Senior Paraplanner: Lead Technical Financial Planning

PKF Francis Clark; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group pension

Life insurance

Income protection

Health cash plan

Job summary

PKF Francis Clark in Exeter is seeking an experienced Senior Paraplanner to join our growing Financial Planning team. You will take technical ownership of complex cases across pensions, investments and protection, and prepare high-quality suitability reports in line with regulatory requirements.

You'll work closely with Financial Planners, Client Executives and other Paraplanners, supporting colleagues, sharing expertise and driving continuous process improvements in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Significant paraplanning experience within a financial planning environment.
• CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (or equivalent) as a minimum.
• Progress towards Chartered status would be advantageous.
• Strong technical knowledge across pensions, investments, protection and holistic financial planning.
• Demonstrable experience supporting complex client cases.
• Sound understanding of FCA regulations and delivering positive client outcomes.
• Strong report‑writing and analytical skills.
• Experience using financial planning software, cashflow modelling tools and CRM systems.
• Confident communicating technical concepts to both financial and non‑financial audiences.
• Able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
• Highly organised, proactive and committed to delivering outstanding quality.

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of complex and higher-risk financial planning cases across pensions, investments and protection.
• Act as an escalation point for technical queries from Paraplanners, Client Executives and Financial Planners.
• Produce high-quality suitability reports that clearly communicate recommendations and meet regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate alternative planning strategies, challenge assumptions and recommend the most appropriate technical approach.
• Undertake detailed research across products, funds and planning solutions using approved tools and platforms.
• Use cashflow modelling and scenario planning to support long-term client decision-making.
• Review fact finds, risk assessments and supporting information to identify gaps and areas requiring further investigation.
• Liaise with providers, clients and colleagues to obtain information and resolve technical queries.
• Prepare application forms and supporting documentation for new business and plan amendments.
• Review complex reports and technical work, providing constructive feedback and helping maintain consistent quality standards.
• Coach and support Paraplanners, sharing technical knowledge and helping colleagues develop their confidence and capability.
• Build trusted relationships with Financial Planners, constructively challenging recommendations where further analysis or a different approach may improve the client outcome.
• Lead or shape technical and process improvements, helping translate regulatory or legislative changes into practical working practices.

Skills

Paraplanning

FCA regulations

Report writing

Client communication

Education

CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning

Chartered status progress

Tools

Financial planning software

Cashflow modelling tools

CRM systems

Job description

PKF Francis Clark in Exeter is seeking an experienced Senior Paraplanner to join our growing Financial Planning team. You will take technical ownership of complex cases across pensions, investments and protection, and prepare high-quality suitability reports in line with regulatory requirements.

You'll work closely with Financial Planners, Client Executives and other Paraplanners, supporting colleagues, sharing expertise and driving continuous process improvements in a hybrid