Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week,Teresa Cameron, Finance Director at global payments solution provider Clear Junction, speaks on her working class roots and how this has shaped her work ethic, from the discipline learned as a member of the Royal Air Force Cadets through to her time working in treasury.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I didn’t go to university. Instead, I left college after my A-levels and got a job with a trading firm based at the London International Futures Exchange (LIFFE) – I call it my ‘University of LIFFE’.
Here I worked full time in the finance team, rotating across teams while studying at evening and weekend classes for my accountancy qualifications. This gave me fantastic real-world experience and helped with my studies, as I was able to put what I was learning into practice on the job.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
During my teenage years and into young adulthood, I was a member of the Royal Air Force Cadets. I truly believe this instilled in me from a young age discipline, teamwork, and determination. Many of the lessons I learnt about leadership come from my time in the cadets.
Did you have any jobs outside of the industry before making your start in it and was this experience a motivation to get into the industry you aspired to be in?
I started straight in the industry but did take some time out to try new industries (music and then advertising). This gave me a new perspective and people skills that I was able to bring back when I returned to payments.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first job was for a company called GNI, and I was a junior in the finance team. One of my tasks was expenses claims, and this involved interacting with everyone across the business, including traders on the LIFFE floor.
It taught me so much about building relationships and good communication skills – something that is still a critical part of my day-to-day role.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I would actually say my aunt. I came from a traditional working-class upbringing where my dad was out at work and my mum was home with the children. My aunt was the first female role model that I saw who had a job in London and was a strong, independent woman.
I saw her working hard for her surveying qualification and her buying a home and a car and having nice holidays. She has always been interested in my career and championed me from the side. She has had an amazing career so far and has inspired me to reach for success in my own career, too.
When was your first big break in the payments industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
Well, here at Clear Junction, our CEO Dima gave me a chance to come back into the industry after a six-year gap working away from payments. My role here is so much wider than finance as I am able to help to influence and shape the strategy and growth of the business.
It genuinely feels like it is ‘our’ business, and the whole team works tirelessly every day to make it a success. I feel here that all of my past experience has been leading to this job, and I’m the most content I have ever been in my career.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
For a large part of my career, I was a treasurer (and still am at heart) and with that it is business as usual to be flying by the seat of your pants, making decisions daily.
Having said that, the biggest challenge I ever faced was when I worked for a trading and brokerage firm that was served by MF Global as our Clearing House when they went into administration.
That was a very long day, trying to secure the company and client funds while dealing with a run on drawings of our own clients and the risk and compliance director pacing behind my back! I just stayed calm, dealt with one thing at a time and was able to rely on the good relationships I had with people and call in the favours!
It was only coming home on the train late that night when the adrenaline wore off that it hit me – wow, what just happened today? Often now if I’m having a bad day, I think back to then and know there is nothing I cannot manage.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
Read, read, and read some more! Knowledge definitely is power! Having qualifications and experience is great, but what really sets people apart is when they are constantly learning, changing, and adapting.
This industry has been through so much change and it will continue to evolve, so keeping up to date with what’s going on in this industry and the world will allow you to have an added advantage.
