Assistant Financial Planner

OUR BUSINESS:

Having welcomed clients since 1983, the business has grown organically over the years by putting clients at the core of our proposition. By providing excellent service and outcomes for clients we have achieved significant growth and now look after in excess of £1bn of client assets.

We strive to recruit, develop, and retain individuals who share our vision and values and who want to make a valuable contribution to the continued success of our business. We encourage staff progression which could ultimately include the future opportunity of taking part in equity ownership in the business subject to business need and individual assessment. A key part of the business’s succession planning has been developing ambitious employees who wish to take part in the most fundamental of ways i.e., partnership.

Our office is based in Enderby, Leicestershire and we service high net worth clients across the UK. We look to build long term client relationships based on trust, professionalism, and support which is echoed in our staff approach. This year we were delighted to receive for the fourth time a “Best Financial Advisor to Work for” award by Professional Advisor, following their review of our company policies and anonymous employee feedback. 

We are committed to the highest standards of knowledge and skill as demonstrated by our Chartered Status. Our employees are consistently encouraged and supported to challenge themselves and to develop their qualifications.

Our business has grown on a foundation of excellent service, high standards of advice and a commitment to treating both staff and clients with the utmost respect. 

People are at the heart of everything we do, delivering professional excellence by developing, sharing and applying our expertise. All built on a foundation of trust and empowerment to take ownership. 

This is a structured two-year development role designed for individuals’ aspiring to become Financial Planners.

As an Assistant Financial Planner, you will work closely with a Senior Financial Planner/ Business Owner, supporting them in day-to-day client interactions, technical tasks, production of meeting notes and coordination with client support teams.

You will gradually take on more responsibility developing the knowledge, skills, abilities and confidence required to manage your own client portfolio. The training provided within this role is a combination of the relevant qualifications, self-study from available source material and ‘on the job’ training and development programme over a period of up to 24 months.

CAREER PROGRESSION:

After successful completion of the two-year training programme, the individual may progress to a Financial Planner role, managing their own client portfolio and providing regulated advice independently. Long-term opportunities may include equity participation and partnership, subject to business needs and individual performance.

Financial Planning Assistance 

·       Attend client meetings alongside the Senior Financial Planner/Business Owner.

·       Support the management of a large well established client portfolio of longstanding relationships. 

·       Build rapport with clients and support the delivery of a high quality, personalised service.

·       As required produce a detailed note for client meetings highlighting the client’s objectives and confirming action points moving forward.

·       Act as a point of contact for client queries, ensuring timely and professional responses.

·       As required ensure timely preparation of meeting documentation and the completion of meeting action points as supported by other departments: 

o  Pensions and Investments teams will prepare meeting packs in advance of the client meeting.

o  Paraplanning will prepare suitability reports and cash flow modelling.

Technical Tasks

·       Review client communication documents to ensure accuracy.

·       Accurately document and analyse client data including income, expenditure, assets, liabilities and objectives.

·       Assist in preparing financial plans providing solutions across pensions, investments, protection and tax planning.

Business promotion

·       Support the Senior Financial Planner/Business Owner in developing new business opportunities and referral relationships.

·       Develop appropriate business relationships with Solicitors and Accountants within a targeted geographical region.

·       Establish a network of professional connections and potential clients.

·       Support the organisation of the annual client conference. 

·       Represent the firm professionally during all client events and interactions.

Service and Compliance

·       Ensure that the firm’s high standards of client care are met by demonstrating competence in all stages of the advisory process.

·       Always operate within the Rules of the FCA as documented in the firm’s Performance Measures/Standards and Compliance Procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

a)    Essential

·       5 GCSE’s or equivalent including English Language – Grade C or above

·       Part qualified level 4, diploma in Financial Planning

b)    Desirable

·       Qualified level 4, diploma in Financial Planning.

·       Economics or Finance related degree.

·       Demonstrable interest in achieving Chartered Financial Planner status.

DEMONSTRATABLE EXPERIENCE:

a)    Essential

·       At least 3 years’ experience within financial services role.

·       Servicing high net-worth clients or large brands.

·       Building rapport with clients and support the delivery of a high-quality, personalised service.

·       Delivering technical information on a 1-2-1 basis with a variety of clients.

·       Maintaining high standards of customer support.

·       Maintain accurate client records and ensure all documentation is up to date and compliant.

·       Working to KPI’s and quality standards.

b)    Desirable

·       Participating in client meetings.

·       Effective meeting preparation to navigate client meetings effectively.

·       Consultative sales approach.

·       Developing new business connections and obtaining new clients.

·       Working in a field-based role.

·       Accurately preparing meeting notes and utilising dictation/transcription within SLAs.

·       Experience of working within SIPP and SSAS marketplace

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

a)    Essential

·       Effective diary management to develop business and maintain high standards of customer service.

·       Ability to effectively manage a portfolio of clients.

·       Excellent interpersonal skills to conduct client meetings and build long term relationships.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

·       Ability to engage with a variety of people in a confident and professional manner.

·       Self-motivated to set and achieve personal goals on a regular basis.

·       Active in/ownership of personal development through qualifications, industry training and continual ongoing reading.

·       Awareness of factors affecting Financial Planning.

·       Ability to maintain professionalism whilst engaging with a variety of clients.

·       Ability to problem solving and provide tailored client solutions.

b)    Desirable

·       Knowledge of applicable FCA rules.

·       An interest in economics etc. 

• Salary circa £45,000 dependant on qualifications, knowledge, and experience
• Bonus scheme – commencing on a Developing Financial Planner scheme for a period of 2 years, based on personal development and support of business development.
• Car allowance
• Laptop & Mobile Phone
• 4 x salary life assurance
• Pension; 5% employer contribution, increasing incrementally in recognition of service. Salary sacrifice scheme available.
• 26 days’ holiday, increasing incrementally in recognition of continuous service
• Private medical insurance scheme.
• Free parking