Doing things differently: How Sarah Pocock is continuing to grow at Great Southern Bank
Sarah Pocock is no stranger to the world of banking. But throughout her varied career, she’s never experienced a culture quite like what she’s found at Great Southern Bank. As our Compliance Manager, Sarah ensures we always do what’s right by our customers on their path to home ownership.
Customers come first
As one of the largest customer-owned banks in Australia, it’s safe to say that our customers are always front-of-mind at Great Southern Bank. It’s written into our DNA - no, really! Our policies and procedures are the building blocks to help customers own a home, so the role Sarah Pocock plays as our Compliance Manager is a critical one.
“The constant pace at which things change is challenging, but also one of the most exciting parts of my role.” Sarah says. “Every day, it feels like my knowledge of compliance is expanding and my skills are developing.”
After completing a Bachelor of Business majoring in banking and finance, Sarah joined the banking sector in an operational role, where she worked alongside other risk and compliance teams. Her curiosity was piqued, and from there, her career path shifted. She worked in a variety of compliance roles before making the move to Great Southern Bank in 2022.
“I decided to leave my previous organisation when a past colleague told me about an opportunity at Great Southern Bank,” Sarah recalls. “I decided to go for it. I’m so glad I did. The variety is a big part of what keeps me here - no two days are ever the same. I feel lucky to work with really great people, too.”
Going from strength to strength
Sarah relishes the chance to develop her skills in one of the country’s largest customer-owned banks. In her time with us, she’s been given plenty of opportunities to learn and grow, through external courses…
“I’d always wanted to do my Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management, so when Great Southern Bank said they’d help me attain the qualification, it was a no brainer!”
… and our internal mentorship program.
“I was paired up with a fantastic mentor from a completely different area of the bank to me, who has really helped to challenge my thinking. We’ve had numerous conversations and lunches together, and I really hope to continue that relationship.”
An exciting, changing workplace
Many of Sarah’s most treasured memories revolve around home. Which is why she’s so passionate about helping Australians own homes of their own.
“It’s a purpose that’s so well communicated across the organisation - everyone has a part to play. Everything we do aims to serve the best interests of our customers.”
Sarah feels proud to play her part in the important, impactful work Great Southern Bank does. And she’s excited to see what the future holds as the bank enters an exciting period of growth.
“Great Southern Bank is in a real evolution right now,” Sarah says. “We’re constantly adapting to the many changes coming our way. Working in an enterprise function means you get exposure to what’s happening across the broader enterprise, so even if I'm not directly involved, I’m always hearing conversations and learning new things about the bank. It’s a really exciting place to be.”