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• finance business partner – Lloyds TSB, UK
• ACCA member since July 2006

A graduate with a masters in economics and finance, James enrolled on a three-year finance management scheme in 2003 with British energy giant Centrica, rapidly working his way through myriad roles within the group that gave him a firm understanding of the energy business. But it was his stint in M&A that gave him a taste of project-based work closely aligned with the group’s business strategy. ‘Having found an area I enjoyed, I focused on commercial finance roles working closely with the business. One of these involved monitoring and forecasting the business performance for Centrica’s power station fleet, while another allowed me to work with the British Gas marketing teams to analyse business profitability and viability for new product and customer retention propositions.’

Keen to broaden his knowledge of commercial finance, he moved on to Lloyds TSB – one of the main four banks in the UK – in 2006, joining the Corporate Banking Division as an analyst in the finance business partner team for two of the London-based relationship lending businesses; a dynamic, fast-paced environment where James instantly felt at home. ‘Gone are the days of being locked away in a finance department. Working alongside teams originating the business was a real buzz and allowed me to understand the transactions and daily issues faced by the division.’

Appointed finance business partner – asset management, products and markets finance in October 2007, James’ new role will see him work in partnership with the managers and heads of the asset management business to develop and deliver value-added management information. It is a position that builds on the knowledge he has gained as an analyst, allowing him to develop a greater understanding of strategy for forecasting business performance, as well as his skills to unravel and communicate complex financial information for decision-making. ‘What I enjoy most about my work is the variety: project-based assignments give me the opportunity to learn about new products and engage with different individuals and personalities.’

James is studying for an Association of Corporate Treasurers diploma. He is also a member of ACCA’s Leaders of Tomorrow network and has recently been appointed to the ACCA Financial Services Network Panel, which will see him develop the events and support ACCA members receive.

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