Catherine O'Neill is Treasury Operations Manager at Centralis Ireland.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have been working in Centralis Ireland for seven years as Treasury Operations Manager. I grew up in Australia and, like many Australians, planned to travel for a year before settling back home. I eventually ended up in Dublin, intending to stay only a few months, but enjoyed it so much that I am still here 20 years later.
Can you give an overview of the duties, functions and responsibilities of your job at Centralis?
My role as Treasury Operations Manager is diverse. On a daily basis, I oversee all activities undertaken by the Outsourced Treasury Team for our clients and ensure our operational checks and controls are followed. I am the first point of contact for clients on queries and new initiatives. The Treasury Team also has ongoing projects that I either manage or support. I am responsible for the annual SOC audit to evidence our controls framework, and I support the team on cross-training, career development, and goals.
How would you describe Centralis' treasury outsourcing offering?
The Centralis Outsourced Treasury Team provides flexible solutions tailored to each client's needs. Our solutions can operate on a treasury or netting platform of the client's choice. Centralis has a dedicated and diverse Treasury Team focused on delivering a high level of service.
What do you like most about your work?
We have a great team at Centralis, as well as great clients, and I really enjoy working with them. I also like the variety each day brings, as no two days are the same. Our clients often present interesting initiatives, which lets me use existing knowledge while learning new skills at the same time.
How did you arrive at your current role?
I have more than 25 years of experience in banking and treasury. I started in banking back-office roles in Sydney before moving into the Westpac Dealing Room as a trader. While still young, I decided to travel and eventually settled in Ireland. Although finance roles were different from those in Australia, I found treasury roles suited my broad banking and client-facing background. I worked in Bank of America's Outsourced Treasury Team for many years, then moved into a product development role for its London office while based in Dublin. I later chose to move back into treasury and joined Centralis seven years ago.
Would you recommend having a defined career plan or being open and flexible?
I have taken an open and flexible approach to my career. With each move, new opportunities can open that suit your overall experience and skills. For me, that was true when I moved from treasury into product development, where my skills were a good fit. While challenging at first, it gave me valuable experience and broadened my capabilities.
What is your motto in life or your greatest inspiration?
My fabulous friends and family are my inspiration in life.