Our Team

Administration

Robert Lopez
Team Leader, Benefits

Rob began working at IFAA in 2007. In his current role as Team Leader, Benefits, Rob manages all the superannuation payments from the funds managed by IFAA. This includes rollovers and cash payments across a variety of fund types such as pensions, and accumulation and defined benefit funds.

Rob has an extensive superannuation background. He was a Team Manager with ASGARD Wealth Solutions, a Team Leader with the Government Employees Superannuation Board, and an Insurance Manager with Government Employees Superannuation Board.

“Having enjoyed similar roles at other Superannuation funds, this type of role allows me to not only assist and develop other staff, but also increase my knowledge, as Superannuation is so complex and forever changing.”

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Trustee Services

Michael Corcoran
Manager - Trustee Services

Michael is a superannuation all-rounder. Prior to IFAA, he held positions in administration management and client relationships with AAS, Suncorp, ESI Super, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and the Insurance and Superannuation Commission (forerunner to APRA). He also holds many qualifications: a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts (Government and Economics) and Master of Business Administration - all from the University of Queensland; and a Diploma in Superannuation Management (Macquarie University and ASFA).

The Trustee Services team has the responsibility for the ultimate delivery of services to, and managing the relationships with, IFAA's clients. They advise our clients on all issues relating to the operation of their super fund and the delivery of their services to their members and employers.

Michael is the current Account Manager for CLUB SUPER and the ISPF Eligible Roll Over Fund. He also coordinates special projects such as the delivery of financial planning services, prepares tender responses and has the responsibility for the delivery of communications services (overseeing the preparation of annual reports, PDSs, newsletters etc).

Why IFAA then? “The opportunity to work with a smaller boutique sized firm which is much more nimble and flexible than larger national organisations appealed to me.”

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Financial Services

Eric Stow
Team Leader, Corporate Accounting

“The role had a much broader mix of accounting functions being a small-medium enterprise compared to being pigeon-holed as can happen in a larger company.” Eric has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and is also a Chartered Accountant. Prior to IFAA he worked for six and a half years with Technology One, one of Australia’s largest software developers, in the accounts department. Eric spent 12 months as an infantry solder followed by a further five years part time. This explains why he is such a keen triathlete.

Eric says, “I took the Corporate Accounting role at IFAA because it was a newly created role, which allowed me the opportunity to make a difference, rather than just ‘work’.” Eric is the primary accountant for IFAA, which includes taxation, insurance and other associated duties. Other duties include accounting for SCS Pty Ltd and CLUB SUPER.

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Information Technology

Nicole Sycz
Business System Analyst

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, a Diploma of Superannuation Management and is a Commissioner for Declarations. She began her career at IFAA in Member Services in 2000 where she then moved into a Team Leader role for Employer and General Services. Nicole then became Team Leader of Member Services before moving to her current position of Business Systems Analyst with IT Services.

Nicole’s role consists of the analysis and testing of current processes and new requirements. When the business wishes to make changes to the system, she analyses the requested change and the impact it has on the current processes.  She then documents the request that details how the change will be implemented and what other processes are affected by it and therefore also require change.  Once completed she then tests that it has been implemented as requested and functions as required.  “I believe my admin background helps bridge the gap between Administration services and IT.” Nicole says. “My role liaises with all business units to ensure that requirements of their departments are met/catered for.”

“My role is varied and constantly provides a challenge. It is a hands on role that has the ability to influence the system changes that are made and/or how they are implemented.”

“It is a very satisfying job.”

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Human Resources

Katrina Bennett
Human Resources Adviser

Katrina is one half of the Human Resources team at IFAA. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and also a Certificate in Human Resources. Whilst studying, Katrina became a superannuation trainer and Team Leader at Australian Administration Services. She then went on to become a Quality and Business Coach at AAS and then Human Resources Team Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Katrina has always wanted a career that combined her two loves of Human Resources and Superannuation.

Katrina says, “Understanding your industry will definitely help you with your work.” She has completed her ASFA 100 to help her gain a greater understanding of the superannuation industry. Katrina was attracted to the Human Resource Adviser role because of IFAA’s culture. She prefers smaller, close-knit companies like IFAA who nurture and develop their staff.

“This role is so flexible, I have the responsibility of doing a wide range of HR generalist tasks which you do not find in large corporations.”

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Compliance

Vanessa Raward
Client Training Manager (SCS)

With over eight years of experience in superannuation, Vanessa has held a variety of roles in the industry including as a Training Officer for ASFA, and running Member seminars for QSuper. For the past two years, Vanessa has been the Client Training Manager for Superannuation Compliance Service (SCS), where she manages the ongoing training requirements for a number of RSE and AFS Licensees and their representatives. Vanessa holds degrees in Business (Accounting) and Business (Management) She has completed the Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training, the Diploma of Superannuation Management, and the Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Superannuation).

Vanessa was attracted to IFAA not only for their strong client focus but their dedicated employee focus. Vanessa says, “We are always working together towards our goal – it’s like one big family, we all know each other.”

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