Tonia Bracken / Standard Life International

Standard Life International have been working to help people in Ireland plan and manage their financial futures since 1834. Since then they’ve become of one Ireland's leading pension and investment providers. With a head office in Dublin, they operate internationally, backed by the global strength and reach of Phoenix Group.

Tonia Bracken, Finance Business Partner shares her insights on her role at Standard Life International. 

I started my career in Customer Services after 3 years in NUI Maynooth studying a BA in Maths and Geography. After 5 years, an opportunity came to move to the finance division and study accountancy. I really enjoyed the management side of accountancy and hence choose to study CIMA. Once qualified I worked as an expense accountant and moved to the Finance Business Partner role in 2022. 

My current role is very varied, no two weeks are the same. I am heavily involved in budgets, forecasts, cost benefit analysis and provide insights. I also work on projects and support leadership in all finance related queries.

I love the variety in my role and the opportunity it gives me to work across the business.

Yes – I have worked on a growth opportunity project. I really enjoyed understanding how every action across the company is linked to our strategy. It’s rare that a job allows you to see the whole picture.

Everyone at Standard Life shares the goal of making sure our customers have a lot to look forward to after they retire.

We provide responsible investment products to customers to help them plan and ultimately enjoy their future.

I am proud to work for Standard Life (Phoenix Group), I believe in our purpose and enjoy working for a company that aligns to my personal morals.

I have worked at Standard Life (Phoenix Group) for 16 years and one of the main reasons is the culture. We have a good work life balance, great colleagues and a common goal. 

It is not a straight line, more of a curve but a very rewarding and engaging job. Experience is everything! 

It is linked to everything we do, from how we manage our offices to the investment options we offer.

We all need financial services to safeguard our financial future.

 

I think it can be confusing when compared to other industries, but it is vital service. I would love to see a government campaign on the importance of future planning.