Beyond A Banker - Alicia Williams
If you went to college, where did you graduate?
Southern Arkansas University
If you graduated college, what was your major/minor?
Instrumental Music Education
How long have you been in banking?
5 years
What is your official job title?
AVP Onboarding Specialist
What SHOULD your job title be?
All Other Duties as Assigned Specialist and New Associate Cheerleader
Summarize what you do in your role:
I work with hiring managers to make sure they have the tools and support to hire amazing new associates and then help that associate transition to working for Citizens as smoothly as possible. I also have a role in training. I help coordinate trainings, lead trainings, track attendance and training records and more. Being a relatively small HR department, I also jump in wherever I am needed! I answer questions, assist with benefits and payroll functions, reporting, audits, evaluations and reviews, Preciate, Predictive Index, and more! Every day is different and that is awesome!
How/Why did you get into the banking industry?
Long story, but here are the cliff notes. I was a band director and then a worship minister for many years. While in ministry, I not only worked on worship planning and music, but taught many classes and did a lot of counseling. One class I taught was Divorce Care. You would think it is all about forgiveness and moving on, but the most discussed topic was... MONEY! I was always a good budgeter and had a good grasp of personal finance so I began helping people find a way to make ends meet. We would sit down at their kitchen table and look at pay stubs and bills and find a way to get their bills paid and find some light at the end of the tunnel. My husband and I were both working for non-profits and decided to make a change. One of my friends worked for Citizens and commented that I would be a great fit for the bank. I applied and the rest is history. Even though music and ministry may seem like a far left hand turn from banking, all the skills I developed through those two careers gave me the tools I needed to be a successful banker and HR professional.
What is a DRAIN within your role?
Tedious reports and paperwork can be draining. It really isn't that bad, but it is not my favorite part of the job for sure! I also feel an emotional strain when one of our associates is struggling. I truly care for each of our associates and knowing any one of us is having a hard time can be an emotional drain. Since the start of the pandemic, worrying about our associates' health and safety has been a heavy burden and I am grateful that has improved!
What is a DRIVER within your role?
I love it when we have a job opening, hire an amazing candidate, and then, after all of their onboarding processes, that associate tells me that it was an easy transition and the best decision they have ever made in their career! There is no better feeling than that. I also love to teach and mentor. In all of my jobs, that has been a critical part of what I do and it really feeds my soul. Sharpening my own skills and sharing that with others is so fulfilling. I have the privilege of working with all departments of the bank and love to watch the growth and excitement in each.
What skill(s) do you use on the job that might surprise people?
Some of the ones you might expect are the ability to handle multiple priorities, good communication skills, empathy and compassion, organizational skills, being objective and impartial, being able to follow rules and also think outside the box, etc. Some skills I have needed or have surprisingly come in handy... being a good public speaker, counseling, event planning, teaching, good handwriting, fancy napkin folding, and many more!
Do you think someone has to be good at or love math to be in banking? Explain.
Not necessarily. Being good at math is a useful life skill no matter what you do, of course, but not required. We have tools to do the math. You just have to be willing to learn the processes and software and then be thorough in making sure you follow the processes and use the software correctly. Math helps, but our systems can do most of that for you!
What do people assume about your role that isn't true?
People sometimes think that HR is just hiring and firing people between payrolls, but we do so much more than that! We work on career pathing and development, training, employee engagement, employee appreciation, company culture, communication, strategy, and so much more. We get to truly focus on and invest in the most important part of any company... the PEOPLE!
What would you tell a young person who thinks the banking industry isn't for them?
Banking is such a diverse industry with an almost endless array of jobs. We need all types of people to make us a successful company. We need associates focusing on everything from customer service to IT, analyzing to lending, talent management to accounting, processing to advertising, training to event coordinating, strategy to community service... you name it, we probably have a need for a talented associate to do it!
What does Beyond A Banker mean to you?
Good banking can make or break your personal finances, your business's success, your communities' growth and so much more. Our customers rely on us to take care of them so that they can care for their families, livelihoods, and communities. We want to provide you with financial coaching, dynamic products, easy access, and a reliable partner for the needs of the individual customers as well as our communities. We want to reinvest in our state and local communities by building partnerships with schools, businesses, and citizens to continue to make Arkansas an amazing place to live. Our greatest successes happen outside of the walls of the bank. It happens when we make a difference in the lives of everyone around us.
Interested in going #BeyondBanking with us? View our current openings here.