Q&A with Rebecca Oatham, Commercial Compliance Manager

In this Q&A we speak with Rebecca Oatham who’s a Commercial Compliance Manager and has been with us since 2013, about what it’s like to work for us.

What do you like most about working for Close Brothers Asset Finance?

One of my favourite things about the division would be the real diversity across the businesses; anything between funding a shopfitting, to the financing of the construction of a windfarm! It really makes my role interesting, particularly as the division is always looking at new products and ventures to even further diversify!

The best part of working here would be the people; we’re so lucky to have a team of knowledgeable, passionate and innovative people who really strive to do the right thing for our customers – it’s a pleasure to work alongside them over the years.

How would you describe the culture at Close Brothers Asset Finance?

Close Brothers Asset Finance has continuously worked hard to create a company culture whose values are instilled in employees from the beginning of their time here. These values were cemented into the business initially through the Visions and Values initiative - of which I was a champion - and more recently through the ‘Thrive’ initiative. The business ensures these values are branded into all of the company's internal and external communications.

The focus across the business has always been doing the right thing and it’s a value I see shared across my colleagues through their work on a daily basis.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for a role with Close Brothers Asset Finance?

I would highly encourage it; I started my career within Close Brothers Leasing nearly 10 years ago and have been lucky enough to work across the Asset Finance, Motor and Central teams during my time at Close Brothers. Within Asset Finance and Leasing, and the wider bank, there are lots of opportunities to develop your career, widen your understanding of the business and excel professionally.

There is a great culture within the business with a good work/life balance and great colleagues – hence why I’ve been here so long!

Is being part of a diverse and inclusive business important to you? If yes, why?

Definitely - working with a diverse range of colleagues and leaders from different backgrounds within the business means that as a company we benefit from a wide range of perspectives, experiences and opinions within our teams.

In my view, this is really important to help us navigate business challenges that impact our very many different types of people and customers. I believe it also ensures any business actions taken are assessed and questioned by individuals with different experiences and viewpoints, making decision making more well-rounded, as a whole.

What has been the biggest change in the business you have witnessed since joining?

Since I joined Close Brothers it’s amazing how the Asset Finance and Leasing division in particular has grown. The Wholesale Fleet team, for example, was only around 10 staff members when I initially joined and now is 30 strong, having diversified their product offering and having built internal specialist teams. It’s been great to see how innovative and pro-active the business has been in response to changes in the financial landscape.

What opportunities for progression and development have you had?

I’ve worked in Operations, Risk, Compliance and Governance roles during my time at Close Brothers and have had the opportunity to work in a number of offices and divisions during my time here. With the Bank having numerous divisions, I’ve held five different roles during my nine years as Close Brothers, which has helped me develop professionally, and personally.

During my time at Close Brothers, I’ve always felt encouraged to explore opportunities that have allowed me to develop my knowledge, even if just through ‘job swap’ days and mentorship programmes run throughout the company.

How has Close Brothers Asset Finance supported your career development?

The business has always been supportive of my career development. From my first role at the company, I was able to develop my knowledge by enrolling on funded external courses in a number of areas and taking internal personal development courses. Both of these development aids were integral to my development and evolution that has gotten me to the role I am in now.

What exposure do you have in your role to other areas of the business?

I’m currently working as a Compliance Manager in the Commercial Division as a result of being involved with Asset Finance and Leasing, Invoice and Speciality Finance, and the Property divisions, which again shows the diversity of Close Brothers.

There are always opportunities to collaborate with my counterparts in the Retail business and we are able to collaborate on larger projects and share ideas in wider team meetings and team building days.

What initiatives is the business currently working on that are important to you?

I have been on the Corporate Social Responsibility board for a couple of years now and am really passionate about the business’s current involvement with the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation, who we have partnered with for a number of years now.

It’s really great to see the business so engaged with charitable causes and everyone is incredibly focused on trying to raise money for great causes which also includes smaller, more local charities.

I was also lucky enough to be part of the Diversity and Inclusion working group for a short period of time; the work the team are conducting within this area is incredibly exciting for us as a business.

And finally, what do you do to unwind from the rigours of your role? 

Away from work, me and my husband spend a lot of time watching our local football team and following our own respective teams. I’m also a sucker for any reality TV show (but try and keep that secret usually)!

I also really enjoy travelling, eating (and drinking!) however there'll be a lot less of that going forward because I’ll shortly be on maternity leave!