Charles Lamb: Logica graduate turned finance expert
Employer: Logica
University: University of York
Subject: MEng computer systems and software engineering
Graduated: 2004
I joined Logica as a graduate, spending my first two years as a software engineer and the next two as a project manager. In 2008 I joined the commercial finance team as a pricing analyst. I hadn’t heard of this job when I started work but kept an open mind about my career and have ended up doing something I really enjoy.
My job: compiling the financial aspects of proposals
My role is financial rather than technical. I put together the financial aspects of large, complex proposals for new business and set this information out clearly for the client so it can be confident in our figures.
I work closely with our bid team to win new work; once a bid has been accepted, I put together the financial side of our agreement.
In the last year I have worked on four significant proposals: two large outsourcing deals, a smart metering contract to help local authorities and other government bodies to monitor their energy usage, and a contract to work on the European Space Agency’s Galileo system.
Calculating the cost base
A key task is pulling together the information needed to calculate how much it will cost us to deliver what a client wants (our ‘cost-base’). This includes labour, materials and subcontracts.
I also consider exchange rates (for example if we propose outsourcing to another country); external risks, their probability and likely cost (for example delays caused by other companies working for the client); and internal contingency plans and their cost (for example if several staff on the project fall ill simultaneously).
I then turn the cost-base into a billing profile, setting out the key milestones we will deliver and how much the client will pay us when we reach each one.
Working with colleagues with technical jobs
I spend the majority of my time working with colleagues in different parts of the proposal team. Technical staff develop detailed plans, which I then assess from a financial perspective.
My background means I understand the detail and question intelligently. I also interact with senior managers, subcontractors and clients.
Hours and travel
I travel a good deal: at the moment I spend most of my time at our Reading, Staines and Birmingham offices, where the bid teams I am working with are based. I also make a few visits to clients or subcontractors and spend about a quarter of my time working at home.
I have some overnight stays but prefer to get home if possible. My standard hours are 8.30 am to 6.00 pm; things become more hectic in the run up to submitting a proposal but this balances out with less busy times.
Combining my job with accountancy study
I’m also working towards chartership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). I’m given study days off work to prepare for exams and have chosen to do the training courses largely at weekends.
The best bits of my job
The most enjoyable aspect of my job is presenting complex financial models in a clear, concise way that senior managers can quickly understand. It’s also satisfying to finish a proposal – and even better if the client chooses our bid.