ILC ARTICLE

Rising Star interview with Megan Brockman, senior finance manager – ThingCo

3rd August 2021

1. Tell us about your role. What do you do, and what do you find most interesting about it?

I am the Senior Finance Manager for ThingCo. Most of my responsibilities lie in making sure we are reporting the business activity correctly, looking after the company’s money, so paying people on time and making sure people pay us on time. I liaise with external accountants to ensure reporting is accurate and as we grow work on bringing the right discipline to our policies and procedures. There are many other duties I have such as the payroll and I enjoy how I use my Events management degree, getting involved in all other aspects of the business.

Having been with ThingCo from the start, it has been amazing to be part of a start-up and as in many small companies, you really get an insight into every area of the business, understand how a business works and find out what you enjoy.

Through this I have found the Finance side of things the most interesting, which has even led me to start studying for AAT in September. I like the problem-solving side of Finance, the way that everything has a rationale, and it all adds up in the end, it is just fun working out why it sometimes doesn’t at the time.

I also love working for a company that is so fast paced and every day being different. You are constantly building your knowledge and I enjoy how much responsibility you take on

2. What made you want to work in this industry? 

I have grown up with my Dad that has been in the insurance industry for most of his life. He has always been incredibly enthusiastic, passionate and loved/loves his job. When I got given the opportunity to come on board to ThingCo right when it was starting up, it was a very easy decision, I was fresh out of University and ready to throw myself into work and take on any challenges that come my way.

I feel the Insurance industry is a great place to start, grow and develop your career.

3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to your industry in the next year?

The pace of change in the insurance industry is amazing, from taking the best advantage of technology to providing customers with better products, adapting to EV’s and even working from home.

Customer expectations are always ahead of what you are delivering so always being a step ahead is a challenge but key to being the best.

4. How would you like to see the industry improved next year / 5 years / by the time you retire? 

I would love to see more companies giving young people opportunities. Giving them that foot in the door into an Industry that has room for a variety of skill sets. Young people bring new energy, ideas and perspective into a sector that is rapidly changing.

The insurance world is also often not an immediate choice of industry for younger age groups but by getting them interested through internships, apprenticeships and graduate schemes can be an asset to your workplace. Since after all the younger generation has grown up with technology and they fully appreciate changing customer expectations. Now is an exciting time to work in Insurance.

5. If you could give your 16-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

There are so many things I wish I could have told my 16-year-old self.

• You are a lot smarter than you think you are. Have confidence and belief in what you do throughout life as you have amazing unknown potential.
• Don’t worry if you haven’t got everything figured out, things fall into place and what is meant to be will be.
• Take a leap of faith in yourself.