Lisa Alves

After nearly 25 years with IFM, Lisa Alves is taking a well-deserved career break. Reflecting on a career shaped by growth, change and the people she has worked alongside, Lisa looks ahead to her next chapter, sharing what her Life at IFM has meant to her, the moments that stand out, and the advice she hopes colleagues will carry forward.

Before joining IFM in 2001, Lisa worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a Manager in Assurance and Business Advisory Services, managing a portfolio of around 35 financial services clients. She also held fund accounting-related roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) before it bought and was known as Colonial Ltd, as well as Jacques Martin Administration & Consultancy and NSP Lewis Administration.

Reflecting on her career highlights, Lisa says, “Working with clients to meet their regulatory financial reporting requirements, and holding positions where I have been able to mentor team members and give them guidance and confidence to continuously develop and achieve their career goals, have been real highlights.”

When asked what stands out about IFM, Lisa’s answer is simple: “This organisation stands out because it has played a critical role in Australia’s superannuation industry history. It provides investment returns for people’s retirement savings, and that role impacts all of us and our families.”

Lisa’s roles at IFM have spanned financial and management accounting and reporting, operational risk - including overseeing the annual GS007 controls audit - unit pricing, unit registry, transaction management and support, as well as supporting the operational implementation of new products.

One of Lisa’s career highlights was joining the trustee company, Development Australia Fund Nominees Ltd (DAF), in September 2001, three years before IFM Investors was formed. “Witnessing the creation of IFM and the bringing together of DAF and the investment arm of IFS has been an exciting journey. I am proud to have played a part in IFM’s growth and subsequent globalisation.”

“I have worked on too many projects to name, but all of them have helped shape IFM’s operating platform, support and protect our business, manage risk and create efficiencies for our organisation and clients. The early days were particularly rewarding as we formed the business, including insourcing the fund accounting function and selecting and implementing IFM’s first Accounting Book of Records (ABOR), a system called Supervisor II that was used for around 10 years. Over nearly 25 years, as IFM’s employee numbers have grown, I have had the privilege of working with talented colleagues, leading many teams and supporting people in their careers. It has been rewarding on so many fronts.”

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends. “I have been married for 28 years and my husband has been very supportive of my career. I also have two daughters who are the light of my life, as well as my two yappy dogs, Jax and Cooper. I have a very large extended family, so Christmas and Easter are times we love to get together, celebrate and usually end up heavily debating some world or political topic! My happy place is the beach - the water and falling asleep to the sound of the waves is my idea of heaven. I also love to cook; slow-cooked lamb is my specialty, and I don’t mind a hit of tennis, although I always cross my fingers that I won’t put my back out!”

“As I take my career break, and perhaps even early retirement, IFM’s purpose has never felt more relevant. Like millions of working people, I’m relying on my retirement savings to support my future, and that makes the impact of what we do deeply personal.”

“I am looking forward to planning my next chapter and wish IFM and all of you the very best. I look forward to watching IFM’s continued success and knowing that I played a small role. I also encourage everyone to actively think their goals and development, and to take on opportunities as they present themselves. Continue to value, trust and learn from each other, as this ensures our journeys are enriched and rewarding.”

As Lisa steps away from IFM, her contribution leaves a lasting mark on the organisation, its people and the foundations that continue to support our purpose – to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We thank Lisa for her dedication over almost 25 years and wish her every happiness as she begins this next chapter.