Paraplanner

Purpose
Paraplanners perform technical research, analysis, and ad hoc administrative duties to support PWM and the adviser with client servicing and management. A large part of a Paraplanners' time is spent writing suitability reports to confirm the advice being given to clients; confirming the benefits, any disadvantages and costs and charges. Paraplanners may attend client meetings when required to make notes, present cashflow outputs, and answer technical-related queries.

This role can be a great opportunity for individuals who are seeking to gain exposure to a wide range of financial planning. It can be suitable for individuals looking to build a career in Paraplanning or towards future roles as a financial adviser, manager, or compliance officer.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and maintaining the client file: confirming policy information from letters of authority to understand a client's existing arrangements, ensuring relevant items are uploaded to the client's file on our back office system (Xplan)
• Organising recommendations: identifying areas of need, carrying out research to find solutions, considering investment strategies and tax implications in conjunction with the Adviser
• Research: comparing different solutions to ensure the best possible client outcomes in conjunction with the PWM panels
• Preparing recommendation reports: using template tools (e.g. Genovo or Xplan) to generate full suitability reports and short suitability letters for ad-hoc advice events
• Producing Illustrations and Key Features: preparing supporting documents that match the suitability report; uploading to the case file on Xplan in conjunction with the Administrator
• Implementing recommendations: ensure all compliance paperwork is accurate and up to date, assisting the admin to implement trades using the trade instruction form and 'four-eye checks'
• Upload Enable compliance documents: ensure all research is uploaded to the client file on Xplan
• Annual review preparation and completion: preparing valuations and other analysis for use in the client annual review, including cashflow modelling
• Annual Review Documents:
  Completing annual review documents, confirming ongoing suitability of a client's existing arrangements:
  • Ensure the client file is complete to support 'Redporth' file reviews, including vulnerable status, ATRQ, factfind, client agreement, risk questionnaire, etc
• Attending Client Meetings:
  When required by the financial adviser, attend client meetings to take notes and assist with cash flow modelling
• Maintain an Accurate Task List: making your report pipeline available to your line manager
• Develop and Maintain Effective Relationships: with colleagues, clients and third parties
• Provide Cover and Support: to other members of the team during sickness & holidays when deemed necessary by managers within PWM
• Contribute to Company Projects: designed to enhance operational efficiency and the service to our clients when required
• Incident Reporting and Regular Testing: ensure that all errors or incidents are uploaded to Accelerate, and learning/compliance modules are completed within the deadlines
• Attend Team Meetings and Training: in person if required

Knowledge

• Understanding of the annual FCA ongoing suitability process and experience providing support with this
• Understanding of advice delivery to clients through report writing and disclosure requirements
• Knowledge of Xplan (or similar practice management systems) would be beneficial
• Good working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel

Qualifications

• Candidates must have attained a minimum level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (or equivalent – CII desirable)
• Desire to achieve level 6 and Chartered status

Skills

• Client-focused, delivering a high standard of client service
• Must be proactive and able to use initiative
• High level of attention to detail
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Organised with good time management
• Ability to work with minimum supervision whilst managing multiple and conflicting deadlines
• Willingness to take responsibility and see a task through to completion
• Adaptive to change
• Confident and capable communicator
• Proficient in standard industry advice and research tools, for example: FE Analytics, Cashflow Modelling (e.g. Voyant or Fin Calc) and at least one industry standard Practice Management System
• Proficient in MS Word/Excel