How Internal Audit gives you more access to all parts of NFU Mutual and more opportunities to build a great career.
Internal Audit at NFU Mutual is one of those incredible functions that’s directly connected to every part of the business. Matt Hyatt, a Finance Technology & Change Accountant within our Finance department, previously spent 13 years as part of our Internal Audit team. We caught up with him to find out about his ongoing relationship with Internal Audit and how he sees the team as a fantastic platform for constant learning, problem-solving and career development.
Could you tell us a bit about your career so far and what led you to NFU Mutual?
Before joining NFU Mutual, I spent seven years in a small Accountancy practice in Stratford-upon-Avon, who supported my qualification as a Chartered Accountant. During that time, I was doing small scale practice type work and small audits, mostly for farming partnerships and limited companies. My father had worked for NFU Mutual for 37 years, so I knew the business very well. In fact, as a child, I lived just around the corner from the head office in Tiddington. I did my work experience at NFU Mutual and summer jobs when I was 18 too. So, when I saw a full-time opportunity come up, I jumped at the chance to apply. That was over 15 years ago!
You first started in Internal Audit. Could you tell us a bit about your time there?
I started as an Operational Auditor and became increasingly fascinated by the power of data. I could see that the tools we were using had the capability to do so much more, so I started moving into more detailed analysis and data-based sampling of information to give me a view on organisational risks.
One of the areas I looked at was the Claims system, where at the time, we were taking a sample of maybe one hundred claims out of a few hundred thousand to get a quick statistical check. I realised that the data sets we had access to could look at all records within a few seconds, enabling me to see any anomalies. For two years I focused on data-based audits; some of the findings were powerful and the data proved to be really insightful. This was the start of a huge shift into my passion for data. Ultimately, this led to a management position in audit and increased responsibility, overseeing a new Audit data team, which I had the privilege to lead.
What is your current role at NFU Mutual and what makes it so exciting?
My current role is to act as the interface between the Finance Technology & Change team and the Business & Programme teams to make sure that the flow of financial transactions through our systems is robust, compliant and aligned to business objectives. We’re always monitoring and upgrading, so I take responsibility for new data streams and help educate teams about the power of MI and data insight. It’s fascinating to see how we can now aggregate so much information and use it to inform decision making.
It’s this analysis and use of data to drive improvements that really excites me every day.
Does it feel like you’ve been at NFU Mutual for 15 years?
I’m amazed at how quickly the time has gone! I’m very much a person who lives in the now and I suppose that focus doesn’t often allow time for personal reflection. But looking back it’s interesting to see how my role and focus today has been shaped by the data and insight experiences I had back in Internal Audit. This is just a great place to work, time flies when you’re having fun! I get to work with passionate, like-minded colleagues who all feel aligned to the vision and values of the NFU Mutual. For me this makes it a great place to work.
Did Internal Audit give you a good opportunity to step up in your career?
I think one of the greatest aspects of Internal Audit is that you get to understand how every department works and how they interconnect. Internal Audit offers a comprehensive view of our business operations, including underwriting, reinsurance, claims processing, and management information. It's fascinating to see all these aspects in action! I really don't think there's a better place to see how a business works end to end. And this level of insight and learning gives everyone who works in Internal Audit that helicopter view that is so important. If you can understand how everything connects, you can really apply that in whatever role you do.
As well as career opportunities, what else makes Internal Audit at NFU Mutual so appealing?
Looking back, it’s clear what my time in the Internal Audit team gave me – and I’ve no doubt this is true for everyone who works there. You get to access all areas. What I mean by that is you get to work with every department and every level of colleague. This exposure enables the building of supportive networks for role development and future progression. Development is second to none in Internal Audit and right across all functions at NFU Mutual. It’s one of the most important focuses for Nick Turner, our Chief Executive, and we drive our own development. The variety of work here is incredible, and the variety of talent is brilliant. Whatever scale of audit you’re working on, you’re always supported by experts.
I loved my time in Internal Audit. I’m still very much connected to what they do, and it gave me the opportunity and platform to accelerate my career in the way that suited me best.
Interested in Internal Audit? Why not take a look at our current vacancies or register for job alerts. We look forward to hearing from you.