banking.
I have been in my current role for about 17 months, and my studies have placed me well in tackling the challenges of my current role. For instance, the analytical skills which I developed through my studies have allowed me to better understand our clients’ financial performance, and complete funding submissions, through a thorough cash flow analysis. One of the main motivations in pursuing this role was the opportunity to actively manage a portfolio of clients, and be at the coal face to liaise with and assist clients in developing their businesses.
What does a typical day involve for you?
Essentially, I am the first point of contact on the portfolio for clients, and assist in the day to day running of the portfolio. The first thing I do is to meet with my manager and set the agenda for the day. Our discussion will centre around our workloads, what deals are on the go, issues, and other items which may impact upon the portfolio. Throughout the day, clients will call through with administrative tasks that need to be completed, or are touching base in relation to funding submissions which we may need to discuss.
What interpersonal skills are essential for your role?
A number of interpersonal skills are required to successfully complete the role. Communication is the most important skill, as you are required to manage client expectations. The last thing you want is to over promise and under deliver. Furthermore, time management skills are extremely important, as there may be a number of funding submissions in progress, in addition to completing the daily administrative tasks, and answering client queries.
What sort of person is good in this role and type of organisation?
The individuals who excel in this role are the ones who possess excellent communication skills, strong financial analysis skills, time management skills, and focus their attention on the client by servicing their needs in a timely manner.
What do you find the most rewarding about your current role?
The two main rewarding aspects of the role are the interaction with clients and the chance to work with a team of highly motivated and talented individuals. Servicing your clients can be challenging at times given workloads, but there is an immense amount of pleasure derived from seeing your clients grow and develop their businesses, and the fact that you are a part of that success is a great intangible benefit. Working with a great team is fantastic, as it is the people around you which make the workplace an enjoyable experience.
What do most people find challenging/difficult about a role like this?
A few of the most challenging obstacles people face in completing this role is the demanding nature of the work, as the workflow is constant. Prioritising and time management are difficult initially, as you find a number of clients have urgent requests and you need to manage their expectations but not diminish your level of prompt service.
What were you looking for in an employer when you took your current role?
I took into consideration their commitment to empowering their staff through ongoing training and development, work life balance, and career progression.
What types of benefits are essential to attract the best people?
Financial rewards may always be a major contributing factor in attracting staff, however, alternative incentives may be required to keep staff. Training and development and access to mentoring programs within the company can be seen as non-financial benefits which not only attract but also retain good staff.
What other jobs and career paths could you consider in the future?
In assessing future movements in my career, I would welcome the opportunity to pursue other analytical roles, with particular focus on credit risk management or group economics.
How do you keep up to date?
The best way to keep abreast of current affairs in the finance industry is through the Australian Financial Review and the pay TV channel Sky Business.
Are you considering any study or professional development in the future?
Having recently completed a PhD, I do not have intention to complete any studies in the short term, but may look at further training at a later date.
Why did you become a member of Finsia?
I joined Finsia to meet like minded individuals and improve my networks within in the finance industry. I am actively involved in a number of associations away from the National Australia Bank. I hold the position of Vice President of the Finsia Victorian Young Finance Professionals board. The YFP looks at promoting networking and education of Finsia members for those in the finance industry aged 18-35.
What tips for success can you give for an aspiring business banker
To succeed in business banking, a strong work ethic is required and time management skills are important but, most importantly, you need to have the ability to listen to your clients and understand their needs in order to provide a more holistic approach to their banking.