A passion for development
Clara Naa Ayeley Commeh, Branch Manager, Advans Ghana
Why did you choose to work in the microfinance sector and for Advans in particular?
"I decided to work in the microfinance sector as a result of my passion to promote social development and contribute to helping small businesses access finance. I chose to work at Advans in particular because of its mission to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as its renowned impact in the communities where it operates."
What is a typical day for you as a Branch Manager at Advans?
"On a typical day, my role as a Branch Manager begins, first and foremost, with a review of all daily reports in the morning. This is followed by meetings with other branch supervisors to review our collective strategy, position and schedule for the day and the week. An equally important priority I include in my daily activities is to ensure I have personal interactions with my team members during the day in order to monitor and guide their activities, as well as keep the team motivated. "
How has your career developed since you joined Advans Ghana?
"My career has developed through the various progressive roles and tasks I have carried out while working at Advans. I love taking on new tasks and challenges and I have been able to do this during my time at Advans because there is a clear culture of building diversified skills and supporting the professional growth of staff. I started my career at Advans as a Client Assistant and was promoted to the level of Banking Service Supervisor, then Deputy Branch Manager, and finally Branch Manager."
What skills have you acquired working at Advans and what are you most proud of?
"I have acquired a lot of skills working at Advans over the years, however, I am most proud of the team management skills I have developed. Working with and managing people from different backgrounds has taught me to appreciate people's strengths and weaknesses, and always navigate these attributes to bring out the best in others."
As Senior Branch Manager, what do you think are the most important aspects of providing a quality customer service?
"Customers always want to feel they are being heard and that their concerns are being addressed within the shortest possible time. I believe that providing our customers with a platform to express their complaints helps us in delivering quality customer service."
What do you consider to be your most important achievement so far?
"Staying committed to the group's organisational goals and objectives for the past decade has enabled me to reach my current position as a Senior Manager. I consider this to be a key achievement."
What do you like the most about Advans?
"Advans is a group that has demonstrated over the years that caring for its staff impacts the quality of service clients receive. This is why Advans has continually invested in staff training to build staff capacities."