During the last stages of A Levels, a school mentor recommended applying to many organisations offering placements supporting further learning as a great alternative to university.

Following several interviews, I was offered a conditional placement as Trainee Auditor within a London based Firm to study AAT.

During my apprenticeship, I discovered my passion for governance, controls, processes and strategic growth. This realization led me to steer away from Audit and into financial services.

In my current role, I focus on sustainability practices and reporting within the alterative asset classes. Within my role, I support the Corporate ESG Committee alongside working with Clients on their reporting. Every day differs, due to such a cast landscape of frameworks (both regulatory and voluntary, investment aspirations and business strategy.   

This area is unique because it requires a blend of financial acumen and a deep understanding of sustainability issues.

It’s fulfilling to be part of a movement that aligns financial success with positive social and environmental outcomes.

This can create confusion and inconsistency in reporting, while delaying action for SMEs. 

My organization is addressing this challenge by actively participating in industry initiatives aimed at developing standardized frameworks and best practices and supporting some of the more established specialised frameworks. 

The biggest challenge for our stakeholders, is navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable investing and understanding which frameworks to report to and how to resource for knowledge gaps.

Outside of work, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, CrossFit and yoga, which allow me to connect with nature and recharge. I am also passionate about volunteering for environmental organizations, where I can contribute to sustainability efforts in my community. Additionally, I practice (and sometimes teach) yoga and mindfulness, which help me maintain balance and focus in both my personal and professional life. 

My advice for fellow finance professionals is to embrace the intersection of finance and sustainability. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, there are immense opportunities in this field. I encourage others to seek out training and resources related to investing and sustainability reporting. Staying informed and adaptable will not only enhance your career prospects but also enable you to contribute to a more sustainable future in finance.

And lastly, seek opportunities where aspirations to grow are not available within the organisation. Volunteering with ACCA has bought me so many opportunities, connections and learning experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.