Trainee Financial Planning Administrator

Churchgates brings together a unique and powerful combination of Accountants, Tax Advisers, Solicitors, Financial Planners, Investment Managers, and a dedicated team of operational support staff all under one roof. We believe in treating everyone with respect, and our culture reflects this through a friendly yet professional environment where traditional values still matter.

This position is based in the busy financial planning department of our office at Langton Place in Bury St Edmunds. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this support role involves working closely with the Financial Planning Advisers and Paraplanners in our team. It combines on the job training with a professional exam qualification, the CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) Certificate in Financial Services.

All your exam costs and study support will be covered by us in addition to your salary.

Once you have completed the certificate, you can continue with further studies if appropriate. We are looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team and is a good fit for our friendly yet professional work culture. Previous experience in financial planning is not essential, but a willingness to take initiative is important for success in the role. You may be a school leaver or someone with previous administrative experience.

Full training and support will be provided.

The responsibilities of this role include:

• Carrying out general day‑to‑day administration tasks, including handling client enquiries, answering telephone calls, collecting information from providers, and filing client documents.
• Maintaining accurate client information on the firm’s software systems, such as CCH, XPLAN and investment platforms.
• Assisting with the onboarding of new clients and supporting the servicing of existing clients.
• Providing general support to Advisers and Paraplanners, including helping to prepare, co‑ordinate and follow up on client meetings.
• Supporting the submission of new business by helping complete application forms accurately, uploading documents, submitting business online via platforms, and setting up adviser fees.
• Assisting with the preparation of annual portfolio review packs for clients. This includes checking figures and ensuring data is accurate so that clear reports can be produced for the Adviser and Paraplanner.
• Supporting the processing of back‑office tasks such as billing and recording commission and adviser fees on our systems.
• Assisting Paraplanners with producing ISA and pension top‑up reports, including personalised and cost illustrations.
• Assisting with mortgage administration, liaising with clients and mortgage providers where necessary.
• Working alongside and being supported by the Operations Manager, including receiving training on systems and processes.
• Developing technical knowledge over time to carry out tasks effectively.
• Compliance with financial regulations and company policies at all times.

The person appointed to this role will be provided with training and mentoring from senior team members. A good candidate should:

• Have (or be predicted) good exam results at A level or equivalent.
• Excellent organisational ability and a good eye for detail.
• Be interested in pursuing a career in the financial services industry.
• Strong interpersonal skills, be able to build good working relationships and an excellent team player.
• The ability to deliver excellent service to clients both in person and over telephone and via email. Strong communication skills to liaise with both client and providers are essential.
• The ability to manage own time and work to deadlines, to take instruction from senior staff and execute tasks as required.
• Be able to work well under pressure, managing a varied workload whilst remaining organised and focused.
• Be keen to learn, ask questions, take initiative and have a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly using Microsoft Office.

• A competitive salary
• A minimum of 22 days holiday (excluding bank holidays).
• Birthday Leave
• Holiday purchase/sale scheme.
• Matching employer pension contributions up to 6% of salary.
• Salary sacrifice available for pension contributions.
• Income protection if you are off work due to long term illness or injury equal to 50% of salary until State Pension age.
• Death in service benefit (4 x basic salary).
• Private health insurance – individual cover paid for.
• Paid study leave.
• All professional exams, study books, revision courses and resources paid for (at the first attempt).
• Up to two professional subscriptions paid for.
• Encouragement to develop and learn by attending training courses and CPD events.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Length of service recognition.
• Social events paid for or subsidised by the firm.
• Churchgates will offer study support for a Financial Planning Administration qualification