In a slight change from our ‘Adviser Insights’ series of website stories, we are now shining a light on other team members who are essential to the successful running of MPA. In our first ‘Admin Insights’ we spoke to MPA Administrator Kat about switching careers, the perks of constantly learning on the job and why it’s important to keep on top of your financial admin.
- How did you get into Financial Services? What is your background?
“I’ve had quite a varied career history. I originally worked in an estate agent as a senior negotiator and mortgage advisor, so there’s a bit of a financial link there.
“When my children came along, I branched into fitness but returned to finance in 2012, working as an administrator within the financial services sector and have been here ever since.
“I’m always working to improve my skills and knowledge; I have taken part one of my adviser qualification Financial Services Products and Solutions (LP2) and the next step is to complete UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (CF1) to obtain certification.”
- How do you support IFAs and Paraplanners?
“It’s quite hard to summarise as there is so much to my role. In addition to general support, I help with switching, aiding withdrawals, letters of authority, pensions, and ISA’s.
“There’s also a lot of logistical admin, which includes everything from obtaining pension/bond & ISA checklists from ceding providers and contacting providers for information to adding or taking plans out of force.
“Communication is another big part of the job. I frequently deal with clients and answer the phones, and I am one of the team responsible for proofreading suitability reports prior to them being issued to the client, setting up new business, writing letters, obtaining Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDS) and factsheets. I am also involved in doing client reviews and issuing suitability reports to the respective client when they are ready and looking for the returning paperwork.”
- What do you enjoy about working at MPA?
“I really enjoy the variety of the workload and the constant learning that goes with the job.”
“MPA treats its staff with respect, value and appreciation, which is very important to me as we spend most of our waking hours at work.”
- What tips would you give to clients for making administration of their financial affairs easier to manage?
“People can take some simple steps to simplify their financial affairs. Keep notes and dates – a spreadsheet can be a useful tool for this.
“Also, always try and keep on top of admin work; as it helps to make everything a little easier and clearer in the long term and eliminates room for errors and information going missing!”
- What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
“I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and staying on top of my fitness.”
For more information about MPA’s range of financial advice services, visit www.mpafm.co.uk/services
