I went from loan ops to compliance to audit and recently promoted to senior operations officer. I can tell you that my audit and compliance experience has been extremely helpful now that I down in the trenches. I have taken as many operations seminars, purchased resource material, gone to operations conferences (great info here, and thank goodness for my Cashier buddies who are always so helpful in providing some insight. However, nothing like getting down in the trenches and getting involved in as much of backroom ops as possible. Get good supportive and knowledgable staff, use all your resources and above all stay focused. Too much to deal with when you are in this position such as staffing, operating costs and controlling expenses, pricing and product development, training and good controls, customer service, setting goals and objectives and much more. The toughest part has been dealing with staff issues, however, I never stop learning. Best wishes
Gigi