Students ID:

Course Name: Business and Management

Module Name: “Managing and Leading People for Finance and Accounting”

Word Count: 2084

1
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
1. Job Role...............................................................................................................................................2
2. Assessment of the Awareness of Work.................................................................................................3
Placement Details........................................................................................................................................4
Future Vision Section..................................................................................................................................4
Skills Evaluation..........................................................................................................................................5
i. Current Skills...................................................................................................................................5
ii. Skills Needing Improvement...........................................................................................................6
iii. Personal Development Plan.........................................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................8
References...................................................................................................................................................8
Appendices..................................................................................................................................................9

2
Introduction

My academic degree in Finance and Business Management led me to acquire knowledge of

financial principles and strategic business applications. I intend to develop a complete
perspective of financial markets, their components and main decision-making mechanisms
through this degree program. Through this kind of knowledge, I can develop all the skills needed
to tackle difficult situations effectively. Besides this, it will also be able to make proper decisions
regarding Finance and management. The tertiary skills, which are also part of the module
“Managing and Leading People for Finance and Accounting”, expose me to an easy way of entry
into most industries, thus creating a significant boost to my employability career. The
interdisciplinary approach in the Course has prepared me to prove myself in a very dynamic
professional environment.

1. Job Role

The most recent employment analysis of the Labor Market for graduates of Finance and Business
Management revealed that the underperforming role of a Finance Executive is an attractive and
dynamic opportunity. The present business world scenario is becoming more competitive.
Businesses all over the world continue to seek financial experts to handle their management and
operations. A finance executive is entrusted with the financial framework of an organisation,
which includes financial planning, debt and credit control, budgeting, forecasting, and numerical
literacy, which is vital for appropriate resource allocation. Alongside risk management, financial
reporting, and onward support, they are required to have a clear grasp of market dynamics and
regulatory environment. For students who taught in Finance and Business Management, the
degree prepares them for Finance Executive positions, which is required for the completion of
the general Course in financial principles and strategic business acumen. The Finance field is
forecasted to continue giving rise to Finance Executive employment positions. Hence, it is a very
promising area for new graduates who are majoring in Finance to find a job (Newyorkfed.org.
2023).

2. Assessment of the Awareness of Work

The improved sensitivity I have developed to the inner mechanisms of my job has greatly
affected the way I observe management. Management is not just about assigning tasks but also

3
about general supervision. Valuing how a conducive work atmosphere and teamwork could
contribute to my managerial tasks has broadened my comprehension of my duty as a manager.
On top of that, the growing humbleness of the different viewpoints and goals of each team player
encouraged me to embrace various leadership techniques.

Furthermore, actual work environment experiences have shown clearly the essence of adaptive
nature, high attention to detail and thinking skills. This makes me value the versatility of
management positions, which require a prompt reaction to manage unpredictable threats
effectively. This knowledge has emphasised to me that the process of continuous learning and
industry trends for better decision-making are to be utilised.

Additionally, I came to realise how leading and making decisions involves making choices that
can be ethical and socially responsible. Going deeper into the knowledge of the consequences of
managerial variables is essential to my growing ability in the Finance and Management field.
Furthermore, the knowledge of the complex nature of the work has changed my perception of
management into managerial practices from a multi-dimensional perspective. However, it has
shifted my mindset from project or activity-oriented to a more socially and people-centric
viewpoint, recognising that the success of management is in dealing with human factors,
responding to change, and making moral choices that contribute to the long-term succession of
the organisation.

Placement Details

I am eager to apply at candy Kitten as a Finance Executive having undergraduate tutoring

experience in finance and Business Management to immerse myself in a capable work
environment that would change with my academic interface.

This company strikes a deep chord with me because of its unique approach to negotiating with
businesses, emphasis on moral behavior, and dedication to completing a worthwhile task. In
order to achieve dynamic inclusion with financial endeavors, such as investing plan
orchestrating, financial analysis, and risk evaluation, which are all fundamental to my perceptive
establishment, I aim to develop a connection with candy Kitten.

4
Additionally, the opportunity to successfully include bank compromises, installment payments,
bargains and purchases sales, and other activities will enable me to use hypothetical data to
actual situations, upgrading my conclusive thinking and basic considering capacities. I am a
highly determined individual with excellent scientific training, social skills, and attention to
detail, and I am confident that I will succeed in Candy Kitten's high-speed environment. I'm
excited about the opportunity to work as a hope for a friendly group where I may develop and
grow while making significant contributions to the success of the organization.

Moreover, the study content and the lecture slides presented from my finance course curriculum
made me understand the labour market I would soon encounter. As the need for highly skilled
finance executives increases, the challenges of modern business settings and an increasing
demand for financial advancements cannot be underestimated. Data from recent studies on the
financial services sector in the UK show that the industry will remain stable and dynamic, which
will forecast a surge in demand for individuals with a good knowledge of Finance and business
management.

