Paraplanner

Reed Financial Services are representing a Chartered firm of Independent Financial Planners. Based in Birmingham, this Paraplanner role will act to support the Financial Planner by carrying out the technical aspects of preparing for client meetings, including completion of regular reviews, analysis/opportunity spotting and writing suitability reports. A working knowledge of pre and post retirement planning, investments and taxation is key to this role. In return you'll receive an annual salary up to £36k.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop a professional working relationship with the Financial Planner(s) by communicating regularly to understand their key requirements and priorities in order to plan the workload/meet service level agreements.
• To have a thorough understanding of the company Financial Services advice process, including suitability report format, regulatory requirements imposed by the FCA and be able to deliver these within a reasonable timescale.
• To understand each client’s circumstances, objectives, attitude to risk, knowledge and experience to ensure advice is appropriate and to be able to find an alternative solution for the Financial Planner where needed.
• Prepare analysis of client’s existing portfolio / holdings for client meetings and updates.
• Conducting research and quotations for client meetings.
• Submit a compliant file to the Compliance Director, where requested, for a compliance audit to be carried out.
• Provide regular timely updates to the Financial Planner.
• Develop working relationships with product providers.
• Work closely with the rest of the team to share ideas and best practice, including assisting the Office Manager with all aspects of a good client experience and identify any improvements that can be made.
• To undertake any other duties, as required.
• To continuously meet with the regulator’s Fit & Proper requirements.
• To take responsibility for self-development/CPD in order to maintain knowledge and understanding of regulatory developments.

Essential Experience/Qualifications Required:

• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills, with the ability to stay focused under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Confident to communicate and influence at all levels.
• Highly numerate and analytical with excellent attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative.
• Team player.
• Solutions orientated.
• Previous experience of working within a Paraplanner position, with a good knowledge of all retail investment products.
• Strong PC skills, with good knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to balance commercial needs with compliance requirements.

Key Skills/Attributes:

• A positive, friendly and service orientated person with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Articulate communicator, including an excellent telephone manner.
• Honesty, integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Hard working and responsive to the need to deliver a high quality support service.
• Attention to detail and exceptionally high standards of work.
• Ability to work with a positive attitude and to follow through on activities in a timely manner.
• Ability to work well in both a self-directed manner and as a team member, while embracing the firms core values.
• Willingness to work as a key member of a small team and help others where needed.