Ogier Global
Jonathan Rolfe
20 Aug 2025
Jonathan Rolfe, fund accounting manager at Ogier Global in Jersey, shares how his early ambition to teach evolved into a career in fund administration, the role technology plays in driving efficiency, and why strong communication is central to success
Image: Ogier Global
Can you give me an insight of your personal journey into the asset services industry, why did you decide this was the career for you?
Originally I was going into teaching, so I did not have a background in finance or accounting, but I have always had an interest in financial markets and alternative investments, so I knew I could potentially find myself in that industry. I decided to try accountancy within fund administration as I always felt strong mathematically and enjoyed problem solving. I quickly found that it was the right choice for me.
Accountancy and fund administration grabbed me because it is so much more than just working with numbers — it is about making sense of how investments move and grow and connecting the clients and investors together. You are right at the centre of the action, helping deals come together and seeing transactions unfold in real time. It is genuinely fascinating to witness how these investments are structured and executed from behind the scenes, and to know you have contributed to making it all happen.
On the day-to-day, I enjoy the pace and variety, from managing daily transactions to dealing with ad-hoc reporting and adapting to regulatory changes. There is also a real sense of achievement in assisting in the completion of a large transaction or seeing the accounts signed and approved. Plus, there is always something new to learn with every day bringing a fresh challenge, which suits me perfectly.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
As an accountant within fund administration, I find it particularly rewarding to be at the forefront of technology, such as implementing AI solutions for automation in our bookkeeping processes.
Bringing efficiency to complex tasks and seeing real innovation applied to traditional accounting functions is both challenging and exciting. I am always in touch with our financial systems director to see what new tech the team will be bringing in, or brainstorming efficiency solutions to our bookkeeping process.
It is refreshing to see Ogier Global attack old-school accounting processes with modern upgrades, whether it be the use of their in-house AI or bringing in new tech functions. This saves a lot of time on repetitive tasks and lets us focus more on providing clients with a high-quality service.
We are always striving for that sweet spot of accuracy and efficiency, constantly looking for better ways to do things. Of course, just when you think you have nailed the perfect process, a new innovation comes along and throws everything up in the air — so it is back to square one. But honestly, that is half the fun. It keeps the work interesting and makes every win that little bit more rewarding.
Being fairly new to the industry, how do you find your experience compares to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
I have been working in fund administration for about seven years now and I still find myself learning all the time, especially because every new client brings something different to the table. No two clients are the same, each one has their own way of doing things and their own goals, so you are always adapting and coming up with pathways to success. That keeps the work interesting and means there is always a fresh challenge to get stuck into. I see each successful resolution as a notch in my belt.
On top of that, I can not overstate the value of working with more experienced colleagues. Each person has been on a unique path with stories of success and failures which they are always happy to pass on advice or give you a new angle on a tricky situation. At Ogier Global I have access to that kind of experience alongside tackling new client needs makes for a great learning environment, no matter how long you have been in the industry.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
One thing that genuinely surprised me was just how much client-facing interaction exists in fund administration. Accounting is often seen as a purely back office function, but within fund administration, strong communication with clients is central to the role. We are constantly in contact advising and collaborating, which adds a valuable dimension to the work and helps break traditional stereotypes.
One area that I would really like to see evolve is the way the industry uses technology to make things even more streamlined and transparent for clients. There has been a big push towards automation and digital solutions already but I think there is plenty more we could do, especially around real-time reporting and self-service options for clients.
What is the training process of a new employee? Do you think it was beneficial to your role and others who may now be in the same position you were?
Having originally considered becoming a teacher, I have always had a real interest in training and helping others grow. I enjoy figuring out how different people learn best, whether that is through visual aids, hands-on tasks, or just having open conversations about the tasks. Adapting to different learning styles really makes the training click for new joiners.
What I have found is that teaching others does not just help them — it sharpens your own knowledge too. Explaining processes and answering questions forces you to think clearly, which really helps crystalise your understanding. It also builds interpersonal skills and makes you a more well-rounded professional, as training is as much about communication as it is about content.
Ogier has a comprehensive training programme with a calendar full of hot off the press sessions on everything from industry changes to technical updates. There is always a chance to sign up for something new and keep your continuing topped up. The team is always supportive so you always feel backed up if you have a question or need guidance.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
Looking 10 years down the line, I would like to see myself in a leadership role — mentoring managers, supporting the team with my accumulated knowledge and being a reliable point of assurance for clients. Providing that stability and guidance is something I would really value and I would like to be part of shaping how we work as the industry continues to change.
I am also keen to keep pushing the boundaries with technology and process improvements. Having seen how much of a difference automation and new systems can make, I would like to play a bigger part in driving innovation within the team and across the business, making sure we are always a step ahead and offering the best possible service to our clients.
Alongside this, I am interested in teaching the ACCA qualification on the side. It would be a great way to pass on what I’ve learned, support others starting their own careers in accountancy and keep my own technical knowledge sharp.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
If you are getting started in this industry, I would really recommend pursuing a professional qualification that matches your interest. If you like numbers and tech, then I would recommend ACCA for accountancy. These credentials give you a strong foundation and open up a lot of opportunities, not just in fund administration but across the broader finance sector.
No matter which path you pick, do not be shy about asking questions or jumping into new learning experiences, everyone has to start somewhere. It is also worth being open-minded about technology and the changes it is bringing. From process automation to AI-driven insights, staying up to speed with new tools will make your work both more effective and a lot more interesting. Most importantly, focus on building those working relationships both within your team and with clients. At the end of the day, strong communication and teamwork will take you just as far as any technical ability in this field.
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