Senior Agribusiness Bank Manager (Bank of New Zealand)

Senior agribusiness bank manager David Handley enjoys getting out of the office and strolling on New Zealand's finest farming land. Picture / Dean Purcell

Name: David Handley
Age: 31
Role: Senior Agribusiness Bank Manager (Bank of New Zealand)
Working hours: 40 hours, Monday to Friday
Average pay: From $70,000 plus benefits
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Studies, Chartered Accountant 

How did you get this job?

My path into agribusiness banking was unconventional, as generally most people have obtained an agricultural qualification at university.

I was raised on a sheep and beef farm in Hawkes Bay, and I studied business studies at Massey University with a major in accountancy.

After four years' working in London in accounting and finance roles, I returned to New Zealand with the intention of getting back to my rural roots.

I had a number of close friends working in the rural banking sector so used their network to secure my position with the Bank of New Zealand.

Describe what you do.

I manage a portfolio of 35 large farming clients in the Franklin area. Generally half my week is spent out of the office visiting clients and keeping abreast with what's happening in their farming operations.

I am there to provide effective banking solutions as well as discussing and analysing potential opportunities, i.e. acquiring more land, buying a family bach or entering into new business ventures.

Other key aspects of the role include attending farm discussion groups, liaising with real estate agents and being aware of properties on the market, as well as visiting non-BNZ customers. It is a hugely varied role and no two weeks are the same.

What have you had to do to succeed in this job?

The key success factor is to be a strong people person with a passion for the land and the farming industry. You also need to be organised and disciplined as it is a busy role juggling lots of demands from many different people.

What sort of training do you need?

There is no specific prerequisite as people enter this role at many different stages of their careers i.e. straight from university or, like myself, after other previous job experiences.

What skills and qualities do you need?

A huge amount of enthusiasm, motivation and a desire to build strong and valuable relationships with our clients. You have to be proactive, open-minded, have strong financial acumen and, most of all, a willingness to have fun and enjoy yourself.

What is the best part of the job?

Managing a hugely diverse portfolio of vegetable growers, dairy farmers, sheep and beef operators as well as chicken broiler units.

All my clients are progressive, dynamic and driven businessmen in their own right who are continuously challenging their own farming operations and constantly challenging me to provide unique solutions and ideas.

I obtain great satisfaction from working alongside my clients and helping them to achieve both personal and farming goals and ambitions.

Most challenging part of the job?

It is an extremely demanding job managing many key relationships, and you need to be focused and responsive at all times.

Farming today is more challenging than ever before, and consequently we must be more innovative, knowledgeable, and understanding of our clients' needs.

What are your career aspirations and hopes?

I have a strong desire to stay in the rural sector, dealing with people I understand and relate to, using my finance and accounting background and making a difference.

How would I go about getting a job like yours?

Five years ago I would have said a farming background and an agricultural qualification were essential to getting into this job. Rural banking has evolved however ... hence anyone with a drive to be part of the industry and willing to learn can be successful in the role.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to enter your profession?

If you want diversity, challenge and stimulation in a role, then this is it.

I work with motivated people, I manage passionate and driven farmers, I get to stroll on New Zealand's finest farming land and enjoy fresh country air on a day-day basis. Most of all, I get great pride and enjoyment from what I do.