At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Executive Director by managing schedules, communications, and key meetings.
- Company: Join the FCA, a leading regulator in UK financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid work, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of finance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA in a fast-paced environment and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 41600 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: London: £41,600 – £60,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
Division: Authorisations
Department: Authorisations Directors Office
This role is graded as: Associate – Level 8 – Corporate
About the FCA and Team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK finance services.
The Authorisations Division is responsible for assessing and reviewing applications from firms and individuals who wish to conduct or are conducting regulated activities, to ensure they meet and are set up to continue to meet our standards. Authorisations touches on every sector and portfolio and is also home to the Supervision Hub, the FS Register and Early Oversight. Authorisations is currently implementing its transformation strategy, which focuses on how we digitise the gateway, through improved use of data.
This is about making Authorisations ready for the future, both to meet the needs and expectations of applicants who use our services, but also to improve our effectiveness. As a member of the Authorisations division you will be expected to contribute proactively to the delivery of this strategy.
Authorisations works closely with Supervision, Policy and Competitions teams as well as Enforcement and Market Oversight, to enable a holistic and coordinated approach to regulation.
Role Responsibilities
- Strategically schedule and prioritise the Executive Director (ED), engagements to optimise their time.
- Coordinate ED’s participation in senior meetings, committees, conferences, and speaking engagements, including travel, accommodation, and expenses.
- Ensure the ED is well‑prepared for meetings by managing briefing materials and papers, organising and preparing day packs, and maintaining OneNote for easy access to relevant documents.
- Manage the ED’s inbox and correspondence, triaging messages, drafting responses, and handling key communications.
- Schedule regular meetings and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including Board level (C‑suite) members and the wider regulatory family.
- Manage internal communications, cascading divisional updates and ensuring alignment with wider organisational communication.
- Providing support on records management and maintaining the office SharePoint.
Skills Required
- Minimum significant PA, private office or secretarial experience working in a fast‑paced environment.
- Demonstrable experience of managing the diary and inbox of a director or similar.
- SC Clearance is required for this role (SC Guidance) – you will hold or will be required to obtain Security Check (SC) level vetting.
- Essential strategic mindset with the ability to make connections between incoming emails and pre‑empt ED needs and making decisions.
- Professional liaison skills to build relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders (C‑suite).
- Strong organisational, prioritisation and time management skills, to work efficiently under tight deadlines and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build strong professional relationships and leverage them to influence outcomes.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint & Outlook.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work.
- Non‑contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection, and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Our Values and Culture
Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference, and supports colleagues to deliver at their best.
We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.
If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help – reach out for tailored support. We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part‑time and job sharing where applicable.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long‑term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Useful Information and Timeline
Advert Closing Date: Sunday 21st June (midnight). CV Review/Shortlist: Tuesday 23rd June. Competency Based Interview and a Case Study Exercise to take place w/c 6th July.
At the FCA, we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We’re establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and their customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers.
Legal Statement
Equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other status.
Personal Assistant (PA) to Executive Director of Authorisations employer: PSR Limited
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can contribute to shaping the future of UK financial services. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a diverse and inclusive culture, and generous benefits including a hybrid working model and extensive annual leave, the FCA ensures that its employees are well-supported both professionally and personally. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and collaboration while making a meaningful impact on the financial landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (PA) to Executive Director of Authorisations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Authorisations Division. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around their transformation strategy. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PA, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional verbal and written abilities. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FCA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (PA) to Executive Director of Authorisations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your PA experience, especially in fast-paced environments, and showcase your organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed diaries and communications for senior executives.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This is your first impression, so make it count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSR Limited
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Executive Director. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and handling communications. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Think about times when you had to juggle competing demands and how you ensured everything ran smoothly. This is crucial for a PA role, so highlight your time management and organisational prowess.
✨Build Rapport with Key Stakeholders
Since this role involves liaising with senior stakeholders, practice how you'll establish and maintain professional relationships. Be ready to share experiences where you've effectively communicated with C-suite members or other high-level professionals. This will show that you can navigate the corporate landscape with ease.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess your strategic mindset and decision-making skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to prioritise tasks or handle unexpected changes. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