Beyond that, I learned from articles, such as the CIPD, which constantly reiterate how financial
professionals must navigate through the economic environment using analytical skills and help
the business grow. The practicality of my studies has become more obvious to me as I observe
that financial decisions shape a company's strategic direction and justify its overall performance.

A graduate whom I followed on LinkedIn was in the same career field as me in the Candy Kitten
company. Therefore, I vote for my placement at Candy Kitten. Watching the milestones in their
career path and understanding the complications also attracted me to my aspirations. This
connection revealed how the rapidly changing landscape of the finance industry is shaping up,
and I have been able to detail my interests and expertise based on it.

Future Vision Section

In exploring the prospects of my career path in the field of Finance, significant trends are
expected to transform the nature of the field. Machine learning and data analytics are to be the
tools of trade for financial processes in the future. They are predicted to redefine how financial
decisions are made. Moreover, blockchain technology integration could allow for the further
development of efficiency and security in the financial sector. The emerging trend of global

5
markets through trade will require financial professionals with a deep understanding of
International financial systems and regulatory frameworks with a focus on a global perspective
(Goodell et al., 2021).

The emergence of sustainable Finance with a high level of attention to the environmental, social,
and governance (ESG) factors is one of the key tendencies now. With sustainability as a pivotal
principle, finance professionals will require proficiency in ethical investment, green Finance, as
well as climate risks on financial strategy implications. Moreover, facing upcoming pattern
shifts, I realise the necessity to create a multipurpose skill set. Consistent learning in data
analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology will be of top priority. These
characteristics become key to keeping a business competitive in a highly dynamic financial
landscape through adopting new technologies and adapting to change (Dmuchowski et al., 2023).

In exploring the prospects of my career path in the field of Finance, significant trends are
expected to transform the nature of the field. For example, machine learning and data analytics
are to be the business tools in the future for financial processes. Moreover, blockchain
technology integration could allow me for the further development of efficiency and security in
the financial sector. The emerging trend of global markets will require financial professionals
with a deep understanding of international financial systems and regulatory frameworks and a
focus on a global perspective. So, I must concentrate on these business aspects to develop my
career in Finance and Management (Qasim and Kharbat, 2020).

In addition, the emergence of sustainable Finance with a high level of attention to environmental,
social, and governance (ESG) factors is currently one of the key learnings. With sustainability as
a pivotal principle, finance professionals will require proficiency in ethical investment and green
Finance. Encountering modern developments in Finance, Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH),
and (Modern Portfolio Theory) MPT frameworks are significant. The EMH calls for an
adjustment to information efficiency, and on the other hand, the MPT demonstrate the need for
portfolio diversification. Through the combination of these theories, along with the study of
emerging technologies, sustainable Finance and a holistic approach toward navigating the ever-
changing financial arena are formulated. However, learning and adapting are critical issues in
this volatile environment (Sinha and Biswas, 2018).

6
Skills Evaluation

i. Current Skills

Now, I am well equipped with the financial analysis, budgeting approaches, and risk
management concepts I have acquired through academic activities. I also developed my practical
experience during my placement at Candy Kitten. I have developed my communication skills as
I communicate with fellows and managers for help or queries. Besides this, I also gained
problem-solving and task-management skills, which are essential for a finance executive. My
knowledge of financial software and Microsoft Excel is another aspect which definitely
contributes to the development of my quantitative skills. Furthermore, my teamwork and data-
driven skills have grown stronger throughout group projects and interactions.

ii. Skills Needing Improvement

Despite developing various skills, further improvement is required in utilising advanced data
analytic techniques and appropriate programming languages to address financial issues.
Moreover, the adoption of emerging technologies, including blockchain, data analytics, and
advanced finance modelling, is critical to ensuring my place in the changing financial world. So,
I must improve these skills for my future career development.

iii. Personal Development Plan

Following is my Personal Development Plan, including short, interim and long-term goals.

i. Short Term Goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/ Time Frame

Outcome
Data I will enrol I will allocate at Completion of the 3 Months
Analytics in an online least 5 hours per advanced data analytics
advanced week for course. Successful
data coursework and application in a project.
analytics practical exercises.
course. Aim to complete
the Course and

7
 apply skills in a
real-world project.
Sustainable I will attend I will dedicate time Active participation in 3 Months
Finance workshops to reading relevant sustainable finance
and webinars literature and events. Developing an
on staying updated on understanding of ESG
sustainable industry factors.
finance developments.
principles Engage in
and ESG discussions for
factors. practical insights.

ii. Interim Goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/Outcome Time

Frame
Programmin I will enrol in I will practice Successful completion 1 Year
g Languages an coding regularly of the programming
intermediate- and undertake course. Ability to code
level small projects. independently.
programming Collaborate with
course focusing peers or mentors
on languages for feedback and
like Python. skill enhancement.
Advanced I will I will develop Proficiency in advanced 1 Year
Financial participate in complex financial financial modelling.
Modeling an advanced models for Positive feedback from
financial different scenarios. mentors.
modelling Seek mentorship
workshop or from industry
certification professionals for

8
 program. refinement.

iii. Long Term Goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/Outcome Time

Frame
Blockchain I will pursue an I will work on a Successful 3 Years
Technology in-depth substantial implementation of a
certification blockchain project, blockchain project.
program in possibly
blockchain integrating it into a
technology. financial system.
Leadership I will undertake I will seek Improved leadership and 3 Years
and courses or leadership strategic management
Management workshops on opportunities skills; positive feedback
Skills leadership and within projects or from peers.
strategic teams. I will also
management. actively participate
in industry
conferences for
skill enhancement.

