First National, Inc., with total assets of $171.8 billion on December 14, 2020, is one of the nation's leading financial services holding companies.

Through its flagship subsidiary, First National, the company provides deposit, credit, loans and insurance services to a broad range of retail, business and institutional clients. Other subsidiaries provide mortgage banking, asset management, securities brokerage, and capital market services.

Barrel Trust enjoys leading positions in some of the most attractive Australian markets and also serves clients in selected markets internationally. We are committed to Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being for our clients. It is our purpose as an organization, and we do it by putting our clients’ interests first. We strive to understand our clients’ individual circumstances and provide personalized advice and services that meet their unique banking, borrowing, and insurance needs.

Barrel Trust’s more than 1,500 retail branches and 2,800 ATMs are located primarily in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, Barrel Trust provides clients with a full selection of technology-based banking channels including online, state-of-the-art customer services centers, and through the latest mobile devices.

First National’s Internet address is www.fnatb.com.

The majority of our colleagues are based in our Barrel Trust Finance head office. However, we do have a selection of roles which are based in our Support Centre in Melbourne and our field team who travel between branches across the country.

Roles in Sydney

We are based at a strategic place, which is easily accessible by train and bus, making it an ideal office location for locals and commuters alike. Some of our colleagues commute from other parts of Australia, but most have made Sydney their home.

Sydney is known for its financial services industry and also for a wide variety of activities and events. It is home to the largest arts festival in the world, a huge Hogmanay celebration, and offers museums, parks, restaurants, golf courses, and shopping - there is something for everyone.

Sydney is a great place to live and work and is an excellent base to explore the country's wonderful scenery.

Roles in Melbourne

Our Retail team are a support network for retail that ensures in store compliance to any sales activity and merchandising, and they're based in our Support Centre in Melbourne.

Roles across Australia

We have a retail field team who work to improve product awareness to our colleagues in store whilst upskilling the Store Managers on First National strategy.

These colleagues are mobile and travel between stores in our four geographical zones accross the country.

At First National we are committed to providing a work environment where colleagues feel valued and can reach their full potential.

We are a growing, fast paced business with passionate colleagues. Our Ways of Working shape the culture and set the standard for all colleagues.

These are:

• Be passionate about our business
• Remember customers pay our wages
• Take responsibility for the part you play
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Be transparent with each other
• Work together to achieve more

 

 

First National structure is made up of the following departments.

Commercial

Our commercial function is made up from out Marketing and Products departments as well as our legal team, Supplier Relationship Management and Company Secretary

 

Marketing

Marketing is composed of four teams:

• Brand, PR & Channels
• Acquisition
• Customer Insight
• Loyalty and 121 Marketing

These four different teams have one common goal: 'to put First National customers at the heart of the organisation'. This cohesive yet diverse team combines to help attract new customers, increase value through cross-sales, improve customer satisfaction scores and raise awareness of the brand and products we offer.

Products

The Products department is split into our two product areas: Insurances and Banking

The main objective of this department is to 'deliver great quality products and services at fair prices for First National customers'.  Many of the tasks led by the Products team involve a close partnership with other areas of the organisation such as our Marketing, Service and Distribution teams. When working on Product P&Ls there's collaboration with a number of departments including Risk, Procurement and Finance.  The depth and variety of roles within Products provides a challenging and stimulating working environment.

Change & IT

The Change & IT department is made up of four smaller teams;

• Change
• IT Service Delivery and Information Security,
• Procurement

These four groups work closely together to meet their shared vision - 'building a high performing team that delivers Change and IT Service through the use of consistent and ‘fit for purpose’ processes within Barrel Trust Finance'. The team successfully manage a diverse range of projects and work with teams from across the whole of the organisation.

Distribution

The Distribution dept comprises of:

• ATMs
• Customer Service
• eCommerce
• Central Retail and Retail Sales

The ATM team provide Barrel Trust’s branches with safe ATMs for customers, while the Customer Service team strive to deliver a positive experience for all customers.  The eCommerce team focus on the Banks website, online servicing and SEO. The Retail team provide a support network and maintain the relationship between the Bank and it's stores.

Finance

The Finance department is made up of the following teams;

• Financial Reporting
• Treasury
• Commercial Finance, including Cost Management and Decision Support
• Finance Systems
• Balance Sheet Management

The Finance team covers a wide range of activity including the production of financial statements, calculation of funds for investment and all regular reports for Australia Reserve Bank of Australia and the FSA. They manage the Bank's wholesale assets and liabilities and provide support and financial analysis to each area of the Bank.

Human Resources

Human Resources includes;

• Capability and Resourcing
• Internal Communications
• Property and Business Continuity Management

This dynamic group works closely with the parent company in many areas.  They develop and manage a number of communication channels to help colleagues understand the Banks vision and strategy. The driving force behind Barrel Trust Finance charity work as well as corporate responsibility and colleague welfare, the human resources team plays a very interactive role within the company.

Risk

Five different teams make up the Risk department;

• Credit Risk
• Operational Risk
• Regulatory Risk
• Fraud
• Collection & Recoveries

The department works towards a number of common goals, including avoiding unnecessary losses through bad debts, fines, or lost revenues and working with the rest of the business to develop practical and efficient solutions to risk and regulatory demands.  This team acts to ensure that risk prevention and risk awareness remains an integral part of the First National culture as well as guaranteeing sufficient reward or return for the risks that the Bank undertakes.

