Gallery speaks to recent graduates about their move to the working world, what motivates them and what advice they’d give to those who are new to Jersey’s top companies.
Oliver Botha
FUND ACCOUNTANT AT BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES
Age? 26
Uni attended? James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Course undertaken? Bachelor of Science (Geology)
What did you want to be when you were 8?
Professional Surfer
Favourite way to relax? A good film and takeaway pizza
Favourite place to eat in Jersey? La Frigate (Thai)
What’s your favourite possession? My watch
What made you choose the company you work for?
I had been in my previous position for just under 2 years and was looking to diversify my skills and further develop my career. BNP Paribas is a world-wide, well established company with an excellent reputation as an employer of choice so I thought it would be a perfect match for me. The Fund Services department at BNP Paribas had expanded its client base which led to a Fund Accountant position becoming available. After going in for an interview and finding out more about BNP Paribas I realised that it was a great opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.
What sort of professional training do you take?
I am currently studying towards my Chartered Certified Accountants qualification (ACCA). I have completed four of the nine foundation modules (F1-F4) and am in the process of completing a further two (F5 and F6). The course in itself is very testing and covers various areas of accountancy. Since commencing ACCA I have found that it definitely increases your overall knowledge of accounting/business and is a useful qualification to have in any area of business. Initially I found it tough to find a healthy balance between work, study and life outside work but when you start to develop a routine it becomes much easier.
What do you do on an average day?
As a fund accountant my daily tasks vary depending on how close to the end of the reporting period we are. A reporting period tends to be monthly, quarterly or annual. Closer to the end of the reporting period my tasks are focused around reporting on information rather than recording it. This includes the preparation of financial statements, capital accounts and any other ad-hoc reporting requested by the client(s). On a day to day basis my responsibilities include monitoring and recording transactions on the accounting system. The transactions are fairly standard and relate to investment purchases/disposals, investment income and fees/expenses.
What is your next step?
My aim is to pass all of my ACCA exams and become a fully qualified accountant, applying the skills that I have gained through studying to a working environment and increase the client portfolio that I look after.
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
I’d say to get as much experience as possible in all aspects relating to your career. Don’t pass up any opportunities that may arise without fully considering them first. There are many ‘Continual Professional Development’ programmes available through work which provide a good platform to improve various skills useful throughout your career.
MORE ABOUT BNP PARIBAS
The Group first set up in the Channel Islands in 1979 and has grown along with the development of Jersey as a financial centre specialising in private wealth management and institutional asset management, fund and securities services.
Across the Channel Islands, our professional team works to offer our customers a wide range of services and products, providing innovative, customised solutions. BNP Paribas’ teams are committed to ensuring that the bank contributes every day to the success of everyone who places their confidence in us and to the progress of society as a whole.
INTERESTED?
Contact Catherine Harzo, HR Officer – Channel Islands
catherine.harzo@je.bnpparibas.com 815200
BNP Paribas S.A., IFC1, The Esplanade, St Helier,
Jersey, JE1 5BP
