Irish Aleria
Account manager
Ocorian
Personal bio: I’m from the Philippines. I love travelling, meeting new people, working out, swimming and cooking.
I’m also an outdoor person and enjoy photography and relaxing on the beach — so living in Bermuda is definitely a bonus! I’m also a keen reader and enjoy watching movies.
Professional profile: graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and obtained my certified public accountant qualification in the Philippines.
I started my career as an external auditor in a big four firm.
After three years in audit, for the next eight years, I took on different roles in finance and accounting functions in various companies in the Philippines and Malaysia.
In 2019, I joined Ocorian (then Estera) in Bermuda as an account manager to manage a portfolio of clients that included captive insurance companies.
I’m involved in the accounting and finance function, treasury roles, statutory and regulatory reporting and liaising with the regulators on behalf of clients, including the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), Bermuda Stock Exchange and Registrar of Companies.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
Three years ago, a friend from college who was working at Ocorian (then Estera) Bermuda reached out to me about an opening for the account manager position.
A new opportunity, the role offered the challenges I was looking for and exposed me to the captive insurance and insurance-linked securities (ILS) sectors. These were new concepts for me and I have found them very interesting. They have pushed me to learn and develop and together with guidance from my colleagues, I have really grown into the role.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
The highlight is definitely the satisfaction of helping clients with their statutory needs and complex requirements. As a problem solver, I revel in troubleshooting and trying to find the best solution. When this is reinforced by the positive feedback from my clients, I feel really inspired to give my very best to this job.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
Most of my knowledge of the captive industry is derived from my team leaders. They have a real depth of understanding and a commitment to professionalism which has helped kickstart my career in this industry. With experience, training and a continued willingness to learn, I hope to one day reach the same level of expertise as my mentors.
What is your impression of the industry?
I am really fascinated with this industry, both the concepts and the brilliant minds. Ultimately, we are providing different forms of solutions to companies — from a simple captive structure to a very complicated ILS deal, this provides real variety in our work.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
At the moment, I’m pursuing my insurance designation. By obtaining more knowledge in the insurance, captive and ILS sectors, I can then support more captives to achieve their goals and deliver the best service and advice. Long term, my vision is for Ocorian to be the go-to company for insurance management and ILS services and I hope to be a part of that future.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
The captive industry can be very intimidating to someone unfamiliar with the concept as it appears incredibly complicated. But don’t let that scare you. This industry is filled with knowledgeable people who are willing to share their expertise. As long as you have the desire to learn, there are myriad opportunities for your career within the sector.
Sherman Taylor, executive director, Ocorian “Irish is a phenomenal new asset to the insurance industry. She is an upwardly mobile go-getter with a bright future at Ocorian where, in less than three years, she has distinguished herself as a talented accountant with an aptitude for complex, solution-oriented work. Her personality brightens up the office and she helps keep team spirits alive when the pandemic forces remote working. She is certainly a valuable resource to Ocorian’s captive insurance and ILS businesses and is very deserving of industry recognition.”
