Paraplanner - hybrid working

Reed; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic financial advisory firm is seeking an experienced Paraplanner for a hybrid role based in Bristol, UK. The successful candidate will assist Financial Planners with suitability reports, client reviews, and technical research. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a UK financial advisory firm is essential, along with a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. This role offers competitive salary and benefits including performance bonuses.

Benefits

Bonus and benefits

Exam support

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Paraplanner within a UK financial planning/advisory firm.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the financial services industry including pensions and ISAs.
• Proven ability to conduct AML checks and maintain regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and compliant suitability reports.
• Assist in preparing client annual reviews and conducting valuations.
• Conduct in-depth research into investment funds and pension schemes.

Skills

Experience as a Paraplanner

Knowledge of financial services

Excellent report-writing skills

Regulatory compliance understanding

Proficiency in financial planning software

Education

Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS or equivalent)

Tools

Intelligent Office

Fintegrate

FE Analytics

Voyant

Job description

Paraplanner

• Location: Bristol, UK (Hybrid Role)
• Salary : 37-42k plus bonus /benefits and exam support

We are a dynamic and client-focused financial advisory firm based in the UK, dedicated to providing holistic and tailored financial planning solutions. As part of our ongoing expansion and commitment to excellence, we are seeking an experienced and technically proficient Paraplanner to join our team.

Job Brief

This key role within our advisory process involves close collaboration with Financial Planners to deliver comprehensive and compliant financial advice. You will be instrumental in drafting high-quality suitability reports, conducting technical research, and preparing for annual reviews, including annual suitability assessments. The ideal candidate will have a broad experience across the financial market, including pensions, investments, protection, and estate planning. While experience in firms undergoing M&A activity is valued, it is not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Suitability Reports: Prepare detailed and compliant suitability reports and recommendation letters for a variety of product types. Ensure accuracy by reviewing fact-finds, risk profiling, and client objectives.
• Annual Reviews: Assist Financial Planners in preparing client annual reviews, including data gathering, conducting valuations, and preparing Annual Suitability Assessments in compliance with FCA requirements.
• Technical Research: Conduct in-depth research into investment funds, pension schemes, tax wrappers, protection products, and estate planning solutions.
• Provider Liaison: Communicate with product providers to obtain detailed client and product information, illustrations, and policy documentation.
• Support: Aid advisers with client meeting preparation and follow-ups.
• FCA Compliance: Perform Anti-Money Laundering checks, identity verification, and ensure all client records and documentation meet regulatory and internal compliance standards.
• Client File Management: Maintain up-to-date and accurate records within the firm's CRM/back-office system.
• Collaboration: Work closely with advisers, administrators, compliance teams, and investment managers to ensure seamless client service delivery.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of paraplanning processes, templates, and best practices as the business evolves.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Minimum 3 years' experience as a Paraplanner within a UK financial planning/advisory firm.
  • Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS or equivalent Level 4 qualification).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the financial services industry, including pensions, ISAs, GIAs, bonds, trusts, and protection products.
  • Proven ability to conduct AML checks and maintain regulatory standards.
  • Excellent report-writing skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Solid understanding of FCA regulations, especially around ongoing suitability and annual assessments.
  • Proficiency in financial planning software and platforms (e.g., Intelligent Office, Fintegrate, FE Analytics, Voyant).
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently as well as within a team.
• Desirable:
  • Experience supporting firms during or after M&A activity.
  • Familiarity with discretionary investment management, cashflow modelling, and tax optimisation strategies.
  • Exposure to high-net-worth client scenarios and complex planning cases.