Fund Administration at Saltgate - what's it like?
12 May 2021
‘I love a job done well and when your clients see your hard work and commitment, they appreciate it.’
We heard from Lauren Buesnel, a Fund Administrator in our Jersey office, about her favourite part of her role, and her advice for someone interested in fund administration. Plus, what she thinks is the biggest misconception about her job, and the strangest thing that’s happened at work.
Read Lauren’s full interview below.
What is your professional background?
My first job in finance was at Ipes (now Apex) where I spent four years working with private equity funds. After leaving Ipes, I spent one year at Intertrust in the private wealth department before moving to Saltgate in January 2020. I am currently studying towards the International Finance and Administration Level 5 Diploma, with two exams left.
How did you get to Saltgate?
I had worked with a colleague at Ipes who had mentioned a possibility to work at Saltgate to me. After my first interview, I knew Saltgate was the right move. My first interview was with James Martin, now my manager, and Hannah Culshaw and I couldn’t have asked for a better first impression of the company. It was the perfect mix of professional, yet friendly and welcoming.
What’s your role and what are your responsibilities within Saltgate?
I am now a fund administrator level 2 and look after various client fund structures, dealing with many administrative tasks including preparing board meetings, draft minutes, maintaining registers, capital calls, distributions, investment transactions, filing accounts, incorporating new vehicles, opening bank accounts… to name a few!
What advice would you give to someone who wants your role?
Write notes on everything! Your notepad should act as your bible; everything you do, every conversation you have, every item you think ‘oh I can’t forget to do that’, write it down whether it’s big or small. I’ve made the mistake before relying on my memory and it’s just creates unnecessary stress for yourself.
What’s the best part of your role?
My favourite part of my role is the client interaction. I love a job done well and when your clients see your hard work and commitment, they appreciate it. Every client is different, and you learn on the job how to service each of them and their specific needs, but once you get into the swing of things, they’ll learn to trust you.
What’s the biggest misconception about your job?
Many people think an administrator’s role is repetitive and mundane, but anyone that has experienced the role will tell you that it’s far from it. Every day is different and has its own challenges, which is something I have learnt to love.
Why did you go for the role you are in?
My first fulltime job was at Freelance Motors where I was a sales ledger and purchase ledger administrator. I enjoyed the office environment, the sense of accomplishment and the responsibility the role provided.
I guess since then it’s just been a trial and error of testing what I prefer to do for a living. I can honestly say that I’m very content with where I am and what I am doing – and that’s all I can ask for.
What’s the strangest or funniest thing that’s happened to you at work?
I came into work one Saturday to study, and due to high winds the glass balcony had smashed from the 6th floor onto the road. I had to call the directors to report the accident and arrange for the glass to be cleared. I can’t say I got much studying done that morning!
What trait in a person do you most admire?
In my opinion, the best trait you could have in the finance industry is the willingness to learn. No matter what your role is or what your salary is, you can always learn from the people around you.
If I think of all the people that have helped me in my career, without them I would not be the person I am today. Every person has their own experience, knowledge and opinion and you never know what you could learn from listening to them.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work I like to spend time with my friends and family, workout and relax in the sun. Summer is definitely my favourite season; I love to be outdoors and trying new things. Once the weather improves, I will be out paddle boarding and rock jumping in the sun!
What’s your hidden talent?
I don’t think I have a hidden talent… maybe it’s yet to be found!
What’s been the highlight of your week?
On Monday, Saltgate held its Q1 2021 quarterly update and it was nice to see, after being away from my colleagues so long during lockdown, all of the progressions and achievements we have accomplished as individuals and as a company.
Who’s your hero?
Sounds very cliché but I would have to say my mum. She is the most hardworking and driven person I know.
She had me at a young age and had three different jobs trying to support us both. She started as a trainee and 20 years later she is now a finance director. She has worked countless evenings and weekends for what she has now, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Who’s your favourite author?
I only tend to read when I’m on holiday, which hasn’t been for a long time, so it’s been a while since I’ve read for pleasure. I tend to be more drawn towards true stories than anything else, I like reading about different cultures and experiences as it’s eye-opening when you live in a little bubble on a tiny island.
What’s the funniest joke you know by heart?
I’m playing it fast and loose with the term ‘funny’ but here goes…
Why didn’t the skeleton go to the party? Because he had no body to go with.
What makes someone succeed at Saltgate?
I like to have the mentality that whatever I’m doing, I’m predominantly doing it for my own benefit and progression. You can’t come into work doing the bare minimum and expect to succeed. If you are behind on work then you’re only creating unnecessary stress on yourself, if you don’t concentrate then you will have to correct your mistakes, if you don’t prepare for a board meeting then it will look bad on you. If you take pride in yourself and in your role then you’re going to do everything to the best of your ability and, in the long run, progress in your career.
What’s your favourite part of Saltgate culture?
My favourite part would have to be everyone’s positive attitude towards each other, and their work.
The first day back into the office from lockdown was so refreshing, everyone was smiling and welcoming and excited to see familiar faces again. I much prefer being in the office environment with my colleagues and having that face-to-face interaction as it lifts my mood and motivates me to work hard.