Testimonials

Hear from the people themselves, read and watch the testimonials below to find out more about the journeys of those currently working in Jersey’s finance industry.

Hear From Your Peers

Tiny voices, big questions: what is finance?

Joe Moynihan, CEO at Jersey Finance, was recently interviewed by Rupert, who asked some tough questions providing students with an inside look at the finance industry and revealing there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Redefining success: a career journey in finance

Michelle Le Herrissier, sat down with Noah for an engaging conversation about her remarkable career journey. From her surprising switch from acting to finance to her globe-trotting experiences in the industry, Michelle shares the unique story behind her professional success.

Is finance just about numbers?

Do you really need to study math to work in finance?

Explore the answer in this insightful conversation with Nadine van der Westhuizen from PwC Channel Islands and Carmen, a local student.

They discuss the diverse opportunities within the finance industry, and the significant impact it has on local communities, and its role in driving global business growth.

Intro to sustainable finance

Tori Davis, Senior Manager in the PwC Sustainability team, shares an insight into her role in helping create a more inclusive economy and how she uses her passion for sustainability in her day-to-day role.

Growing your career in finance

Jake McMichael, Assistant Manager – Corporate at VG, shares the pathway to his current role.

He discusses his decision-making when leaving school and how he has been supported throughout his career, and all the benefits of working in Jersey finance sector.

Find the current opportunities in Jersey’s finance industry.

What it’s really like: written testimonials from finance professionals

Accountancy

Ollie De Sousa
Ollie De SousaAudit Manager, KPMG (secondment in San Francisco)
My work primarily consists of valuing investments - the most interesting aspect of the job in my opinion! Collaboration with the client deal team is key and regularly involves open discussions surrounding different valuation inputs and methodologies, as well as current and potential future market conditions. The route into finance, and more specifically accounting, as a school leaver is one that I simply can’t recommend enough. The opportunity to leave school and obtain a professional qualification within three years provides you with a great platform upon which to build your career at such a young age.
James Le Bailly
James Le BaillyPartner, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
I lead the Real Estate Group at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies. I joined KPMG in Jersey in 2006 and have worked in financial services and asset management ever since, including spending two years working at KPMG in San Francisco. My journey has been dynamic and rewarding. Every day is different, working with different teams, different clients, on different assets and in different places. Working in a premier international finance centre for a leading global firm like KPMG has opened doors to countless opportunities. I encourage students to find out more about the vast opportunities available to them in the finance industry by attending career events and open days.
Sivaradjen Ramsamy
Sivaradjen RamsamyAssistant Manager, Client Accounting, Mourant
My journey began in Mauritius, where I completed my ACCA studies and discovered a strong passion for purposeful, meaningful financial work. Relocating to Jersey in 2022 opened new opportunities and ultimately led me to my current role as Assistant Manager in Client Accounting at Mourant. I enjoy the balance of technical complexity, client engagement, and team leadership that the role provides. Accountancy offers a stable, globally relevant career path for driven individuals, and in my day-to-day work I manage client deliverables, review financial statements, and support colleagues, drawing on communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and sound judgement to ensure accuracy and confidence in our work.
Axel Nixon
Axel NixonAssistant Manager, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
My role at KPMG focuses on valuing investments, which involves significant client interaction, analysing technical inputs and applying key judgements. As a school leaver, joining KPMG was the best decision I could have made for myself. Within three years, I achieved my ACCA qualification, obtained a BSc (Hons) degree and became MCSI qualified, whilst gaining valuable practical working experience and receiving outstanding support from KPMG. The opportunities available to school leavers are exceptional, providing a strong platform to build a career from an early stage. With opportunities to work and travel globally, it's hard to fault a career at KPMG.
Emily Dutton
Emily DuttonAssistant Manager, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
Joining KPMG straight from school has been an incredibly rewarding route into finance. My day-to-day work involves leading audit engagements across a diverse portfolio of clients in a range of industries, including international real estate, private equity, banking and family office structures. Being exposed to such a highly developed and sophisticated finance industry from an early stage in my career, while also receiving the support to achieve my ACCA qualification alongside my role, has been incredibly valuable. It’s an opportunity I believe to be unique to Jersey, and has given me a strong foundation, both professionally and personally, to continue developing my career.

