When he completed his undergrad degree, all Adam Crane knew was that he didn’t want to be an accountant. Now the CFO for ME Bank, he shares his tips for working in finance
Q: Who or what inspired you to enter the finance industry?
A: I did my undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
At the end of the degree, all I knew was that I didn’t want to be an accountant, which is ironic because I’m now a CFO.
With my sights set on anything but accounting, I took on a credit assessment role at Esanda Finance. I was lucky enough to have a manager, Larry Pumpa, who saw potential in me and provided me with the right opportunities to grow and develop my skills to set me up for a career in finance.
Q: What’s one of your most recent career highlights?
A: My recent appointment at ME Bank.
It’s a great business that’s well positioned as a real alternative for Australians who are disenfranchised by big banks.
The ME team is great – everyone I’ve met is aligned behind a shared sense of purpose, and I can’t wait to get started in this new role.
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: With a nice glass of red wine and by spending time with friends and family. I’m also a tragic Collingwood supporter.
At the moment, watching them helps me relax, but up until last year, I think my wife would say otherwise.
Q: What do you wish you’d known when you started out in finance?
A: There’s nothing wrong with being an accountant! In my experience, there needs to be more focus on learning the ability to apply technical skills to understand the drivers of business performance and how to truly influence the outcomes delivered.
You may know how to report what happened, but it’s what’s likely to happen that really matters.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: I have four top tips: be focused on the customers’ needs, whether that’s an internal or external customer; be willing to take considered risks and not be afraid to fail every now and then; be proactive and outcome-oriented; and don’t sweat the small things.
