Roles
At Public Trust we have a wide range of professionals who work in a wide range of roles across our organisation. Some examples...
Debbie Birch: Customer Centre Manager
I started working in the trustee industry as a Receptionist in 1996. I had progressed to an advisory role then, like so many other Kiwis, I went on my OE to the UK. When I was overseas, I continued working in the trustee industry in a customer facing role before returning to New Zealand and starting at Public Trust in 2003.
Initially, I worked in our Lower Hutt Service Centre as a Trust Officer before taking a secondment opportunity to our Wellington Customer Centre in 2005. Over the next few years, I progressed to a Senior Adviser and then to my current role of Customer Centre Manager.
The main elements of my role are the leadership and development of my team and managing business-to-business relationships. I also give presentations to businesses and community groups outlining products and services that will add value to their business. Additionally, I serve as a sales network representative on project teams, manage a customer base and acquire new business in our personal segment.
The trustee industry is a rewarding industry to work in, especially in a customer-facing role. Our customers confide in us regarding their personal and financial situations and I feel privileged to be able to give them peace of mind with the solutions we can provide.
I'm passionate about providing a high quality customer experience and I expect this from my team. It's always thrilling to work with people who get satisfaction out of providing a great service to their customers.
Jessica McCarthy: Specialist Technician, Estates
I moved to New Zealand from Sydney where I had worked mainly in the retail and hospitality industries. After arriving in Wellington, I was searching for a back office role, and at first took a position at a retail bank in their financial processing team. I subsequently joined Public Trust in 2007.
Since joining Public Trust, I've held various positions in our Lower Hutt Service Centre. I was promoted to my current role of Specialist Technician, Estates in July 2009. In my role, I administer deceased estates which involves assessing financial information; composing correspondence; processing payments; and dealing with tax returns. I liaise with banks, rest homes, service providers, and our own employees in order to collect assets and distribute to beneficiaries.
This type of role at Public Trust would best suit someone with excellent communications skills and a head for numbers. You'd need to enjoy working in a busy environment and have great time management skills, because there's always a lot going on. I love the variety of my role - every estate is different. One day I may be dealing with financial issues and the next day real estate - and I'm constantly learning!
The working environment in my team is very supportive. People are really helpful and managers want to see you achieve your goals and climb the ladder. Potential really is encouraged at Public Trust.
Perree Barker: Adviser
After completing university, I joined Public Trust in 2004 as a Trust Officer within the Estates team. This initial role was based in Lower Hutt however, after nine months, I was given the opportunity to relocate to Auckland and assume a customer centre position.
I was really enjoying the challenges in my new Adviser position, but a part of me was keen to "sail the seven seas" and explore the world. I was fortunate that Public Trust allowed me to take my OE and was willing to hold my job for 12 months. After eight exciting months in Europe, I returned and picked up where I left off.
Since my return, I have progressed through different levels of my role and I am currently a Senior Adviser/Estate Manager. In this position, I am involved with various areas of family trusts, estates, Wills and powers of attorney. This allows me to provide my wide ranging trustee expertise to all New Zealanders.
I've been involved with several projects during my time at Public Trust. I've always found this an interesting area. One of the key projects I've been involved with is to look into our processes and see how we can improve our customer experience.
Whether it is customers, business-to-business relationships or the team I work with, the ability to assist people in different circumstances throughout the changes in their lives is something I really enjoy at Public Trust. It's a great opportunity to make a difference!
Arun Patel: Programme Manager, Operations
I joined Public Trust in December 2007 after several years working in the banking and energy sectors. Public Trust offered me a career move with a fresh challenge and an opportunity for advancement. This and the opportunity to work for a company that is going through an exciting change programme really appealed to me.
In my position of Operations Programme Manager I am responsible for managing a portfolio of projects that are sponsored within the Operations area of the organisation. In this role I ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget - the key focus being to improve efficiencies across the organisation. I'm also responsible for developing the organisation's knowledge and process capabilities and identifying ways in which the organisation can streamline processes and gain advantages through efficiencies.
The ability to embrace change is essential in my role as everyday is different and comes with new challenges. This provides me with the opportunity to continue developing my skills and contribute to the company objectives.
"We're constantly taking steps to build the foundations for tomorrow to ensure we're ready to meet the challenges of our business. It's an organisation that's striving to be a leader in its market"
Lloyd Wong: Senior Manager, Client Services, CTS
I am one of those increasingly rare beasts who has spent my entire career in one organisation. Every step of my Public Trust career for 20 plus years has been a progression for me through a portfolio of varied roles, full of exciting challenges all over New Zealand.
My career started as a law clerk in Christchurch, moving on to Nelson as a young District Solicitor, graduated to managing a legal team of talented lawyers in Auckland, and then occupying the hot seat as the Corporate Secretary, Office Solicitor and Assistant Public Trustee during a significant era of Public Trust modernisation and change in Wellington. Now I enjoy the cut and thrust of the commercial and corporate financial markets in Auckland.
What I like most about Public Trust is the integrity and trust that is part of the fabric of the great people who work here. Public Trust has been enriching and even now provides me with the opportunities to grow as a person, to develop legally, act commercially and all with a heart! I value that immensely.
Public Trust has certainly nurtured my capabilities and skills, by investing in my continuing professional education at executive management courses, enthusiastically supporting my graduate business diploma qualification from the highly rated University of Auckland Business School and encouraging me as the President of the Corporate Lawyers Association of New Zealand.