1. Tell us about your current role; what does the job entail?

As I have been with IPF for almost 18 years, I have built up a substantial amount of clients, with ages ranging from 18 to 80. My week entails providing 6-8 full financial client reviews each week. Before Covid I would have spent a lot of time travelling around the country meeting clients and living out of hotels. Thankfully with Zoom and Teams that is a thing of the past for the most part. I usually work with a junior member of staff to arrange my appointments each week.

2.  How long have you worked in IPF?

I am starting to show my age, but when I joined IPF, the company didn’t have a website that worked, I had to Google what AVC’s were at the time.

Like all students, I cast a wide net and sent out my CV to a number of businesses. When I left college, I didn’t really have a clear vision of what career path I would take. I just finished a Masters in Marketing in DCU so Finance was not on my radar.

I do always remember my very first interview with IPF, or Personal and Corporate as it was known then. It was with Owen Dwyer, one of the partners of the company. He was so honest about the job, the opportunities, and the hard work I would need to put in to get those opportunities. I remember thinking, I don’t know much about this company, but I want to work for Owen Dwyer. Even if I lasted only six months, I would learn so much from him and his colleagues if they were in the same mindset. Thankfully, they were, and 18 years on, I am still loving life at IPF.

4. Tell us about your average day.

My Average Day:

9:00 to 10:00: Check emails, voicemails, and prepare for the 10:00 AM appointment.

10:00 to 11:00: First financial review of the day.

11:00 to 11:30: Complete the paperwork from the client review.

11:30 to 11:45: 15-minute break.

11:45 to 12:00: Prepare for the next client review.

12:00 to 1:00: Client review.

1:00 to 2:00: Lunch.

2:00 to 2:30: Complete the paperwork from the client review and prepare for the last client review of the day.

2:30 to 3:30: Prepare for the next client review.

3:30 to 4:30: Client review.

4:30 to 5:30: Check all paperwork is completed, confirm tomorrow’s appointments, check emails and messages, and check in with my manager.

5. What do you enjoy about your job?

When I was providing group presentations around the country, I would always say that you get to meet new people all the time and that our job is to help the client identify their concerns and alleviate those concerns by putting a plan in place.
Now, as I don’t do much traveling, it’s knowing that my sole purpose is looking after my clients, and my clients know that I am here to help them achieve their goals.

6. What are the challenges?

You need self-motivation. If you are not prepared to put the work in and improve your technical knowledge on an ongoing basis and constantly want to improve, you won’t reach your full potential in IPF or life in general.

My children used to say, ‘I can’t’, which for me, is not in my vocabulary, its only hard. The job can be very daunting, but everyone in IPF, whether you have been here 18 days or 18 years, is there to help you progress your career. Having that atmosphere in IPF is so crucial for everyone here. 

7. Describe the work culture in the company.

It’s all about balance. You need to work hard, both individually and as part of a team, but you need to make sure you have your downtime. The job is very demanding, so your organisation and time management skills are crucial.

8. What advice would you give to somebody interested in working there?

I always felt my education got me in the door, but my experience working with the public (I worked in pubs for 12 years through school and college) was just as important. You don’t necessarily need a background in finance, and I am proof of that. If you are looking for an exciting career that always challenges you and helps people with their financial needs, IPF is the place for you.

9.  Is there something unique or interesting about your company that you’d like to share with jobseekers (perks, benefits, training, social clubs etc)  

When I started, I had no experience in finance or in the 9-to-5 lifestyle, and IPF changed all of that. I know times have changed, and most of the new employees or candidates will have a certain amount of financial qualifications, but at IPF, there is no limit or barrier to your success in this company.

There is something to learn from every member of staff, no matter what experience they have at IPF.

The start can be difficult, trying to understand all the technical aspects of the public sector schemes and the products and services we provide. You are going to make mistakes, but with a good work ethic and doing the best for your clients, you will have a great career at IPF.