Associate Paraplanner CII (Higher Apprenticeship) - Preston

MHA; Preston; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working

30 days holiday

Full study support package

Employee recognition awards

Employee Assistance Programme

And lots more!

Job summary

MHA is recruiting for an Associate Paraplanner Apprentice in Preston, offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and a formal qualification track in Wealth Management. You'll rotate through client service, paraplanning and advisory teams across a three-year journey, with on-the-job training and support to achieve your Level 4 Diploma and Chartered pathway.

The apprenticeship combines practical work and study, with flexible study support, structured learning, and a focus on developing commercial

Qualifications

• Entry Requirements: At least 112 UCAS points from your top three subjects (or equivalent) with at least one preferably in a relevant discipline such as Business, Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Accountancy, or Politics.

Responsibilities

• Support new-client onboarding, documentation, record keeping and annual reviews to deliver a professional, compliant client experience.
• Build your knowledge of the financial-planning process through structured learning, CII study and practical experience.
• Carry out market, product and financial research to support high-quality advice for clients.
• Prepare technical materials and develop suitability-report content as your paraplanning capability grows.
• Work across client-service, paraplanning and advisory teams to understand how each contributes to client outcomes.
• Shadow senior Financial Advisors in client meetings and build the confidence to manage client responsibilities under supervision.
• Take ownership of your development plan and progress through Academy milestones towards your Level 4 Diploma and specialist or Chartered pathway.

Job description

Overview

We're looking for talented individuals who bring initiative, creativity, and curiosity to the table. In return, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience, receive mentorship from some of the industry's best and earn recognised professional qualification.

By the end of your Apprenticeship Programme, you’ll be a well-rounded, commercially minded professional, ready to take on interesting and challenging responsibilities. You won’t just be fully qualified - you’ll be fully prepared to drive your own career forward.

Entry Requirements: At least 112 UCAS points from your top three subjects (or equivalent) with at least one preferably in a relevant discipline such as Business, Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Accountancy, or Politics.

Here, You’ll Go Beyond Numbers

We are looking for an Associate Paraplanner to join us who is comfortable in an evolving environment and enjoys solving a variety of challenges that contribute to meaningful outcomes.

At MHA, you will be surrounded by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference. Your work in Wealth Management will go beyond the numbers, we believe in hands-on learning. You'll be doing real work on real projects, not just shadowing. While you'll receive mentorship and guidance, we prefer you to learn through extensive and practical on-the-job training. The Academy gives you an immersive introduction to the full financial planning journey: client service, paraplanning and financial advice.

You will rotate through key areas of MHA Wealth, building the judgement, technical capability and relationship skills needed to help clients make confident decisions about their future.

The 3-Year Journey

Year 1: Foundation (Client Service Team)

You’ll learn the lifecycle of a client. From onboarding to annual reviews, you will manage the essential documentation and systems that keep our advice compliant and professional. You will begin your initial CII modules, gaining a birds-eye view of the industry.

Year 2: Technical Excellence (Junior Paraplanner)

Progress into the technical team as a Junior Paraplanner. Here, you will begin drafting suitability reports, conducting market research, and analysing complex financial data to support our senior advisors. This year is about building the \"why\" behind financial advice as you work toward completing your Level 4 Diploma.

Year 3: Advisory (Financial Advisory)

This is the bridge to your career as an Advisor. You will shadow senior experts in live client meetings, learn the art of relationship management, and eventually taking on your own client responsibilities under supervision.

What You'll Do

• Support new-client onboarding, documentation, record keeping and annual reviews to deliver a professional, compliant client experience.


• Build your knowledge of the financial-planning process through structured learning, CII study and practical experience.


• Carry out market, product and financial research to support high-quality advice for clients.


• Prepare technical materials and develop suitability-report content as your paraplanning capability grows.


• Work across client-service, paraplanning and advisory teams to understand how each contributes to client outcomes.


• Shadow senior Financial Advisors in client meetings and build the confidence to manage client responsibilities under supervision.


• Take ownership of your development plan and progress through Academy milestones towards your Level 4 Diploma and specialist or Chartered pathway.

Rewards That Resonate

You’re more than a number to us; you’re someone with unique skills and aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, foster your professional growth, and recognise the contribution you make.

• Agile working: Our flexible working policy gives you greater choice over how you structure your day. With core hours of 10am-2pm, you can start earlier or finish later to suit your needs, alongside the option to work from home up to two days a week. For trainees, we ask for full office attendance during the first six months to ensure you receive the training, support and experience needed for a strong start, with greater flexibility available after that.


• 30 days' holiday, including bank holidays, plus the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days (28 days on a training contract, with the opportunity to buy 5 days).


• Full study support package: including exams, tuition, study leave days and materials.


• Employee recognition awards: Performance Award bonus and other recognition initiatives.


• Employee Assistance Programme: A free, confidential 24-hour support service, including unlimited counselling sessions and access to virtual doctors for you and your family.


• And lots more!

What Sets Us Apart

At MHA, people come first, our colleagues, our clients, and the communities we support. In 2026, we ranked as number 11 in the UK's top accountancy firms and a proud member of Baker Tilly International, the world's 8th largest network, we combine global insight with a strong local commitment.

Our people-centered approach is what truly makes us different. You will be welcomed as a valued member of a collaborative, purpose-led team. We are committed to continuous learning, growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves.

We are proud to hold the Investors in People Gold award, recognising our commitment to supporting, developing, and valuing every individual.

At MHA, we know that diversity, inclusion, and belonging lead to better decisions, stronger performance, and a workplace where everyone can feel included and thrive. That's why we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will progress you to the next stage of the process

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please let us know and we will be happy to help.

Our application form takes just a few minutes to complete and includes some diversity questions. MHA is a committed member of Access Accountancy and as such, we track our diversity stats and actively work to improve on these, year on year, looking at new ways to promote our roles to the widest audience. Any data collected is fully anonymised before sharing with any external parties, as per our Data Protection Policy and is not visible to hiring managers, or used in any way during the selection process.