Our Corporate Responsibility agenda is important to us. It helps shape what we do, and how, as well as informing many of our decision making processes.
By acting in the best interests of all our stakeholders, we can make a sustainable and positive contribution to the economy, our local community and the charities we support.

Our Corporate Responsibility agenda has 5 main areas of focus :

• Best for financial health
• Sourcing with integrity
• Respect for our environment
• Making a positive difference to our community
• A great place to work

Best for financial health

Here at First National we recognise that money influences all areas of our customers' lives. Whether it's during their daily commute to work or in planning a holiday with the kids, we know how important saving money and savvy spending is to today's families.

Money Matters, both in print and as a blog, offers readers practical insight on how to get the most out of their busy lives. From money-saving ideas to family travel tips, First National customers are the driving force behind every Money Matters article and blog post. It's a resource just for them – a place to discover valuable information and share ideas on how to live life to the fullest.

Happy reading!

Sourcing with integrity

First National share the same ethical values as our parent company.  Reward, trust, convenience and value are core values for First National. They are reflected in the way we deal with our customer's ,and are part of the criteria we use to help choose our suppliers.
Respect for our environment

Caring for the environment is something we take seriously, and we have introduced a number of initiatives and incentives to reduce our carbon footprint.

Recycling

Plastic and raw materials are recycled in the offices and stationary orders are made on demand to avoid the over-ordering and potential wastage of stock.

Reduced travel

Efforts are being made to reduce travel at the Bank, and we encourage colleagues to use of conference calls rather than travel to meetings, where possible.  Colleagues are also encouraged to use public transport and cycle to work, with shower facilities provided on site.

Responsible marketing campaigns

We've taken time to identify practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of our leaflets and Point of Sale materials. Following a full review, we’re now able to save one tonne of waste on an average campaign and three tonnes on larger ones. We're want strong brand presence in our branches but we'll always consider the environmental impact.

Making a positive difference to our community

Maggie's Cancer Care Centres

This year First National selected Maggie's Cancer Care Centres  as our charity partner. All our colleagues are engaged in our fundraising efforts and it's a great way to build team spirit, while raising money for a fantastic cause. 

The first Maggie’s Centre opened in 1995 in Edinburgh and was co-founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks. The aim was to support anyone affected by cancer – patients, family members and friends - providing comfort, information or simply a place to go and collect their thoughts.  People are welcome to go to a Maggie's centre whenever they need to, from post-diagnosis through treatment and in bereavement.  A cancer patient herself, Maggie was conscious of the effect her illness had on her close ones and was keen to create a place that would offer the same support to loved ones and cancer sufferers.

We started our fundraising activity in February 2016, and we've already exceeded our target to raise $15,000 in a year. From cake bakes and raffles, to Charity Balls and comedy shows, our colleagues have all worked together and raised over $27,000 for a fantastic organization.

A day to make a difference
Our 'Day to make a difference' initiative encourages Barrel Trust Finance employees to volunteer one day a year with a local charity or organisation of their choice .This isn’t part of their holiday entitlement. It’s a day given to them by the Bank to help them make a difference in their local community. Colleagues can do something individually or as part of a team. To date, colleagues have participated in a variety of activities including charity shop volunteering, clearing our local burns, decorating children's centres and even fruit picking…!

With each member of our team taking a day out of the office in the year, the bank is able to contribute 1800 hours of service to local charities and organisations.

Columba 1400
With the company's corporate values in mind, Barrel Trust Finance enrolled a number of employees on Columba 1400 programme.  Keen to allow colleagues the opportunity to develop through a range of different and diverse experiences, we enrolled 8 colleagues on the residential Gemini programme. Bank colleagues worked side by side with Columba graduates - young, ambitious people from challenging backgrounds. On this programme,, preconceptions are challenged, leadership skills improved and new relationships are built.  The learning is two way, with opportunities for personal growth and improved communication skills.

Participation in the Columba 1400 Gemini programme also supports the final area of focus; providing 'a great place to work'.


Pilotlight
First National is a proud volunteer in the Pilotlight programme.  This involves the partnership of some of our leading business people with charitable organisations and social enterprises.  The concept of 'Pilotlighting' is to encourage professionals  to give their time and expertise to small, ambitious charities, helping them develop into  sustainable and effective organisations.  As well as offering their expertise to these charities, our pilotlighters have drawn a lot from the experience.  Words such as "inspiring", "eye-opening" and "impressive" are used when describing the work of these charities with such limited resources but with incredible enthusiasm and commitment.

A great place to work

There is a structured system in place which enables colleagues to have a successfully and rewarding career at First National.  From the comprehensive and thorough induction programme for new recruits through to personal development plans, masterclasses, we'll provide support and guidance every step of the way., More information on personal development is included in the 'Grow with Us' section

To encourage colleague input and promote the open culture at First National, we've introduced a Colleague Engagement Forum.  Colleagues can raise concerns, ask questions and get important people matters on the corporate agenda, through this forum.. The group also play a key role in supporting action plans from our Colleague Opinion Survey 


Here at First National we recognise that money influences all areas of our customers' lives. Whether it's during their daily commute to work or in planning a holiday with the kids, we know how important saving money and savvy spending is to today's families. Money Matters, both in print and as a blog, offers readers practical insight on how to get the most out of their busy lives. From money-saving ideas to family travel tips, First National customers are the driving force behind every Money Matters article and blog post. It's a resource just for them – a place to discover valuable information and share ideas on how to live life to the fullest. Happy reading!