Position profile: treasury
Rahni Soliman, Treasury Representative, Suncorp Metway Ltd
Industry sector: Treasury (Money Market)
How did you get to where you are today?
I initially completed an advanced diploma in Hospitality Management at Box Hill Tafe and worked for a few years in the top end of the Hospitality Industry which gave me a fantastic grounding in customer service and interpersonal skills development. Looking for a greater challenge, I commenced a bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance/International Trade) at Victoria University and, upon completion, was accepted into the graduate program at Coles Myer. Having always wanted a career in financial markets, I continued to pursue opportunities and eventually landed a position with Suncorp
Metway in the Commercial Funding Team.
I was always attracted to financial markets as I enjoy working in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. In addition, working as part of a team in any capacity is also great experience to have. I have been with Suncorp Metway for 16 months now and am enjoying every minute.
What does a typical day involve for you?
A typical day involves catching up with overnight market events and news in the morning to ensure we are up to speed with current events and market commentary. We typically do most of our business from 10.00am to 12.30pm. During this period we deal with daily maturities, quoting prices on rolling investments and dealing according to client instructions. The second half of the day is typically devoted to relationship management – where we call existing customers to discuss any opportunities and market events, and contact prospective customers to develop new dealing relationships.
What interpersonal skills are essential for your role?
It is essential that you have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as most of the day is spent communicating with customers via the telephone. In addition, it is essential to have excellent attention to detail to ensure there are no errors in the process i.e. pricing, deal entry etc
What sort of person is good in this role and type of organisation?
People that are most suited to this role enjoy working in a fast paced environment, and work well under time pressure. It is also important that people in this role enjoy the customer interaction and can communicate effectively with clients on a daily basis.
What do you find the most rewarding about your current role?
Putting on new clients is most rewarding as a lot of time and effort goes into marketing and securing new clients for investment.
What were you looking for in an employer when you took your current role?
I was looking for a young and dynamic team and an organisation that allows you to grow and expand your knowledge. It is important to be surrounded by experienced people so you can draw from their expertise and learn something everyday.
What types of benefits are essential to attract the best people?
Opportunities for learning and development and good career opportunities are important, as is an environment that allows you to grow as a professional in an energetic team environment
What other jobs and career paths could you consider in the future?
I enjoy working in financial markets and would definitely stay in this field. I would like to gain experience with other products, such as foreign exchange.
How do you keep up to date?
There is a lot of material around on economics and financial markets. I read the Australian Financial Review every morning and also use Reuters to read news and events. All of the major banks publish morning reports and market updates which I also read occasionally.
Are you considering any study or professional development in the future?
I definitely want to do my Masters in Applied Finance. I hope to start over the next 12 months. I think it’s important to continually educate yourself – and it can open many windows of opportunity in the job market or with your current employer
Why did you become a member of Finsia?
I became a Finsia member when I graduated form University to become part of the YFP (young finance professionals). The YFP is a great platform for networking and catching up with other like minded professionals in the industry. They also hold many informative events with some exceptional guest speakers who have a lot of industry experience.
What tips for success do you have for an aspiring treasury representative?
Always believe in yourself. Self belief is one of the most important paths to success.