David B.

From wannabe naval officer to senior risk manager

Like a number of 6th form students I was unclear what I wanted to do. After a 4 day familiarisation course with the navy including going to see on submarine and being incredibly seasick, I decided a life on the ocean waves was not for me! So off I went to university to study economics and going into year three I decided to apply to train as an accountant. After qualifying I sought a role in industry and an internal audit role came up with Windsor Life. With an open mind I started the role and wind forward 22 years and I am still here now as part of the Phoenix Group, which I think emphasises what a great place and industry it is to work.

I help the business manage risk

My role supports the business in its day to day management of risk. This is through supporting the business in ensuring the Risk Managment Framework is applied appropriately through ensuring incidents are tracked and managed, risks and controls are assessed on a timely basis and key risk deliverables are met. I also conduct a range of audit work from testing that controls are working as intended through to assessing readiness on projects. This is all supported by ongoing relationship management with Managment with regular meetings and conversations.

It plays to my skillset and I feel I make a difference

I am naturally an inquisitive person with a keen eye for the detail for both what is and what is not there. These are key attributes for audit work and by being able to delve into the detail whilst retaining the bigger picture overview from my experience gained, I feel I am able to add value. However, finding things is only part of the picture, with how you communicate this equally important. Being able to leverage and build relationships in support of this is a key factor which makes the role so enjoyable.

Be yourself and enjoy what you do

Only you will truly know yourself and what you do and do not like. When you are deciding on a role you have to weigh up is it appropriate for you, but also what is your 'gut feel'. Not just about the role, but the people and organisation. You will spend many years of your life in the workplace, so it is critical you enjoy what you do. I have been fortunate in that 95% of time I have loved the work, experiences and people I have worked with. There will always be tasks we don't quiet enjoy, but it is my fondness for the role which has kept me here for 22 years

I ran a project to fundamentally change our retirement proposition

In 2014 I project managed delivery of a fundamental change to our retirement proposition at the time. This entailed the use of a panel of annuity providers rather than writing in house annuities. Delivery entailed coordination of numerous individuals and workstreams including third parties, new website build, tools to aid customers in decision making and contractual negotiations. Whilst incredibly stretching it built out my skillset and provided a huge sense of satisfaction when it delivered and went live. It built my relationships around the business both existing and with new individuals, which continue to endure to this day