IFA Administrator evolving into a Trainee Financial Planner

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is hiring a Trainee Financial Planner to support elite sports professionals in financial management. This role involves assisting in client interactions, gaining experience while working towards financial qualifications, and receiving full support for exam sponsorship and mentorship.

Benefits

Full sponsorship for professional exams

Structured development plan and regular mentorship

Qualifications

• Experience in submitting mortgage and protection applications.
• Genuine interest in a career in financial planning.
• Strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support existing planners in delivering holistic financial advice.
• Assist with client reviews and suitability reports.
• Maintain and update client records on CRM systems.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Self-motivated

Education

Financial planning qualifications (e.g. CII Level 4 Diploma)

Job description

Job Description

Trainee Financial Planner

Location: London Bridge

Company: Sonar Financial Services

Reports to: Managing Director

Salary: Competitive, with exam sponsorship and bonus structure

About Sonar Financial Services

At Sonar, we specialise in delivering tailored financial planning and wealth management services to professional footballers across all levels of the game. With deep industry knowledge and a client-first approach, athletes trust us to help them make the most of their careers – and secure their futures beyond the pitch.

Role Overview

We are seeking an ambitious and proactive Trainee Financial Planner to join our team. This role is designed for someone who has prior experience in administration of mortgage and protection policies and is ready to evolve into a well-rounded, qualified financial planner with a specialism in serving elite sports professionals.

As part of your development, you will benefit from full support with your financial planning qualifications, dedicated study days, and structured mentoring – all while gaining first-hand experience through day-to-day client and business exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Support existing planners in delivering holistic financial advice
• Assist with the preparation of suitability reports, client reviews, and cash flow modelling.
• Lead/assist in mortgage and protection applications, including liaising with lenders, solicitors, insurers, and underwriters.
• Maintain and update client records on CRM systems in line with compliance requirements.
• Participate in client meetings (virtual and in-person), taking notes and following up on actions.
• Attend industry events, training, and networking opportunities to further your professional growth.
• Work closely with the wider team including paraplanners, administrators, and external partners (e.g., agents, lawyers, accountants).
• Embrace continuous learning and actively progress through financial planning exams (e.g., CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning).

What We are Looking For

Essential:

• Experience in submitting mortgage and protection applications.
• A genuine interest in financial planning as a career
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage high-profile clients professionally.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and committed to learning and development.

Desirable:

• Working towards (or interest in) financial planning qualifications (e.g. CII/ Level 4 Diploma).
• Previous experience working with HNW clients or within a boutique/advisory setting.
• A good understanding of the financial lifecycle of professional athletes.

What We Offer

• Full sponsorship and support for professional exams (study materials, days off for revision/exams).
• Structured development plan and regular mentorship.
• Exposure to real clients and hands-on experience from day one.
• A dynamic, supportive team culture that values growth and ambition.
• The opportunity to build a meaningful, long-term career in a unique niche of financial planning.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and a career with Sonar to [e-mail]