Research Assistant

Foster Denovo; North Shields; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Denovo seeks a dedicated team member for their Central Paraplanning Team, responsible for preparing client files and completing Investment Audits. The role emphasizes communication, attention to detail, and a proactive service-oriented attitude. Join a supportive culture focused on innovative thinking and client satisfaction.

Benefits

25 days holiday, increasing to 30

Discretionary bonus

Company pension match up to 7.5%

Life assurance up to 4x salary

Income protection at 75% of salary

Interest-free season ticket loans

Eye care and childcare vouchers

Shopping discounts via benefits portal

Qualifications

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proactive approach to financial advice.

Responsibilities

• Prepare client files for efficient work by Paraplanners.
• Complete Investment Audits to assess suitability for Dynamic Portfolios.
• Communicate case progress to Partners.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Service-oriented Attitude

Job description

About Us

Foster Denovo currently boasts over 120 Financial Advisers supported by around 300 employees across eight offices throughout the UK. We have the scale and resources to provide exceptional advice and service to our clients, advisers, and employees.

Our stakeholder community is an invisible bond that gives Foster Denovo its solid foundations. It also means that our people care about our reputation and brand. As such, we aim to delight every client we come into contact with.

When you join the Foster Denovo family, you benefit from our reputation and years of industry experience. We are driven by core values, and our friendly, stakeholder-focused culture has been praised by employees, clients, and partners alike.

Foster Denovo is proud to hold the platinum Investors in People accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to our people and making us an employer of choice.

Purpose of the Job

1. The Central Paraplanning Team delivers complex reports written in Plain English, focused on our clients. This is achieved through a high level of service and expertise both individually and as a team.
2. This role involves preparing client files assigned to the team, ensuring all necessary information is on file for efficient work by Paraplanners.
3. Cases are to be added to our workflow WILF and time recording tool Harvest.
4. Completing Investment Audits (IA) and maintaining weekly contact with our Investment Team are also key responsibilities.

Job Summary

1. Understand the Foster Denovo advice process, reporting formats, pre-approval procedures, and regulatory requirements.
2. Accurately complete Investment Audits to assess the suitability of transitioning to the Dynamic Portfolios.
3. Support the team with research to prepare cases and handle ad hoc requests, confidently challenging Partners with senior team support.
4. Communicate case progress to Partners and support teams.
5. Share ideas and best practices within the team, focusing on customer experience and process improvements.
6. Perform other duties as appropriate to skills and experience.
7. Participate in training and development initiatives, including AI-related training.
8. Promote a positive team culture by collaborating with other teams and departments.

Key Skills and Personal Attributes

1. A positive, friendly, service-oriented attitude with a proactive approach, understanding the adviser’s role in providing financial advice.
2. Excellent communication skills at all levels.
3. A desire to learn, extend skills, and challenge oneself.
4. Honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.
5. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
6. Hardworking, responsive, and committed to high-quality support.
7. Exceptional attention to detail and high standards of work.

What We Offer You

Foster Denovo fosters an open, supportive, knowledge-sharing culture that encourages innovative thinking for the benefit of our clients.

Our Benefits Package Includes

• 25 days holiday, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days
• Discretionary bonus
• Company match of personal pension contributions up to 7.5%
• Life assurance of up to 4x salary
• Income protection at 75% of basic salary during long-term sickness
• Access to company financial advisers for personal financial advice
• Interest-free season ticket loans, eye care, and childcare vouchers
• Shopping discounts on holidays, gyms, and retailers via our benefits portal

Locations

London, North Shields, Hybrid remote options available

About Foster Denovo

Established in 2005, Foster Denovo is a multi-award-winning national firm of financial advisers. We provide specialist advice, services, and investment solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and charities. With over 30 industry awards and Platinum accreditation from Investors in People, we are committed to excellence.

Our focus is on people. We aim to meet every need and viewpoint, whether personal or corporate, earning a reputation for quality among clients, partners, and employees.