First Arkansas Bank & Trust
First Arkansas Bank & Trust
It takes a lot of people to keep a bank running smoothly, and as senior vice president and chief financial officer for First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Kim Cullum said she enjoys the satisfaction and challenge of helping her organization make savvy financial decisions.
Cullum joined the bank 28 years ago. She was working at Pricewaterhouse when she had the chance to join the bank’s team and set up its internal audit department.
“Professionally, it was a great opportunity for me, and a really big challenge,” she said.
In her role, she plans, implements and manages all of the bank’s financial activities. She works to help the bank excel by providing information that is valuable in making sound financial decisions.
“Providing timely, accurate information and forecasting are vital in banking,” she said. “Both are necessary to maintain a bank that is well capitalized and flexible enough to meet the day-to-day needs of customers in an extremely regulated environment.”
Cullum also provides input and leadership as a member of the bank’s executive committee. She said the role spurs her to stay focused on what needs to be addressed so she can positively impact the bank’s strategic goals. She added that she enjoys being able to answer questions or provide information that allows others to make smart choices.
“I don’t know how to make a loan, run a branch facility or operate a firewall, but if I can provide [colleagues] with financial information that will help them make informed strategic decisions, purchase decisions or even day-to-day operational decisions, it is very rewarding,” Cullum said.
Working at the bank also nurtures her passion for paying it forward, she added. First Arkansas Bank & Trust supports numerous charities through corporate donations, but Cullum said she is most proud of her co-workers who donate their time and money to help those in need.
The secrets to her success, she said, are staying positive, tackling difficult tasks first and surrounding herself with co-workers she can count on to help her get the job done.
“It is never boring,” she said. “After 28 years, I have a lot of knowledge in this field and feel that I make a difference.”
PROVIDING TIMELY, ACCURATE INFORMATION AND FORECASTING ARE VITAL IN BANKING. — Kim Cullum