Through the lens of the media you often just see one side of finance, Wall Street traders and stock charts make up most of the images that grace your screens. At How To Money, we know there’s a lot more to finance than that, and there are countless individuals working in the industry across a wide variety of roles.

Whether you’re looking to work in finance or are just interested in what they do all day, this series focuses on people working in the industry and their stories. Welcome to the Faces of Finance…

In this instalment of Faces of Finance, we interviewed Sara Tweedly, the Group Executive of Digital & Marketing at Canstar. We’d love your feedback and suggestions on who we should interview next! Get in touch via email at howtomoneyaus@gmail.com.

Introducing Sara Tweedly from Canstar

I’m the Group Executive, Digital & Marketing at Canstar — Australia’s biggest financial comparison site. In my role, I’m responsible for building our brand awareness, driving customers to our websites and making sure people who visit Canstar find the right products for them quickly and easily.

How did you get into finance?

It wasn’t something I’d planned. I was working part-time at a large bank in the UK and studying at the same time. As part of my degree, I did a marketing and product placement at that same bank and the rest is history.

My move into the financial comparison industry happened in 2013 when I joined Canstar. Back then, I had just one direct report and a focus on digital marketing initiatives. Fast forward to today and I’m now in a joint marketing and digital leadership role across a team of nearly 40 finance marketing specialists, digital product developers and finance journalists.

This growth has been made possible by Aussies’ interest in personal finances in recent years, which makes comparison an exciting space to be in the finance industry.

What do you enjoy about working in the financial services industry?

I like knowing that I am helping people to improve their understanding of money and ultimately helping them to get the right product for them, which can make a real difference. Good money management gives you choices and reduces daily stresses.

The other thing I like is working in an industry that is constantly innovating and embracing change. When I first started in the finance industry, I was working in an e-commerce team and online banking was just becoming mainstream, now it’s second nature and instead, we are developing products using machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine how likely you are to get a loan.

Do you see any downsides to working in this industry?

Years ago I might have said customer interest in finance was the industry’s biggest downside but I think this has increased significantly in recent times with customers now more interested than ever before in their own finances.

Today I’m inclined to say that the industry’s biggest downside could also be its greatest asset. With such a heavy focus on regulation and compliance requirements since the Royal Commission, some people would see this as a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through. However, it really does depend on how you perceive it. This could be the finance industry’s greatest opportunity where the innovators will really stand out.

Finance can be perceived as boring or complex. I personally don’t think it’s either, but it’s the job of those working in finance to help convince others of that!

If you received $1000 extra to spend to ‘increase your happiness’ right now, what would you use it on?

I’d buy a new bike. I started cycling late last year to achieve a fitness goal and to give myself the headspace to listen to podcasts and audiobooks outside of the daily grind. I promised myself a halfway decent bike if I maintained my weekly cycles so this would be a welcomed reward!

What are your tips for young Australians considering a career/job in finance?

Don’t assume finance is one thing when it can be many — There are so many different types of roles, different types of companies and different areas to explore within the finance industry from technology roles to marketing roles, Big 4 Banks to startups, lending to insurtech. Take the time to explore what’s out there and who’s who in terms of brands and their customer commitment.

Keep up to date & network — The pace of change is rapid and there are lots of sources to help you learn — read widely (including Canstar.com.au:)), take part in digital meetups, listen to podcasts, follow leaders or futurists in the finance and fintech space that you’re interested in. You’ll quickly see this industry is far from boring and full of passionate people.

Want to learn more about money and personal finance? Check out our article archive, the How To Money Podcast and the Australian Finance Podcast. Catch us on Twitter @HowToMoneyAUS and Instagram on @HowToMoneyAUS.

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