A Conversation with Orchard Alumna Nicole Dijk

Where do we come across our former colleagues these days? Orchard Finance is celebrating its 20-year anniversary, which is making us reflect on the people who have been with us over the years, and how they’re doing today. This time, we’re in conversation with our former colleague Nicole.

Name: Nicole Dijk

Represented Orchard Finance from 2013 to 2020 as a Consultant

Current position: Assistant Treasurer at Tata Steel

Could you tell us about your background and start at Orchard Finance?

I studied for my bachelor in International Business in Groningen. Following my graduation, I took a gap year during which I started an internship at Orchard Finance. When I started my Master in Finance & Investments in Rotterdam after my gap year, I started working for Orchard in a part time position. During a study break, I participated in a number of very interesting assignments. For instance, an on-site assignment in Zürich, a Bellin implementation, as well as another big TMS implementation project. In addition to these projects, I have fulfilled quite a few interim assignments. All of these experiences provided me with the opportunity to experience the operational side of treasury, project management and treasury technology.

What do you do in your current position?

I am Assistant Treasurer at Tata Steel in IJmuiden. In collaboration with my team, I am responsible for the treasury activities in “Mainland Europe”. This is mainly Tata Steel Netherlands, but also France, Germany, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries and a few Southern European countries. My responsibilities include, among others, directing cash pools, cash management, forex risk management, intercompany financing and cash flow forecasting. The latter of these responsibilities is becoming increasingly important, chiefly due to the investments needed to make companies more sustainable. We also occupy ourselves with treasury technology. For example, we have recently implemented a platform that allows us to execute FX transactions with our banks. Additionally, we have moved our treasury system from our servers to the cloud.

You have seen an impressive development path over the last few years.

This is something I have only noticed in hindsight. When I was working at Orchard – and when I was a bit younger – I was mainly focussing on the work I had in front of me at the time. Only now am I noticing all of it coming together and just how much I have learned over those years. This includes the soft skills that come with the work, not just the technical elements.

How do you reflect on your time at Orchard?

After my internship, it was clear to me that I wanted to stay at Orchard. The fun and relatively small team, working together towards a common goal and a variety of disciplines: that connected with me very well. In addition, Orchard afforded me the opportunity to experience the inner workings of several companies through various projects. This enabled me to learn a lot in a very short amount of time. I was also responsible for the Young Financials community. This is how I met one of my current colleagues, as well as my predecessor.

Over time I noticed that I was developing myself within the organization, as I was accumulating more responsibilities and trust. This is one of the things I appreciated most during my time at Orchard: you start as an intern and can wind up running a project. There was always someone watching over the project in the background, but I was trusted to carry out a project. I have always enjoyed my time at Orchard.

Do you have any tips for starters in the field of Finance & Treasury?

Try to discover what you really enjoy doing and gives you energy, and try to match that with a place that makes you feel comfortable. Don’t just look at your own responsibilities, but at the company as a whole. At Orchard you can do this by participating in multiple projects across the different practices. This will give you a good start.

Have you become enthusiastic about the learning opportunities at Orchard Finance? Check out our job openings here, and who knows, see you soon!