Financial Planning Administrator

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. 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. 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 Senior Financial Planning Administrator, 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 ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent organisational ability and a good eye for detail.
• 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
• 22 – 24 days holiday depending on experience (excluding bank holidays)
• Birthday Leave
• Holiday purchase/sale scheme
• Flexible home working policy
• 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
• 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