www.financeweek.co.uk/item/2584 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 11/2/2005
Last Visited: 8/29/2008
"Professional training and career prospects are the most important influences on retention among finance staff in our company," says Microsoft UK finance director Paul Hart.
While training at Microsoft is targeted at individual needs, 'star performers' qualify for a number of career opportunities, including working overseas in one of the US software company's subsidiaries on either a long-term assignment or a three-month swap programme.
"One of my team has just become my equivalent in the Netherlands," says Hart.
Microsoft also places great emphasis on mentoring to ensure people achieve their potential."I have one-to-ones each month with both my direct reports and my mentees," says Hart, adding that they are "equally important".
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Both Beale and Hart acknowledge that the role of finance is changing and opportunities to become more involved in other aspects of business are very attractive to ambitious professionals.
"Finance staff are highly valued for their analytical and technical skills and are increasingly involved outside the finance function," says Hart.