Marc

i. What is your current assignment about?
As part of the Electrification Products (EP) division controlling team we are responsible for all financials related to the division. This means continuous analysis of the division’s business performance, which builds the basis for decision recommendations for the management team. This means a close contact with business units across the globe, making the day-to-day experience very international and diverse.

ii. Why did you select this assignment?
There were several reasons for me to join the EP Division controlling team. Firstly, in the interviews I felt immediately understood by the team members and they have a reputation of sharing knowledge and being good teachers. Secondly, having worked in a system business during my first assignment, I was looking for a different experience and therefore wanted to join a product business focused division. Thirdly, even though working at headquarters, I aimed to stay as close to the business as possible.

iii. Describe a typical “day in the life” of you?
Even though, there were reoccurring tasks in division controlling like the month-end or quarter-end closing, a typical day did not exist. The focus of analysis, projects and challenges changed almost on a daily basis and as a team we had to react very quickly to these changes. This fast moving environment made my experience very exciting, as it gave me the possibility to be exposed to a lot of different challenges and learning opportunities in a short period.

iv. What is the most interesting or fun part of you work?
The most fun part is the interaction with the finance community all around the world and at the headquarters. This makes the assignment a truly international experience where I can grow from a professional perspective but also as a person. I not only meet great colleagues but also consider many of them my friends. Exchanging ideas, overcoming challenges and work on making a difference with the team is great fun, especially when having success together, which we celebrate.

v. What is the most challenging part of your work?
The workload and pace are demanding and this requires a lot of mental flexibility. This means that no day looks like the other and the environment as well as the tasks are constantly changing. As this is certainly a challenge, it is also very exciting as a young person, as one is given responsibility fast and own ideas can be brought in and are appreciated. Overall, these challenges give me the chance to make a difference.

vi. What surprised you about your current assignment?
The most surprising for me is the variety of interdisciplinary skills needed in this controlling position. Controlling and finance are usually seen as repetitive day-to-day task positions; however, in EP division controlling I feel the opposite. Many of the tasks and projects involved require a good understanding of other functions like marketing and sales, supply-chain management or strategy. This means an open-mind and the willingness to engage and understand non-finance related topics are necessary.

vii. What is the biggest takeaway/learning you will have from this assignment?
The assignment shows me the importance of well-functioning teams. By this, I mean teams that do not crack under pressure but get together and look for solutions. This experience worked out well how valuable diverse teams in terms of skills and culture are. It gave me a very good idea of how to form a team, build trust and have fun together, which will certainly help me in my future at ABB.