Exploring the role of a corporate services senior administrator: Insights with Austyn Hare

In this Q&A, we spoke to Austyn Hare, a Senior Administrator in our Jersey office, about his career path and day-to-day responsibilities.

How did you get into your role as a senior administrator?

While at university studying for a business degree, I wanted to gain practical experience before graduating to understand what path I would like to take. I applied for work experience with Praxis, where I spent a few weeks every summer holiday. Working on varied tasks, from preparing reports to assisting with client matters, provided great insight into the role.

After graduating, I was fortunate to return to Praxis full-time as an administrator and manage my own portfolio of private wealth and corporate clients. During this time, Praxis supported my studies with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.

After completing my professional qualification, my partner and I felt the urge for something new and wanted to gain new life experience, and travelled across Southeast Asia and Australia for a year.

On our return to Jersey, I rejoined Praxis as a senior administrator. I am looking forward to continuing my professional development by starting a Chartered Secretary qualification together with the extra responsibility I have in managing a portfolio of corporate clients and working on some new projects we have in the pipeline.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a senior administrator?

There are several main areas that can be broken down into three main categories:

Corporate governance support

• The responsibility of a senior administrator is to support our clients by organising and coordinating board meetings, preparing board papers, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is available for decision-making. Administrators maintain records of meeting minutes and ensure compliance with relevant governance policies and procedures.
• Regulatory compliance in the financial services industry is vital, especially in Jersey, which prides itself on its high standards and was recently given a positive assessment of its work to combat financial crime by MONEYVAL. Senior administrators help ensure that Praxis adheres to all local and international regulations.

Efficient client service

• A critical component of the role and responsibility of a senior administrator is liaising with clients, understanding their business needs, and ensuring the smooth execution of services. Administrators are clients’ primary point of contact, addressing enquiries, managing expectations, and guiding corporate governance and other financial matters. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential to fostering trust and ensuring client satisfaction.

Company secretarial services

• Administrators often support company secretarial functions, maintaining up-to-date statutory records, including shareholder registers, minute books and filings with regulatory bodies. They ensure that all corporate filings are completed on time and that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations, including corporate tax filings, shareholder notifications and director appointments.

What are the essential skills to be a successful senior administrator?

A senior administrator in the financial services industry holds a multifaceted role that demands a high level of organisational skill, governance knowledge and communication. Among these responsibilities, liaising with clients is arguably the most important, as it ensures that their needs are met, expectations are managed and their corporate affairs are handled efficiently.

Finally, what is it like to live and work in Jersey?

Jersey is one of the most prominent offshore financial centres globally. It is home to various financial services, including banking, wealth management, trust and fiduciary services, insurance and fund administration. It is an attractive jurisdiction for multinational companies, private clients and investors due to its tax efficiency, robust legal and compliance framework, attractive company law and product offerings, and pool of experienced professionals. Given the vast range of experience in Jersey, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from other people and firms in all sectors of financial services at all levels.

A great thing about Jersey is the work-life balance. As the island is small, the commute to and from work is minimal, something that those who are used to being stuck in crowded trains or motorway traffic will appreciate, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your favourite hobbies before and after work. Jersey also offers plenty of things to do all year round, whether beaches and music festivals in the summer or Christmas markets; it is a great place to grow up and live.

Please note that this article is intended to provide a general overview of the matters to which it relates. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Any engagement in respect of our professional services is subject to our standard terms and conditions of business and the provision of all necessary due diligence. © Praxis 2023