Conclusion

In the end, my portfolio demonstrates the evolution of my expertise in Finance and Management
from my studies to practical situations, having been an internal finance executive at Candy
Kitten. Through the evaluation of my current skills, I have obtained positive experience in
financial analysis and teamwork, as well as negative experiences, such as a lack of advanced data
analytics and blockchain technology. Moreover, the personal development plan contains strategic
waypoints which provide planning for short, interim, and long-term goals to improve
extensively. So that I can quickly make any adaptations and remain competitive in the ever-

9
dynamic financial world. The future technologies in Finance mark the evolution of banking,
articulating the importance of a controlled skill set. My journey into Finance will enable me to
develop my capabilities, adopt new technologies, and contribute with the utmost ethical
principles to the world. The portfolio reflects my feelings concerning factual implementation,
academic literature, and the preparatory moves I have taken towards my academic pursuit in
Finance.

10
References

Dmuchowski, P., Dmuchowski, W., Baczewska-Dąbrowska, A. H., and Gworek, B. (2023)

‘Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) model; impacts and sustainable
investment–Global trends and Poland's perspective’, Journal of Environmental
Management, 329, 117023. Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030147972268. [Accessed 11 Mar.
2024].

Goodell, J. W., Kumar, S., Lim, W. M., and Pattnaik, D. (2021) ‘Artificial intelligence and
machine learning in finance: Identifying foundations, themes, and research clusters from
bibliometric analysis’, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, 32, 100577.
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221463502100.
[Accessed 11 Mar. 2024].

Newyorkfed.org. (2023) The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates [online] Available at:
https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:explore: unemployment
[Accessed 11 Mar. 2024].

Qasim, A., and Kharbat, F. F. (2020) ‘Blockchain technology, business data analytics, and
artificial intelligence: Use in the accounting profession and ideas for inclusion into the
accounting curriculum’, Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 17(1), 107-
117. Available at: https://publications.aaahq.org/jeta/article-abstract/17/1/107/9324.
[Accessed 11 Mar. 2024].

Sinha, D. P. C., and Biswas, M. A. (2018) ‘Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Portfolio
Theory: A Review’, Vidyasagar University Journal of Commerce, The UGC of India
listed Journal, Forthcoming. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?
abstract_id=3197662. [Accessed 11 Mar. 2024].

11
Appendices

1 Placement ad

12
2 Updated Graduate CV (showing redesign towards the placement)

2 WEA Award (showing your name)

13
3 Forage/Linked In courses (ditto)

14
15
4 Proof of work experience (pay slips or headed letter confirming the period of work from
employers, invoices/bank statements for self-employed).

16
5 SMART goals planning grid: 3 SMART goals with short, interim and long-term measurable
specifics

Short term goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/ Time Frame

Outcome
Data I will enroll I will allocate at Completion of the 3 Months
Analytics in an online least 5 hours per advanced data analytics
advanced week for course. Successful
data coursework and application in a project.
analytics practical exercises.
course. Aim to complete
the Course and
apply skills in a
real-world project.
Sustainable I will attend I will dedicate time Active participation in 3 Months
Finance workshops to reading relevant sustainable finance
and webinars literature and events. Developing an
on staying updated on understanding of ESG
sustainable industry factors.
finance developments.
principles Engage in
and ESG discussions for
factors. practical insights.
Interim goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/Outcome Time

Frame
Programmin I will enrol in I will practice Successful completion 1 Year
g Languages an coding regularly of the programming
intermediate- and undertake course. Ability to code
level small projects. independently.

17
 programming Collaborate with
course focusing peers or mentors
on languages for feedback and
like Python. skill enhancement.
Advanced I will I will develop Proficiency in advanced 1 Year
Financial participate in complex financial financial modelling.
Modeling an advanced models for Positive feedback from
financial different scenarios. mentors.
modelling Seek mentorship
workshop or from industry
certification professionals for
program. refinement.
Long term goals

Category Goals Action Steps Measurement/Outcome Time

Frame
Blockchain I will pursue an I will work on a Successful 3 Years
Technology in-depth substantial implementation of a
certification blockchain project, blockchain project.
program in possibly
blockchain integrating it into a
technology. financial system.
Leadership I will undertake I will seek Improved leadership and 3 Years
and courses or leadership strategic management
Management workshops on opportunities skills; positive feedback
Skills leadership and within projects or from peers.
strategic teams. I will also
management. actively participate
in industry
conferences for
skill enhancement.

18