Dominic Eaves
BA (Hons) Business Economics, University of Durham. Joined ICI Paints: September 2002. Currently Financial Controller, Hammerite Products Ltd.
What are your perceptions of ICI?
I was pointed towards ICI by a contact that I had made through a graduate recruitment website. My first impression of ICI was that it was a large multi-national business involved in a diverse portfolio of markets. This appealed to me because an organisation on this scale can offer a greater breadth of opportunities.
ICI is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of its operating environment. As a graduate it is great to be part of this, seeing processes improve and being a part of it. I believe that there are still synergies to be achieved, for example in terms of knowledge sharing between different elements of the organisational matrix.
These factors, combined with a mix of high-performance individuals across the businesses create an ideal environment for a graduate to flourish.
What training have you undergone?
ICI's commitment to investment in its graduates is clear. All graduates on the scheme take part in the European Graduate Development Programme (EGDP) which is based upon a range of four residential courses that aim to develop the key success factors that are valued by the organisation. I have found these events to be great fun, providing an opportunity for networking across the businesses and functions.
ICI have supported me through the completion of my CIMA exams in terms of paying for courses and allowing study time off work. Further to this the UK and Ireland Finance Team get together regularly helping to promote goal congruence.
What has been your career so far?
I was fortunate to gain exposure to five distinct roles as a graduate at ICI. I began in Financial Accounts in our Altrincham office where I mainly worked on managing the Payroll Accounts. I spent the next six months in Internal Audit, helping to audit our Dulux Decorator Centre (DDC) stores. I then moved to Slough to work in the UK Trade Business where I gained a grounding in Management Accounts and Systems. This was followed by a stint in European Finance which included some European travel, which was great. My last placement as a graduate saw me work as a Commercial Finance Manager working closely with the Sales Team to manage the financial aspects of our trading relationship with some key retailers.
I am now the Financial Controller of Hammerite Products Ltd, which is a Supply Chain entity based near Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. We manufacture a mixture of metalcare and woodcare products here and I manage the local Finance Team of 3 individuals. It is a varied role that ensures I have to draw on all my experiences to help me meet the daily challenges that come with a greater degree of responsibility.
