Carley graduated with first class honors from the University of Warwick in Law and Business Studies. She joined KPMG in the Forensic Advisory team. She then spent a decade at Barclays, holding increasingly senior Audit roles across various divisions. Notably, Carley established the Structural Reform Programme for the newly created ring-fenced UK bank at Barclays. Her final role there was Senior Director for Strategy & Change, Data Analytics, Innovation, and Operational Effectiveness.

Headhunted by Monzo Bank, Carley built the Audit function. She played an influential role supporting the firm's growth and held the regulated and FCA-approved role (SMF 5). Carley has been the Group Chief Auditor at Vanquis Banking Group for 3 years and she has continued to build the reputation and status of the internal audit function. She has focused on the implementation of a data analytics strategy within GIA. Carley is a member of the Executive team and outside of her day-to-day responsibilities, Carley has brought new energy and focus towards the Group's achievement of the WiF target through her sponsorship of the gender balance affinity group.