16 Acquisition International - Global CFO Excellence Awards 2022 Mar22694 Most Trusted Financial Services CFO 2022 (Australia): Jesse Hamilton ilson Asset Management manages eight listed investment companies (LICs) and more than $5.4 billion in shareholder capital on behalf of over 120,000 retail investors. This is partnered with its philanthropic initiatives, including creating and supporting the Future Generation companies, which see it actively contribute to its community. The firm is passionate about making a difference in the community, primarily as an advocate for retail investors and as the creator and lead support of the Future Generation companies, Australia’s first LICs to provide both investment and social returns. The firm’s CFO, Jesse Hamilton is a Chartered Accountant with more than 13 years’ experience working in advisory and assurance services, specialising in funds management. In his role as CFO, he oversees the finance, accounting, and company secretarial responsibilities for all the Wilson Asset Management and Future Generation entities. Throughout his career, he has predominately worked with high profile ASX listed entities and developed a specialty in LICs, unlisted investment vehicles, mergers and acquisitions, and the funds management sector as a whole. Jesse takes this role on with meticulous detail, a proven track record of success in financial management, a strong strategic mindset and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This comes with a leadership based on fairness, respect, and leading by example. Jesse comments, “I believe I have a strong sense of responsibility and my team knows I will support them. I’m focused on making a difference for our shareholders, the community and our team at Wilson Asset Management. I like to think strategically and with a ‘big picture’ view, and encourage my team to assess their work to determine how it complements the overall organisational strategy.” So, what about those who are aspiring towards a successful career as a CFO? Firstly, Jesse says it’s important to “recognise the benefit of personal wellbeing, the importance of sleep, and looking after yourself”. He continues, “You have a long career ahead of you, no matter what field you’re in, and making sure you are around for the long-term and contributing to your organisation as your best self is crucial.” Next, Jesse believes that you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new. “Early in my career in consulting, I invested a lot of time working across multiple disciplines and different projects (taxation, corporate finance and advisory, and business services, among others) to broaden my skillset. This meant longer hours in the short term, but investing in yourself and W Established in 1997 by Geoff Wilson, Wilson Asset Management is an independently owned investment manager based in Sydney, Australia. Today, the firm is comprised of 14 investment professionals who offer a combined investment experience of more than 190 years. CFO, Jesse Hamilton joined the firm over five years ago and he hasn’t looked back since. In light of his outstanding awards success, we got in touch with him to learn more about the firm and his career. broadening your skillset is always going to yield positive returns.” Then, he sees it as important to expose his team to many different opportunities. His first manager would take him along to all her meetings and just let him observe. Jesse explains, “It was fascinating to see how different people operate. You learn organically what’s effective and what’s not. Observing other managers and leaders across your business helps shape who you will be later in your career.” Following that, he believes that you should build your network and make sure the experiences you have with others are always positive, no matter how difficult. He says, “The business world is small and you never know when you might come across someone again or need their assistance.” Lastly, it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Jesse tells us, “It might sound cliché, but it is fundamental to build good experience throughout your career. Most of what I know now is from a mistake I made early on in my career. Patience is also key. I don’t think any of my previous managers would describe me as a ‘patient’ person, but it’s something you reflect on the importance of as you move through your career.” Now focused on the future of Wilson Asset Management, the plans are to look across the LIC sector and the market more broadly for the next growth opportunity. Most importantly, this year, the company will continue to perform and deliver on its investment objectives for the shareholders across its LICs. With regards to his own career, Jesse shares, “I want to keep growing as a leader of our business. As part of this, building the finance team and continuing to support their growth and development is a core focus. The success of our business is only achieved by the quality of our team. It is our role to develop them into future leaders.” He adds, “Part of my growth as a leader involves further understanding my own values, contribution to our team and organisation, and of what works for me now vs earlier on in my career. I’m excited to continue exploring my own personal growth as my career progresses.” Company: Wilson Asset Management Contact: Jesse Hamilton Email: jesse@wilsonassetmanagement.com.au Website: www.wilsonassetmanagement.com.au
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