5 questions to Caroline Bouyer

1.    Could you tell us a little about your career ?

« Having obtained my accounting qualification, I joined the Societe Generale group in 2003 as Transactions Manager for domiciled and foreign funds (consolidations, transaction settlements and correspondence with the pricing agent). In 2009, I took charge of capital taxation on client transactions at the Tax department. I then got my BADGE (a post-graduate competency assessment) in Securities Services from the Audencia Business School before joining the group’s Employee Savings Department where I now work as Corporate Billing Manager, dealing particular with Credit du Nord.  »

2.    Can you describe your role in three words ?

« CHECKS:Throughout the year we manage various billing campaigns, which involve annual bookkeeping, entry fees and other services (set-up costs, transfers and quotes). Before issuing invoices to companies, there are cross-checks to be done first. We must check that the rates recorded in our billing software are the same as those in the contract signed by the client. We also need to check that the services provided by the back office have been billed correctly. Before sending the final copy to the company, we also perform comparisons and sample-based checks. These checks are crucial to reduce to the number of customer complaints.

CHALLENGE : We now use paperless billing. I was part of the team that handled the call for tenders from providers and set up the system. This was a successful project that has been welcomed by companies.

RELATIONSHIPS : I deal with many people on a daily basis and relationships are important. Throughout the “life” of a contract (from start to finish, including all the services covered) I have to correspond with people from Credit du Nord, the operational back office and other teams from the Employee Savings Department, as well as with the end clients: the companies. During billing campaigns or when chasing outstanding invoices, I also handle client calls and deal with any complaints. »

3.    What makes the job worthwhile ?

« To be honest, I am not a morning person. But the prospect of seeing colleagues, working as part of a team in a positive atmosphere gets my day off to a good start.  »

4.    Caroline, what’s your motto, your philosophy ?

« If I had to choose one motto, it would have to be ‘A smile costs nothing, but gives a lot’. I think it is really important to be friendly, not just at work but in my personal life. A smile won’t solve everything, but it helps things along and soothes tensions. » 

5.    What are your interests in life ?

« My two boys, who are 12 and 10, definitely keep me on my toes, and I spend lots of time with them. Music; I like going to concerts with friends and discovering new artists. DIY; I like home makeovers, upcycling furniture, decorating ... I’m never short on ideas, only on time! »