Compliance

Olivia Thomas
Olivia ThomasSenior Compliance Administrator, Titan Wealth
In my role I provide support and assistance to ensure that Titan Wealth is compliant with Jersey and Guernsey’s AML regulations. In compliance, you are exposed to all areas, making the role diverse and exciting. Working in finance has enabled me to earn money whilst I study, and I have gained qualifications that are recognised worldwide. I have gained a lot of transferrable skills which I can apply to my personal life, and I am more confident with my knowledge throughout my time in the finance industry. I hope to continue with studying, enabling me to gain more knowledge within the industry.

Funds

Harry O’Connor
Harry O’ConnorDeal Advisory Manager, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
My work focuses on performing private asset valuations in the alternative assets sector. In practice this requires analytical work, client engagement, coaching of associates and presentational skills. The cross section of KPMG as a globally recognised professional services firm and Jersey as an international finance centre gives the role direct access to some of the biggest players in the industry. The scale of work makes it exciting and provides a sense of importance in what we do. I have had a great experience at KPMG which has allowed me to commence a two year secondment to San Francisco in 2023.

Business Development and Marketing

Elizabeth Woodward
Elizabeth WoodwardAssistant Manager – Clients & Markets, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
I joined KPMG at 18 to start working in Audit, after completing my A-levels. Since then, I have become ACCA qualified and moved into the Clients & Markets team. My role now focuses on business development & growth, strategy & market insights, while allowing me to further develop my relationships with clients. What I value most about Jersey’s finance industry is the opportunity to connect with and learn from experienced professionals in a way that is less accessible in the UK market. I am grateful to KPMG for helping me begin and grow my career from such an early age.

Human Resources

Ana Martins
Ana MartinsSenior HR Manager, Accuro
I joined the finance industry after graduating with a degree in International Financial Services and gained experience in HR during my work placement. What I love about HR is that no two days are the same- you're often confronted with new challenges that require critical thinking and creativity, making the work both challenging and rewarding. Today, my role is to lead the people strategy for Jersey and London, oversee the employee lifecycle, from onboarding new joiners to developing learning and development initiatives. If you’re naturally curious, personable and enjoy problem solving, you might want to consider a career in HR.

Investment Management

Declan Falla
Declan FallaInvestment Manager, LGT Wealth Management Jersey Ltd
I joined the finance industry after finishing my A-levels as an Investment Assistant. The role allowed me to learn from the ground up, developing skills and technical knowledge alongside qualifications. I worked my way up to become an Investment Manager, looking after discretionary and advisory portfolios for clients, companies and trusts. No two days are the same. The role combines investment markets and portfolio management with strong, long-term client relationships. My advice is to be proactive, ask questions and take every opportunity to learn. Stay open to new challenges, progress often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Law

Yurii Tsybulskyi
Yurii TsybulskyiParalegal, Baker & Partners
I started my legal career in Jersey while also studying for the British LL.B. My usual day-to-day responsibilities as a junior lawyer mostly include conducting legal research and assisting senior colleagues with preparation for court hearings and meetings with clients. One thing I like the most about my work is that I constantly get exposure to the firm's high-value international matters. Starting a law career in Jersey provides you with many benefits, such as gaining hands-on experience from the outset. This early exposure sets you apart and rapidly advances your career.
Freya Robinson
Freya RobinsonTrainee Solicitor, Voisin Law
I began my legal career in Jersey in 2022 after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Criminology. Although I did not study law at university, I soon realised that there are several routes into a rewarding legal career. After gaining experience in Voisin’s Corporate and Commercial Department, I joined the Dispute Resolution team, where I assist colleagues on a range of civil and criminal litigation matters. I enjoy the variety and challenge of the work, particularly conducting legal research, preparing for court hearings, and assisting with client matters. I am currently undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), having passed SQE1 and now preparing for SQE2, with the aim of qualifying as an English solicitor next year. Studying for the SQE while working full-time has given me valuable exposure to different areas of practice and the opportunity to develop practical experience in the areas in which I am being trained and assessed.
Lauren Cheshire
Lauren CheshireAssociate, Voisin Law
My legal journey began in 2019 when I started my Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the Institute of Law in Jersey, graduating in 2022. I then gained practical experience by commencing a training contract in October of that year, while also completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This route to qualification is excellent for those wishing to remain in Jersey whilst completing their legal studies. I was admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2024 and am now working as an Associate at Voisin Law in their Corporate, Commercial and Trust Department. My job offers me the opportunity to assist with a wide range of transactions meaning that every day is different.
Stephanie Habin
Stephanie HabinEnglish Solicitor, Voisin Law
I first joined Voisin Law LLP in 2008 as a bursary student before joining full-time in 2013, having secured a training contract with the firm. Prior to commencing my training contract, I studied Law and graduated from Durham University with an LLB, after which I went on to complete the Law Practitioner Course (LPC) at the University of Law, Bristol. I qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 2015, and I now work in Voisin’s Dispute Resolution department with expertise in employment law. My method of qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales via the LPC and training contract is being phased out with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Between studying and starting with Voisin full-time, I took time out to travel and work in a number of law related roles in both the public and private sectors.

