After more than 8 years of enthusiastically fulfilling the role of senior finance professional at ConQuaestor, Alwin thought it was time to take a new direction. Not because he was no longer enjoying himself or being given opportunities, but because he felt it was time for a new role. "I now want to commit to a strategy for a longer period of time, so really see the return on my own work."
From trainee to senior finance specialist
Alwin started the finance traineeship back then which took 1.5 years and which he has fond memories of. "We met every two weeks at the end of the afternoon and then continued until the evening to learn all kinds of things about the finance profession and about you as a person." He describes it as a group of like-minded people, who ran into the necessary questions, which they had a great time sparring with each other about. "That's how I learned a lot more than if you only learned from the books." Something he still benefits from in his daily work.
Valuable group
Even when the traineeship officially ended, the group kept in good touch. "We knew how to find each other well, to spar on a variety of client issues," he says. This is something Alwin has always greatly appreciated about his work. "Despite not seeing each other every day as ConQuaestor colleagues, there is a strong bond. You can always come to each other, for questions, but also for cozy things." He describes that as one of the best memories of those eight years working at ConQuaestor. He even found it hard to say goodbye. Of his batch of trainees, Alwin therefore stayed on board with ConQuaestor the longest. "And always with a lot of fun, challenging assignments and a continuous steep learning curve."
A beautiful and good learning experience
That steep learning curve is evident from the assignments he has completed over the past 8 years. From Financial Accountant at Jumbo Supermarkets, Manager Accounts Payable at IND, Trading Accountant at Danone, Reporting Analyst and Change Team A&R at ABN AMRO, via Project Leader at Essent, to Business Controller at Equipe Zorgbedrijven. "I really got to see different companies inside and perform fantastic roles. Looking back on it, it really was a great and good learning experience. A learning school that I definitely have a good feeling about." A feeling that ConQuaestor fully shares with him. Because it also demands a lot from the professional to achieve such an impressive career.
From posting to a regular permanent job
After 8 years of regularly changing assignments, which Alwin has always loved, he feels it is now time to make the transition to a regular permanent job. "I also see it as a challenge again not only to pick up a project or roll out new things, but also to experience its effects in the longer term. I want to benefit for a longer period of time from what I pick up and put down myself."
Advice to financial start-ups
Despite the fact that the traineeship is now structured differently, Alwin does have one piece of advice. "If you are a student just coming out of school and you are not yet sure which direction you want to move in, ConQuaestor is a really good company that grants you all the opportunities. You do have to take them yourself, but the opportunities are there!"
All the luck with your next employer
With Alwin's departure, we say goodbye not only to a finance professional who has very successfully completed challenging assignments at various organizations, but also to a highly valued colleague who in those 8 years has truly grown into an ambassador of ConQuaestor. A colleague you would hope would never leave the organization. But also a colleague whom we wish nothing but all the best with his new employer. In the hope that we will continue to hear from him from time to time.
Do you also want to develop within finance and/or control?
Wondering what opportunities ConQuaestor has to offer you? Check it out traineeship, the vacancies or give on the form to indicate your preference.
Looking for an inspired finance professional?
Is there temporary extra work? Is the company moving to a different system? Is it time for professional catching up? Is someone on sabbatical or sick? We deliver the right Interim Finance Professional, from trainee to principal and from controller to risk manager. Want to know more? Send an e-mail to info@conquaestor.nl