Meet Our Team

We asked a selection of the FinanceMark team what made them decide to switch to a career in recruitment and their thoughts on working their (yes…these are their words!).

Kate Muller – Consulting Manager

What were you doing before FinanceMark and what made you switch?
I worked for 13 years in accounting & finance across a number of industries such as Import, Distribution, Wholesale, Publishing, Medical and IT. I was also studying part-time and being a Mum! But I was craving more interaction with people. I really identified with Owen’s ad “Do you prefer people to P&L’s?”.

What do you love about your career with FinanceMark?
The most interesting aspect is that, unlike numbers which you can’t always control, people can be somewhat changeable! It keeps you on your toes and I thrive on the fast pace and the flexibility really suits me as a working mother. I can truly say I’ve never woken up and not wanted to come in here. I love the team environment. We know how to have fun!

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
Recruitment consulting of course!

Deborah Cochrane – Consultant

What were you doing before FinanceMark and what made you switch?
Before FinanceMark I spent 6 years with two large second-tier accounting firms in their Business Services divisions. I began my accounting career as an undergraduate cadet and while working, completed my Commerce degree and then the CA Program in 2004. However, while working in public practice, I wanted to explore a more “people-related” field.

What do you love about your career with FinanceMark?
Every assignment is different and every day presents new challenges. The team here are very professional and supportive. We’ve all come from an accounting or HR background which makes an enormous difference as we can really understand the roles we are recruiting for. I love working for an organisation that makes a positive difference in peoples’ lives. Offering someone their dream job and receiving positive feedback from candidates and clients is extremely rewarding.

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
I can’t imagine doing anything else!

Cara Beaumont - Consultant

Can you tell me a little about what you were doing before you became a consultant at FinanceMark?
Prior to joining Financemark I worked as a Recruitment Consultant with a firm based in Newcastle. I specialised in Office Support placements, on a permanent and contract basis, across a diverse range of industries. I relocated to Sydney towards the end of 2006 and was lucky enough to secure a position with FinanceMark! This is my seventh year in the industry and I’m looking forward to many more!

What do you love about your new career?
Recruitment is fast paced, exciting and every day is different! I enjoy building relationships with clients and candidates and providing them with ongoing solutions. I find my job very rewarding and the team here are fantastic. We truly value the service we provide and are passionate about what we do!

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
If we were to rule out Recruitment, I would have to say ROCK STAR!

Sharon Bardsley - Consultant

Can you tell me a little about what you were doing before you became a consultant at FinanceMark?
In my accounting career, I have always gravitated towards systems, taking on any systems based projects as they come up, as they are always challenging and rewarding. I have also worked as a consultant providing solutions to clients for their accounting systems, processes and reporting needs.

Why did you decide to make the switch from your previous role to recruitment?
I was starting to feel like I needed a change, and when I was in the market for a new job, I found that the recruitment process that I was going through was definitely not focused towards me and my needs. I was being pressured to take on roles that didn’t suit me and didn’t take into consideration my background, they just seemed to be jobs that the recruiter needed to fill, and this wouldn’t benefit either myself or my future employer.
When I saw the opportunity to work for a company that redefined the recruitment process I thought that this would fit in with my perception of the change in the market that was required, and give me the change that I needed.

What’s it like working in the FinanceMark team?
They are just the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I love the fact that everyone shares our resources, and are more interested in finding the best solution for the candidate and client than in their own commission. But the best part of all is getting together for drinks!

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
A “Getaway” travel reporter (move over Catriona Rowntree!).

Nadine Sharpe – Candidate Relationship Manager

What were you doing before FinanceMark and what made you switch?
My whole career has been customer/client focused. I have an honours degree in Economics and in the earlier part of my career; I worked in accounts payable/finance type roles. I have worked for FM on two separate occasions. Firstly, to work in a professional ‘consulting’ capacity. Secondly as Candidate Relationship Manager. The challenge of gaining technical and commercial experience in finance is also interesting. I have just started studying a Masters in Professional Accounting - I did this to gain professional transferable skills, as I believe that Accountants have great career opportunities available to them, and I felt that this was something that would enhance my technical understanding in my current role and therefore enable me to perform to a higher level.

What do you love about your career with FinanceMark?
I love the interaction with people from all different backgrounds. My role challenges me to constantly think up new ideas and see them through to fruition. I also love that we are well respected in the marketplace and that we continually strive to do things better.

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
The pragmatist in me says Architect. But, the dreamer in me says a trapeze artist in Cirque de Sole! Imagine how exciting it would be to travel the world doing such an exhilarating job…and imagine the body I would have!

Mary Somers – Recruitment Coordinator

What were you doing before FinanceMark and what made you switch?
I worked as HR Manager for the Irish operation of the second biggest youth travel company in the world. FinanceMark seemed to address all the frustrations (and there were quite a few) that made me reluctant to use recruitment agencies as an employer. (And working here has proven that it is not just rhetoric!)

What do you love about your career with FinanceMark?
We're a close-knit bunch who have high standards. I love that we provide a service we can stand beside with pride. And also the fact that we are helping people on the next step in their life, and making that transition easier.

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
Flim location scout!! Or possibly I could open up the FinanceMark Bermuda office?