What it does: Visa offers a suite of services that include payment solutions, fraud management and security, data products, and consulting and analytics
Mission: To uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid
Size and presence: It has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, including 197 staff in Australia
Best known for: With VisaNet, the world’s largest electronic payment network, it dominates global payments overall
The good bits: One of the Most Innovative Companies in Australia in 2022 (ranking first in the banking, superannuation, and financial services category)
The not-so-good bits: The flexibility of working from home is not always consistent
Visa’s journey began in 1958 when Bank of America launched BankAmericard, the first consumer credit card programme in the U.S. In 1974, they expanded internationally, and in 1976, BankAmericard became Visa, a name that sounds the same in all languages.
In 2007, Visa formed a global corporation, Visa Inc., and, in 2008, the company went public. As a trusted network, they connect businesses, financial institutions, government entities, and strategic partners by facilitating electronic funds transfers across over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The foundation of their business and at the core of everything they do is innovation. That is why they partner with fintech to enable the future of digital payment solutions. Their work has revolutionised how the world pay and gets paid. However, you do not need to understand technology in great detail.
Even though some of their roles require specific technical skills, they value diversity of thought and are open to people from a range of disciplines. With a wide range of competencies, employees should be passionate about their work.
You just need to work well as a team. The work is highly collaborative and there are lots of team-building activities. They are nurturing an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued and drive success within the company.
To join the Visa team, you need to complete their application form and submit your CV or LinkedIn profile. You might also need to complete an online test as one of the assessment processes that show them how you make decisions. If they think you could be a good fit for the company, you will have a phone interview.
Their process will also give you the chance to show your skills, regardless of your degree background. If you apply for a technology role, they will ask you to complete a technical challenge that will allow them to know more about your level of knowledge.
The final stage will be an assessment centre or in-person interview in their office. What you will do depends on the role you have applied for. You need to understand Visa as a business. They do not expect you to be a payment expert, but they will want to hear you talk confidently about Visa, the role you have applied for, and why you are passionate about it. If you are successful, you will be given an offer.
Although the chances for upward advancement might be more limited, there are lots of opportunities to move internally across the organisation. Each employee can make a real impact in the field that interests them. They also have opportunities worldwide.
The annual pay is approximate: Digital Marketing Manager (AU$13,290), Account Manager (AU$60,000-120,000), Associate Managing Consultant (AU$110,000), Relationship Manager (AU$130,000), Business Leader (AU$164,900), Director (AU$164,000-200,000), Senior Data Scientist (AU$165,000), Business Development (AU$171,330), Senior Manager (AU$182,750), Business Development Director (AU$185,000), Director, Product Management (AU$187,790).
Other positions with higher salaries are Client Director (AU$190,000), Manager (AU$170,000-230,000), Chief Executive Officer (AU$200,000), Senior Product Manager (AU$235,580), Senior Director (AU$260,000-280,000).
Visa employees receive life insurance, health insurance, saving plans, holidays and paid time off. Visa also recognises its staff achievements with service awards, performance-based rewards, or talent referral bonuses. Employees can also make philanthropic donations through Matching Gift Programme or participate in their Employee Volunteer Programme.
Visa is actively working with governments, fintech, and financial institutions to help provide underserved communities with access to innovative financial solutions. Over five years, Visa Foundation pledged million of dollars to its Equitable Access Initiative supporting gender-diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses.
During the pandemic, it also provided emergency relief to support small businesses and organisations on the frontlines. In addition, since 1991, they have been offering financial education programmes around the globe where people can learn about small loans and mobile banking to support their communities.
The programme called Practical Money Skills, for example, has helped millions to better manage their money and improve their quality of life. They also launched the Practical Business Skills programme in over 40 countries to empower small business owners to build and manage their businesses.