Executive Assistant

As an Executive Assistant at GoCardless, your primary responsibilities include managing the diaries of the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Product Officer, organizing meetings, and facilitating communication across the business. You'll also handle correspondence, arrange extensive international travel, and support in planning team events. With your proactive approach and excellent organizational skills, you'll maintain an efficient workflow, while adhering to confidentiality and trustworthiness throughout the process.

To thrive as an Executive Assistant at GoCardless, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience supporting C-suite executives. Strong communication skills, organizational prowess, and the ability to multitask are crucial. Familiarity with G Suite is a plus, but emphasis is on flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive attitude. The ideal candidate will also possess discretion, as the role involves handling sensitive information.

At GoCardless, we prioritize diversity and inclusion, aiming to build a team that reflects multiple perspectives. Our Executive Assistant team itself is diverse, with initiatives to promote varied backgrounds and experiences. We believe that by fostering an inclusive environment, we enhance collaboration and creativity, essential elements in supporting our executives effectively. The company is committed to ongoing development in this area, actively working to improve representation across all levels.

Working at GoCardless as an Executive Assistant comes with exciting benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, wellness days, and a supportive working environment that encourages flexibility. Employees can benefit from our 'Work Away' scheme, which allows staff to work from different locations for part of the year. In addition, GoCardless offers equity for permanently employed team members, reinforcing our commitment to shared success.

The culture at GoCardless is vibrant, collaborative, and rooted in integrity. As an Executive Assistant, you will be part of an encouraging team that values urgency and personal accountability. We believe in clear communication and building strong relationships both internally and externally. Our values guide us in nurturing a workplace that is not only innovative but also aligns with our mission to enhance the payment landscape.

In managing conflicting priorities, clarity and effective communication are key. I assess the urgency and importance of each task to determine what requires immediate attention and what can wait. I also ensure to keep an open dialogue with the executives I support, to align my work with their goals and deadlines. This proactive approach helps me balance tasks efficiently and maintain organization.

Certainly! I once organized an extensive multi-city trip for an executive that involved different time zones and numerous meetings. The key was meticulous planning – I researched and confirmed travel details, set up meetings that respected local time zones, and created a detailed itinerary that included all logistics. This careful coordination not only helped the executive travel seamlessly but also maximized productivity during the trip.

Maintaining confidentiality is paramount in the Executive Assistant role. I take measures such as securing sensitive documents and limiting discussions about confidential information to trusted parties. Additionally, I ensure that all communication, whether verbal or written, adheres to privacy standards. By fostering a culture of trust and integrity, I can very effectively protect the confidentiality of the information I handle.

Building relationships with stakeholders requires active communication and a genuine interest in their needs. I make it a point to be approachable and friendly, while also listening intently to understand their priorities. I often collaborate on projects that require cross-departmental input, which allows me to demonstrate my commitment and reliability, ultimately strengthening those working relationships.

I find tools like shared calendars, project management applications, and communication platforms essential for my role. G Suite is particularly valuable for collaborative document editing and scheduling meetings. Additionally, using tools that allow for task delegation and tracking progress helps me stay organized and on top of priorities, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

I encountered a significant change when the company implemented a new project management tool. To adapt, I took the initiative to undergo training and familiarize myself with the system ahead of schedule. I then shared my knowledge with the team to facilitate a smooth transition. This proactive approach not only helped me manage my own work effectively but also enabled my colleagues to adapt more quickly.

To stay organized, I rely on a combination of digital calendars and to-do lists. I prioritize tasks daily and set reminders for deadlines. I also categorize tasks based on urgency, ensuring that critical tasks are completed first. By regularly reviewing my workload and adjusting as necessary, I maintain an organized workflow that supports my effectiveness as an Executive Assistant.

Planning a team event involves clear objectives and thoughtful organization. I start by gathering input from team members about preferences and goals, then outline a timeline and budget. I coordinate logistics like venue, catering, and activities, ensuring to communicate updates with everyone involved. With thorough planning and attention to detail, I ensure that the event is enjoyable and meets its intended purpose.

I view feedback and criticism as opportunities for growth. I approach such situations with an open mind, listening carefully to understand the perspectives being shared. After reflecting on the feedback, I implement changes as necessary to improve my performance. This attitude not only enhances my skills but also helps build trust with the executives I support.

I am particularly drawn to GoCardless because of its commitment to innovation in payment solutions and its values centered around integrity and collaboration. I believe my experience will contribute to enhancing executive efficiency within the organization, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with a diverse team that values inclusivity. Being part of GoCardless means supporting a mission that aligns with my own professional aspirations.