A Day in the Life: A Finance Director at Friends Life

My close friend, Sarah, is a Finance Director. Not just any Finance Director, but one at the venerable Friends Life. People often imagine finance roles as purely number-crunching, but Sarah’s experience proves that’s a limited view. Her days are a whirlwind of strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, all underpinned by a solid understanding of financial principles.

The day typically starts early, around 7 am. She dedicates the first hour to reviewing overnight market trends and industry news. Friends Life, being a large insurance and investment company, is highly sensitive to market fluctuations. This morning briefing prepares her for the immediate demands of the day.

A significant portion of Sarah’s time is spent in meetings. These aren’t just internal departmental discussions; she interacts regularly with the CEO, the board of directors, and heads of various divisions like investments, sales, and actuarial. Today, she’s preparing for a presentation to the investment committee regarding a proposed new asset allocation strategy. This involves explaining complex financial models in a clear and concise manner, justifying the assumptions, and addressing any potential concerns about risk and return.

Beyond the strategic oversight, Sarah also gets involved in more granular, operational tasks. She’s responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Friends Life’s financial reporting, overseeing the preparation of annual reports, and managing relationships with external auditors. Today, she’s reviewing a draft of the upcoming quarterly earnings release, scrutinizing the figures and ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards.

Another critical aspect of her role is risk management. Friends Life operates in a highly regulated environment, and Sarah is responsible for identifying and mitigating financial risks, ensuring the company maintains adequate capital reserves, and complying with regulatory requirements. She spends time today reviewing stress-testing scenarios and assessing the potential impact of various economic downturns on the company’s financial stability.

Sarah also plays a vital role in talent development. She mentors junior finance professionals, providing guidance and support as they navigate their careers. She believes in fostering a culture of continuous learning and encourages her team to pursue professional development opportunities. She dedicates time to reviewing performance appraisals and identifying training needs within her department.

The day ends late, often after 6 pm. Sarah frequently takes work home, reviewing documents and preparing for upcoming meetings. Despite the demanding schedule, she finds her work incredibly rewarding. She’s proud to be a part of a company that helps people achieve their financial goals and secure their futures. The responsibility is significant, but the impact is immeasurable. Being a Finance Director at Friends Life is more than just a job; it’s a calling.