Katia Moreno - NCI Graduate Story

Katia is a class of 2023 MSc Management graduate from NCI. She holds a BA Finance and Accountancy and worked with KPMG and BBVA in Mexico before completing the MSc Management in NCI and is now an accountant with Udemy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I’m Katia Moreno from Mexico! I am a specialised professional in the financial services, banking industry and operations, with a passion for providing tools and formulating strategies for small, medium, and large companies.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accountancy and later earned a Master Science of Management at NCI, which led to my employment at Partner Re.

I am truly passionate about building relationships with people from all over the world. I love dancing, and I’m a person who constantly seeks new challenges — otherwise, I get bored.

What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?

One of the things I enjoyed the most at NCI was its cultural diversity, which I found truly fulfilling. I’ll never forget the classes with Phillip, who not only explained how management processes work but also highlighted how personal activities and self-reflection influence positive or negative management outcomes.
He used various exercises to help the class understand the concepts, and I remember it as one of the best courses I ever took. It also brought the entire class closer together, and I made truly great friends.

How did you hear about your role ?

I found my job through a job portal (Indeed). However, NCI’s career staff helped me adapt my CV to European standards and provided valuable tips for finding a job and succeeding in interviews.

What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?

The recruitment stage is the most challenging part of a job search. You need to include specific keywords in your CV so that company systems and job portals identify you as a good candidate. Networking — whether through online platforms or events — is also key.

I did both: I tailored my CV using the right keywords for my target role and got feedback from recruiters and CV tools. I participated in networking events and significantly expanded my LinkedIn connections.

When I secured an interview, I practiced extensively with interview tools to remain calm and confident. I also researched the company in depth so I could ask informed questions. In my experience, your attitude and willingness to learn can be just as important as your previous or non-experience — recruiters notice that.

What is a typical day like in your current role?

I work in finance operations, focusing mainly on accounts payable and reconciliations. One of the advantages of my company’s finance structure is the opportunity to learn a great deal about different areas.

I was an international student at NCI. After graduation, I received a Stamp 1G visa. Two months later, I got a job, and once I completed my probation period, my company sponsored my work visa.

What is a typical day like in your current role ?

Reconciling accounts for different locations, (US, Canada, Australia, Ireland etc)
Processing invoices and running payment cycles.
Resolving discrepancies.
Working on automation projects to improve existing processes.
Reviewing vendor and payment details for accuracy.
Responding to internal queries and following up with banks on payment settlements.
Completing bank reconciliations.
Verifying processed transactions against financial accounts.
Cash management — forecasting balances and recommending investments or replenishments.

What do you like most about your current role or profession?

I truly enjoy operations because they allow you to understand how different parts of a structure work together, while also helping you develop key skills such as organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

I particularly value the strong team support we have, which enables us to be successful in our duties.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?

During my Master’s degree, the most challenging part was my research project. It required strong organisation and proper guidance.

However one graduated, finding a job as an international student was heavily challenging due to cultural differences and the need to adapt to a new market. However, it is definitely achievable with preparation and persistence.

Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the job market in Ireland:

1. Believe in yourself — Even if you lack direct experience, the right attitude can help you secure a job.

2. Be open and approachable with recruiters — They can give you valuable advice for interviews. Don't be shy to ask them about the recruitment process, but keep the conversation friendly and professional. The tips I received from doing that worth it.

3. Practice your interviews — Be ready to confidently explain everything on your CV and your knowledge about the taks of the role, but preparation is the key to delivering complete and impressive answers. Practice before with different online tools, now with AI is even easier to practice.