Archana’s journey to finding self-fulfilment at work as an Audit Manager at Standard Chartered
Entering a new role as the world descended into lockdown could have been daunting, but thanks to the dedicated support from her colleagues, Archana was able to hit the ground running.
Archana Lakshman Rao embarked on the next step in her auditing career in March 2020 by joining Standard Chartered’s GBS audit team. Despite starting her new role in uncertain times, Archana’s embodiment of the Bank’s values has propelled her from strength to strength.
How did you begin your career in auditing?
As a fresh-faced 19-year-old, I entered the world of external auditing at a Big 4 company. I was excited to learn the fundamentals of the industry and progress my career. Since 2011, I have worked on numerous projects and developed my skills, which has led me to my role as an Audit Manager at Standard Chartered Bank.
Why did you want to work for the audit team at Standard Chartered?
Standard Chartered is a bank with a heart and I wanted to contribute to a business that is a force for good. I joined Standard Chartered as an Audit Manager within the Global Business Services (GBS) team in March 2020 with the aim of furthering my knowledge of risk and understanding banking processes and controls. I started my role right as the world was going into lockdown due to Covid-19 and to say that I was worried would be an understatement. Fortunately, my manager and team were incredibly supportive. They extended all the help I could possibly need and made me feel right at home. The support I received during my first few months in the role is representative of the Bank’s values of always doing the right thing, being better together and never settle.
What do you enjoy about your role?
My role as an Audit Manager is constantly evolving, every day brings new challenges as we adapt to the ever-changing global financial climate. Thanks to Standard Chartered’s commitment to the development of its employees, I am always learning and developing my skills. I love working with my team, we have created a supportive working environment and we are always willing to help each other.
What advice would you give someone who is looking to work at Standard Chartered?
Since joining Standard Chartered, I have experienced first-hand how the Bank embodies their values in everything they do. The office culture is industry leading, and I would encourage anybody thinking about applying to go for it! My advice to anyone hoping to embark on a career journey at Standard Chartered is to have a deep understanding of your technical domain, undertake adequate research regarding the Bank's priorities and identify how your skills can add value to existing operations. Most importantly, be curious and keen to learn - that will take you a long way here at Standard Chartered!
Standard Chartered's inclusive culture is trailblazing. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of colleagues and because of this, I have developed skills that I never knew I had. There is always something new to learn which makes for a wonderful, purposeful and self-fulfilling work experience.
Archana Lakshman Rao GBS Audit Manager
What do you enjoy about working at Standard Chartered?
Throughout my service at the Bank, I have been encouraged to learn and grow as a professional. Standard Chartered supports my continuous development by providing me with access to a broad range of opportunities including formal training, educational sessions that highlight emerging industry risks, access to mentoring schemes and cross-team opportunities. The bank facilitates development outside of your core team or role and encourages internal progression. I love how committed Standard Chartered is to the development of its employees and this is just one of many examples of the Bank upholding its value of being here for good.
In my 11-year career as an Audit Manager, I have learned to choose fulfilment over fleeting titles and awards. I look forward to working at Standard Chartered every day and my time at the Bank has been a deeply enriching and rewarding experience.