In conversation with Chris Lofthouse: University of Liverpool graduate speaks to finance students
The University of Liverpool Management School recently hosted an engaging keynote event featuring Chris Lofthouse, Finance Business Partner at AXA and alumnus of the University of Liverpool.
The event, organised for students interested in finance and professional development, provided a unique opportunity to hear from someone who transitioned from academia to a thriving career in business.
During the talk, Chris shared his journey from earning an undergraduate degree in Genetics and a PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Liverpool to working in finance at global giants like AXA and KPMG.
In conversation with Dr Chardin Wese Simen, Professor of Finance at the Management School, Chris delved into the core themes of his career, including insights into auditing practices and how data-driven approaches enhance accuracy, and the importance of manipulating and interpreting big data.
Chris also discussed using tools like Power BI and Alteryx to uncover trends and drive decisions, and understanding how businesses manage risk and the role of financial insights in shaping strategic choices.
Chris encouraged students to adopt a business mindset, emphasising that "accountants speak the language of business" and urging them to connect their academic knowledge with practical, commercial applications.
He highlighted the value of tenacity, urging students to "push through brick walls and work the angles," a skill he credited as key to his success.
He also discussed the big trends shaping the finance industry, including the growing influence of AI and automation. Chris emphasised understanding these tools’ capabilities and limitations, noting that while AI can process data at scale, human insights remain crucial for addressing business needs.
Other key takeaways from Chris included the importance of students honing their transferable skills, such as communication and problem-solving, alongside key soft skills like prioritisation, conscientiousness and stakeholder engagement, which are essential for career progression. He encouraged students to actively pursue knowledge, seek out mentors and grow their networks.
The session concluded with a Q&A session, where students asked questions about his career and insights. Attendees then had the chance to network over refreshments, deepening their understanding of careers in finance and how academic skills translate to the professional world.