Paraplanner

Clark James are delighted to be working with a holistic financial planning practice based in Stevenage who are seeking a highly competent and qualified Paraplanner to join their team. The Company Our client were formed in the 1960’s and provide professional, impartial financial advice to businesses, business owners, their employees, and aspiring and successful individuals. They have grown from a small business to a substantial well-respected business with 35 staff, providing both wealth management services and in-house investment management expertise. Their aim is to add value by protecting against life’s risks, encourage long term saving to enhance security, deliver structured retirement planning to achieve goals and to maximise wealth for the next generation. The Person You will be expected to have sound technical knowledge having passed your Level 4 CMI diploma in Financial Planning, and working towards your Advanced Diploma. You will also: • Have strong pension experience, including knowledge of DB schemes, older pension schemes, occupational and safeguarded benefits and SIPPs • Have inheritance tax planning knowledge, including BPR and EIS schemes • Have knowledge of VCT schemes • Be able to operate in a busy environment, delivering work to tight timescales • Be able to multi-task, managing several client cases at once • Be able to work well as part of a team, supporting colleagues where necessary • Be a good communicator, keeping Financial Planners and Private Client Manager up to date with client work • Be able to set realistic expectations to ensure we do not over-promise and under-deliver • Be willing to share knowledge, skills and experience with others to collectively develop the team and improve the service we provide • Be proactive, offering new and improved ways of working • Have strong attention to detail, following workflows carefully and ensuring documentation is produced to a high standard Good working knowledge of Intelligent Office would be highly advanteagous, as well as experience of key provider software including Standard Life Wrap, Elevate, Ascentric and Aegon/Aegon ARC platforms, coupled with experience of Genovo, O&M and Selectapension. The Role Working as Paraplanner, you will report to the Private Client Manager, and liaise with other team members, including the Financial Planners, as well as providers and clients. You will be focused on ensuring the company maintains the highest levels of service to its clients, making sure financial advice is both suitable for the client(s) and compliant within industry regulations. You will act as the technical interface between the Financial Planners and the clients, providing vital support to the Planners in making suitable recommendations. Duties will include, but not be limited to: • Interpreting data obtained by Financial Planners during client meetings • Conducting research on behalf of Financial Planners, e.g. O&M pension switch, cost and performance comparisons, to help determine the best advice for the client. • Preparation of Suitability Letters, Specialist Report Writing, and Cash Flow modelling including preparation of spreadsheets. • Write suitability reports for more complex cases, particularly advice concerning Defined Benefit pensions and other high-risk advice (EIS, VCTs). • Producing TVAS reports for DB transfer cases • Assisting BDM in pre-review file checks to identify areas for address and possible business opportunities. • Provide technical input and assist in the preparation of client seminars. • Analysing whole of market pension providers, wrap platforms and risk rated fund solutions in order to hold an informed view on the market, thereby able to review the ongoing suitability of the Company’s preferred panel and provide knowledgeable dialogue when attending the Investment committee meetings. • Managing FPAs’ Technical and Compliance programme, design and implement training programme for FPAs to reach and maintain highest technical standards. • Supporting Compliance Officer with regulatory record keeping and reporting. • Assist BDM and compliance officer in consultant T&C and KPI management • Prepare regular Financial Planner knowledge assessments. • Maintaining positive relations with providers and their representatives. • Dealing with client queries raised by either client, provider/FP. • Accompanying consultants on client visits if required. • Responsible for ensuring own knowledge is kept up to date and to notify colleagues of any relevant developments. Liability and Disclaimer The information contained in our advert including any salary or on target earnings information is given in good faith and Clark James Ltd uses all reasonable efforts to ensure that it is accurate. However, Clark James Ltd gives no representation or warranty in respect of such information and all such representations and warranties, whether express or implied, are excluded. No liability is accepted by Clark James Ltd for any loss or damage which may arise out of any person relying on or using any information within this advert. Please Note All applications received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications received we will be in touch if your application has been successful within 7 working days. If you have not received any communication within this time, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but the information may be retained in connection with future opportunities.