Description
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Paraplanner to join our successful and award-winning firm of Chartered Financial Planners. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality technical support, research and documentation to ensure we re able to provide exceptional client service and compliant financial advice.
You will work as part of a cross functional team ( Pod ) made up of Financial Planners, Client Support Executives and other Paraplanners to deliver outstanding client experience, drive efficiency and collaboration, whilst adopting a continuous learning mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Case Ownership
Prepare detailed, compliant suitability reports tailored to individual client needs.
Take full ownership of cases from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client objectives.
Manage complex workloads independently, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.
Adviser Collaboration
Work closely with advisers to understand client goals and develop strategies.
Proactively gather outstanding information and documentation.
Contribute to technical discussions and best practice initiatives.
Technical Expertise
Research and analyse financial products, investments, pensions, and tax planning opportunities.
Prepare technical illustrations, projections, and recommendations.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, FCA guidance, and market trends.
Client Interaction
Respond to client queries and clarify technical details post-meeting.
Attend client meetings when required to support advisers and explain recommendations.
Compliance & Quality
Ensure all work meets FCA standards and internal compliance requirements.
Review and sign off reports prepared by junior team members, providing feedback.
Keep documentation audit-ready and support compliance process improvements.
Process & Template Management
Update templates and tools in line with regulatory or product changes.
Suggest workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.
Leadership & Development
Mentor and coach junior paraplanners, providing technical guidance and training.
Where applicable, manage team performance and development.
Promote collaboration and continuous professional development within the team.
Additional Responsibilities
Work with compliance, operations, and investment teams to streamline advice processes.
Support audits and maintain risk awareness.
Champion effective use of financial planning software and data tools.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Minimum of 5 years experience in paraplanning, including exposure to complex client cases. Previous paraplanning experience essential
- Level 4 Diploma Qualified (CII) or equivalent essential
- Working towards Chartered Financial Planner status (Level 6) or equivalent desirable
- Detailed technical knowledge of retail investment, savings, pension and protection products
- Excellent knowledge of suitability report content, format and requirements
- Significant experience composing suitability letters
- Ability to communicate efficiently both verbally and written and to deal with individuals at all levels
- Motivated and comfortable working collaboratively across the business, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- You will be required to complete the range of educational and training tutorials on our internal client management and client asset custody and administration and dealing systems, Enable and Fusion, as well as be fully conversant with our online client portal, Wealth Platform.
- Aspirational, you will be an individual who embraces change and understands and shares our corporate culture.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
The base
You'll be based at the Benchmark Head Office, within our Broadlands Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex. It has high standards and international reputation, without being in the city: a big, countryside campus means life will feel a little different.
We support our offices by using cutting edge software and hardware and our spacious campus facilities mean there's a great working environment for the team. With an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and gym, our campus has much to offer. And commuters can relax on our dedicated regular shuttle bus to and from Horsham s main line train station.