As part of our new feature on social media we introduce our members with a view to learning a little bit more about them. This week we feature Lubnah Alam, Director of Financial Services at The Guinness Partnership. Lubnah met with our social media team and took part in the following interview:
It would be great if you could forward me a little introduction to yourself and a photo of yourself that you would be happy for us to use on LinkedIn, Twitter and our Website.
Lubnah Alam, FCCA, working full-time, with a daughter aged 12 :)
I am a hugely driven individual who enjoys a challenge. My passion is to drive change through people, processes and systems whilst challenging the status quo. Currently I am the Director of Financial Services at The Guinness Partnership, (which is a social housing provider) where I am responsible for the Finance Shared Services, which involves Payables, Income Processing, Fixed Assets, Rents & Service Charges and Finance Systems. My experiences within the Shared Service arena have exposed me to various challenges whether it is to ensure sufficient controls are in place, reconciliations are completed or to reduce month end close.
Could you tell us the biggest benefits of having shared services for your company?
The benefit of having a Shared Service is not only a way to be cost efficient, but it also enables us to provide a higher consistent service quality through simplified, standardised processes. It drives ownership and accountability and proves the value add this service provides to the business. We are like a community that aims to integrate ourselves with the wider business that increases our employee satisfaction and engagement.
How would you describe the company ethos/culture at The Guinness Partnership?
Guinness is here to provide Great Service, Great Homes and a Great Place to Work. We've been around for more than 125 years and fundamentally we are here to improve lives. Amazing service is at the heart of everything we do, whether you work on the front line or in the office processing invoices. The aim is to be "warm and friendly; keep it simple and just get things done".
What would you say are your three biggest achievements?
1. Implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 implementation in 20 weeks
2. Implementing a skills matrix across finance - this enabled a structured approach to succession planning and development.
3. Positive role model to future generation of women especially coming from a culture and family where women were not necessarily encouraged to have a career.
What challenges do you face in the future?
The social housing sector is undergoing significant changes as it faces a number of new challenges. External factors, including regulatory and welfare reform, plus demand for new housing outstripping supply are having a huge effect. We are going through digital transformation to make it easier for the customer to deal with us and improving our systems to make sure our customers continue to be safe in their homes.
Particularly in finance, we are continuously improving the way we work to add more value and support across the business through analysis and reporting to collaborative working.
How do you feel about AI/RPA/Fintech
Robotics seems to be the hot topic at the moment. From what I have seen it definitely opens up opportunities to become efficient - it takes the receptiveness out of a daily routine. Technology moves at such a pace that we need to be open about the opportunities it brings and embrace the change.
What benefits do you find personally of being a member of SSF UK?
There are a number of benefits being a member of SSF UK - the network meetings provide a platform to share best practice and learn from each other's experiences, whether it is related to systems or people.
The annual conference is an inspirational event and recharges the batteries! Again, an opportunity to learn and share experiences.
Thank you Lubnah!
