Our 2019 graduate recruitment programme will shortly be coming to a close. Finance is one of the areas still open to applications – but why should you apply?
On the UK-based Finance scheme our graduates get to experience not only working in different areas of finance, but also different parts of our business so there’s plenty of opportunities for development. The scheme also includes an international placement, which could be to one of our European or US offices, or our Bermuda headquarters, as well as support while you study towards some professional qualifications.
And just in case you’re still curious about what makes Finance a great place to work, we caught up with two members of our UK and Europe Finance teams to get the lowdown.
Tell us about your career at Hiscox so far?
Saniya Khayrova, Financial Planning Analyst in London: “I started my career at Hiscox at an entry level role rather than through the graduate scheme. I joined in November 2016 as a Strategy Analyst, straight from university. After around 10 months, I decided to move to the finance department as there was a role available for a Financial Planning Analyst. As a Financial Planning Analyst I help the Group by doing forecasts, financial planning activities, and providing insight and data to the Executive Committee.”
Carla Colaco, Financial Controller in Lisbon: “I joined Hiscox in July 2011 as Financial Controller to create a UK Finance team based in Lisbon. I have hired seven people and managed the UK Finance team in Lisbon for six years. In the summer of 2017 I joined the Finance Transformation Programme (a multi-year project we are undertaking to update our finance systems, structure and processes) as the UK and Europe Business Unit Lead, and in the following year I became the Finance Data Warehouse Work Stream Lead.”
What attracted you to the Hiscox Finance team?
Saniya: “As a graduate it’s important to learn the basics. I think in insurance a good start is to understand the inner workings of finances, especially knowing that such knowledge is useful in most areas of the industry. Additionally, another exciting reason was working for the Group team where I would have exposure to all the Business Units, something that would help me to learn more about different approaches and strategies while also expanding my network.”
Carla: “In the beginning it was the challenge I was given and in the long run it’s the openness of the finance management to listen to new ideas and the ability we are given to continuously improve ourselves and the work we do.”
What do you enjoy most about working in Finance?
Saniya: “In finance I can apply the skills I learned while studying mathematics at university. While my role involves some standard tasks, I also get the chance to get involved in exciting and wildly different projects. This gives me exposure to different teams, which helps me understand what potential career path to take in the future.”
Carla: “I’m a people person, I really enjoy the friendly and welcoming environment we have in the UK and Europe finance areas.”
What opportunities for career development does Finance offer?
Saniya: “Finance offers amazing opportunities. Within the finance department there are a number of divisions that you can work in. What's more, Hiscox sponsors most of the financial qualifications that are available (such as CII, ACCA, CFA etc.) – I am currently doing CIMA. Also different workshops are available to improve personal skills such as communication, presentation, people management, negotiating etc. The opportunity is there, it is just a matter of taking it.”
Carla: “There is lots of opportunity arising in finance, it’s a really good time to learn and share your ideas to continuously improve the Finance area.”
What advice would you give to any graduate starting a career in Finance?
Saniya: “Go for it - you won’t regret it. Hiscox has a great culture and working environment. People are very open to sharing ideas, knowledge and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Finance is not monotone, quite the opposite, you will learn a lot and will get involved in lots of different projects. There are many different paths you can take in finance, so many opportunities to grow and flexibility to change roles.”
Carla: “Get to know people, what they do and find an area to start learning the job and share your ideas. After you start you will find it’s easy to move between areas in finance.”
To find out more about our graduate opportunities and to submit an application visit our Careers section.