Private Wealth

Jasmine Le Lievre
Jasmine Le Lievre Administrator, Accuro
My journey started at Accuro in November 2023, I had little knowledge of the Private Client industry but through the ongoing support and direction from my line manager and colleagues, I have developed my technical knowledge and understanding of offshore structures. Personal and professional growth are integral to the company’s culture, and in addition to on-the-job learning, I have been supported to pursue a STEP qualification. My role is very varied and continues to evolve as my knowledge develops. Starting a new job in an unfamiliar industry can be daunting, but to those who are considering a career-change into financial services industry, all I can say is: Take the Leap!
Ellie Blacker
Ellie Blacker Associate, Equiom
Working at Equiom has afforded me invaluable opportunities for professional growth and a deeper understanding of the Trust sector, thanks to the support of my knowledgeable colleagues. In my role, I support various client campaigns and management projects, which has helped me develop both confidence and expertise. I’m also pursuing a professional qualification, which I plan to complete by the end of 2024. The finance industry is an ideal starting point for local students, offering a pathway to begin their careers at an entry level and develop within a dynamic environment alongside a diverse group of professionals.
Linzi Maindonald
Linzi MaindonaldAssociate Director, Hawksford
The finance industry is a great option for Islanders looking to embark on a long and successful career path. Many firms, including Hawksford, are now offering flexible, hybrid-working models, which enable you to really have control of your days. My role is varied, with no two days being the same; this keeps me interested and engaged. There is a common misconception that working in finance is dull and monotonous, but that’s really not the case. I manage a team of Trust and Company Administrators and provide high-end administration to a varied portfolio of clients with a diverse range of assets, such as commercial and real estate investments, private equity and investment portfolios.
Chris Mourant
Chris MourantAssociate Director, Private Client Team, Fairway
Working closely with multiple teams at Fairway offers me the freedom to apply a broad range of abilities. There's never a same day in the office, I love the variety. One piece of advice I would provide to trainees or graduates considering a career in finance is to view it as a career rather than just a way to make ends meet. You must be passionate about your work and take pleasure in what you do. A career in financial services can benefit from a wide range of transferrable skills. Of course, teamwork comes first, but problem-solving, prioritisation, and people skills are also highly valued.

Leadership and Management

Jane Howard
Jane HowardChief Executive, RBS International
Banking provides lots of opportunities for different skills from data scientists and technologists to our frontline colleagues who support our customers as relationship managers and in our branches. I wanted to become a banker because of the role it plays in society, supporting a country’s economy and growth and an important role in wealth redistribution. I’ve worked in the industry for 40 years, it’s been rewarding and challenging; there were and still are so many opportunities for people who have the right attitude. I joined from school, that worked for me and I and pursued a career whilst completing academic and professional qualifications in parallel; I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning. I moved to Jersey just over 12 months ago; it’s a really special place and has unique qualities that create an environment where it’s easy to collaborate and work together for the Island’s future success.