The Power of Maths in Finance: Insights from a Finance Manager at Ford

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)

In our ongoing series on the importance of maths in adult life, I asked a Finance Manager from Ford of Britain and Ireland some questions. With a robust educational background in commerce and economics, Ben Nowicki shares his journey from a finance graduate to a key player in the automotive industry. This interview explores the critical role that maths plays in finance, the importance of developing both technical and soft skills, and offers valuable advice for those who may find maths challenging.

Danielle: What is your job title?

Ben: Finance manager - Ford of Britain and Ireland 

Danielle: Can you outline your education and career path?

Ben: Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Economics before joining Ford as a finance graduate. 

Danielle: How did you find maths at school? 

Ben: Learning theory is hard to relate to real life - however it builds your ability to think and critically analyse - both things calculators can't do (yet)

Danielle: What was your attitude to study?

Ben: Many jobs require both soft skills and technical skills. It's important to develop both as you study. Unless you have a very specific job in mind that over indexes toward technical - build both.

Danielle: Did you see how you might need it in the future?

Ben: At the time, it was hard to see. In reflection, it's not always about the specific theory, it is the development of critical thinking / problem solving skill set that has benefited me most.

Danielle: Did you have any struggles?

Ben: An inability to relate theory to relevance in real world scenarios can be demotivating. 

Danielle: Where have you found that you needed maths, in life or in your career?

Ben: Maths isn't just about calculating something, it's also about being able to think through what needs to be calculated  and what scenarios and sensitivities need to be looked at. This is a day to day part of my role.

Danielle: How has a good understanding of maths helped you in your current role?

Ben: As above, absolutely.

Danielle: Is there anything else you would like to share with aspiring maths students or those who find maths tricky?

Ben: Don't dismiss learning theory due to it appearing not relatable to real life scenarios - the application may become clear in the future - and if it doesn't, it will likely have helped develop your overall skillset without you even knowing it.

Conclusion

This interview highlights the integral role of maths in the career of a finance manager at a major corporation. Our interviewee's journey illustrates how mathematical skills, particularly critical thinking and problem-solving, are essential in navigating complex financial scenarios. For students and professionals alike, this story serves as a reminder of the long-term value of mastering mathematical concepts and developing a versatile skill set that can adapt to various real-world applications.

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)