• Home
• About us
• Career opportunities
• People & culture
• Rewards & benefits
• Application

Laura Daley

High point so far?

I stumbled across the industry by accident. What has kept me here has really been the quality of the people and the interesting and varying nature of the work.

Why KBC FP?

Just large enough to have a real presence in the markets and be a real player. Just small enough to let me be involved in most everything my group does. This gives me ample opportunities for learning and growth.

Application process?

Fairly informal. I met with the head of the department and then a few of the team members.

Any tips?

Be honest on your resume! We take hiring very seriously. During the interview process, don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know something. That is far better than trying to pretend that you do.

How is KBC FP different?

Our size gives it a unique position. At the larger investment banks, employees are tracked into specialized areas, which can pigeonhole a person!

What were your expectations?

I honestly didn’t know what to expect, so reality has far surpassed expectations.

A typical day?

I spend the majority of my time interacting with people – either troubleshooting problems for them, training my staff, answering questions from any number of people, and making decisions for the group.

Are you challenged?

Most definitely! Every day brings along a new challenge to overcome. A new puzzle to solve. This business is fast moving and it keeps you on your toes.

Given responsibility?

Over the course of 8 years, I’ve gone from being an entry level helpdesk associate to managing the entire systems team in the New York office. I would say most definitely that I’ve been trusted with huge levels of responsibility!

What about career progression?

KBCFP works hard to ensure staff are challenged and have learning and growth opportunities. For someone who is motivated, there are definitely career progression opportunities.

Do you enjoy going to work?

Oh, yes! I love working with people and having a daily schedule that is so varied.

Any special qualities and skills?

We’re looking for enthusiasm, motivation, a willingness to work hard combined with a natural curiosity driven by raw intellect. If someone comes to us with these qualities, the rest can be learned on the job!

Are your views listened to?

The flat structure allows staff to make suggestions and be heard by quite senior staff. But I have to say it is a give and take. Not only will you be heard, but you will learn in the process that some problems are deeper than originally thought – and your suggestion may not work. But you learn. The next time you know more questions to ask when coming up with a suggestion. Both sides benefit from the process.

How do senior colleagues treat you?

I’ve always felt everyone is treated with high levels of respect.

How about Training?

You learn on the job and that is truly the quickest way to learn.

How about that ‘work/life’ balance?

Life as well as a job? Yes! I won’t kid you – the hours can sometimes be long. But I’ve always found the company to be very accommodating to the fact that we all have lives outside of the job.

Formal, or Informal environment?

Dress code – or rather No dress code – is a huge one for me. Particularly great for System Administrators who have to crawl around under desks or around the machine room from time to time. Certainly saves on dry-cleaning bills!

What are the working hours?

Systems staff generally put in 9 hour work days. But we are regularly on call and are required to work on weekends. Out of hours work is a necessary part of systems administration.

What are people like?

Everyone is smart and wants to get the job done. It’s very invigorating working towards a common goal with intelligent people.

Like most?

I love the challenge of the changing nature of the job. Even though – for people like me who like to plan ahead as much as possible – it can be very frustrating at times. Our business moves so fast, it’s hard to plan ahead. But then there are those great times when you deliver on an impossible project! Within an unrealistic deadline! This makes it all worthwhile. Plus, it stretches your abilities.

What have you learned?

I’ve learned how to ask the right questions when looking for solutions to problems. Asking the right questions can draw out knowledge from those around you that are necessary in finding resolutions. Even if you’re not an expert in a particular area!

What are you career ambitions?

I’m striving for a role that will give me global responsibility and will allow me to work on more strategic projects.

Do you have time to socialize?

Yes. My group tries to plan regular evenings out together.

Describe your personality:

I’m a natural diplomat.

Lessons from KBC FP?

I can’t even begin to list the lessons I’ve learned at KBCFP.

Any outside interests?

Reading, cycling, gardening, knitting, environmental causes