Nelly: I completed my technical diploma (BTS) as an SME management assistant with a diploma from the Order of Chartered Accountants. I work in the Individual Accounting unit of the Accounting and Regulatory Information department.

Thierry: After obtaining my accounting diploma, in 2011, I joined the Individual Accounting unit of the Accounting and Regulatory Information department which is responsible for the accounting and regulatory production of Crédit Agricole SA Holding.

Us: This production is organised by the Accounting Responsibility Centres (CRC) according to a decentralisation process. Our department’s tasks include:

• he accounting of certain operations
• the management and coordination of accounting and risk production of CRCs
• reporting of this production to the Consolidation department
• drawing up of individual financial statements as per French standards and regulatory reporting (SURFI, PROTIDE, etc.) of tax data production to Banque de France.

We work in interaction with other Departments such as the Financial Communication, Management Control and Accountings Standards…

How would you describe the position of Accountant with the Individual Accounting unit of the Accounting and Regulatory Information department (SP unit)?

Our department is split into three pairs:

• The first pair is in charge of French GAAP. It controls and produces the financial statements of Crédit Agricole SA and also prepares the regulatory statements of the holding to Banque de France. It also has to ensure the reliability of data for the production of the LCR to be sent to the Financial Division
• A second pair is in charge of statutory accounts, commonly known as the international standard. This pair contributes to data production and reliability for the preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements and regulatory FINREP
• The last pair is in charge of the “regulatory” or risk aspect. It contributes to data production and reliability for preparing the Group’s COREP financial statements

We also participate very actively in all the projects of the Financial Division, in order to improve and increase the reliability of the quality of our production tools.

What are the peak periods of your job during the year?

We have peak periods all year round. For French GAAP, our work is regulated by month-end closings, and quarterly closings for international standards. In January, we have a spike in activity for the production of the annual financial statements, and we actively participate in the drafting of the Crédit Agricole Registration Document.

We are constantly improving our processes, we assist our contributors and we provide feedback to our contacts such as the Accounting Responsibility Centres, Risk Department and Consolidation Department…

Can you describe your typical day?

Aside from the reporting period, there is never really a typical day.

Aside from this period, we follow and take part in the projects of the Group and the Accounting Department. We organise workshops with all the Accounting Responsibility Centres, we prepare reporting feedback with the implementation and follow-up of action plans. We work on all upgrades to tools with the business support division.

We work as a team, and each of us has information that can be useful to the others. This requires a strong sense of solidarity to ensure than none of us is ever left in the lurch. This strong bond that brings us together also allows us to work in a cheerful atmosphere, which can relieve the pressure that is sometimes felt during the busiest periods.

What career path is required to reach your position and what are the possibilities for development?

Nelly: I worked for 10 years in an accounting firm, and then for two years in a company. I had the opportunity to become part of the Crédit Agricole SA group when I joined the subsidiary CA SGS more than 10 years ago. After five years in this subsidiary, I moved to the Financial Division. And then after more than four years in this Division, I joined the Accounting and Consolidation Department.

Thierry: After working for several years in an SME, I came to work in the Crédit Agricole SA Group through one of its subsidiaries (CA SGS again). I stayed there for about five years before joining the taxation unit of the Accounting and Consolidation Department in the Individual Accounting unit of the Accounting and Regulatory Information department. After working regularly with the SP division, I seized the opportunity to join this team where everyone comes from quite different backgrounds. Some people come from the Financial Division, others come from Group subsidiaries such as CACIB or CA Immobilier. Some even come from the Regional Banks.

So there’s not really a standard path for working with the Accounting and Consolidation Department in the Individual Accounting unit of the Accounting and Regulatory Information department. There are many opportunities to cross over to access positions like ours. Furthermore, being in regular contact with other departments of CASA’s Financial Division, opens the door to many opportunities within the Group (Management Control, Compliance, Standards, etc.).

Thanks to our experience, we have seen colleagues move to other subsidiaries, or to other departments such as Compliance or ALM and many others. Some of them have also worked their way up to become managers or heads of department.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up a similar position?

Nelly: When you look at the job descriptions, most often you say “this job is not for me” or “I don’t have the skills for this job”. There is no perfect profile or specific path to follow to apply for a job with Individual Accounting. What is most important is your desire to contribute your knowledge and know-how, the desire to learn new things and challenges, and the desire to exchange and share with others. If this is your mantra, then please do not hesitate to apply for a job with us.

Thierry: If you are looking for a challenge, this very varied job will suit you perfectly because of its professional cum project-oriented culture.
Human contact is very important here, as you are constantly in contact with many different people.
Your experience will benefit the division, as this is a position where you have to listen to others, know how to work in a team and where an open mind will allow you to develop personally.