Paraplanner

Paraplanner Salary: Up to £45k Core Purpose: The Paraplanner supports the financial advisers by conducting market research, analysing quantitative/qualitative data, and constructing comprehensive, compliant client financial plans. This collaborative role ensures a high standard of client service and an effective audit trail in accordance with FCA regulations and company principles. Key Responsibilities Research and Analysis

• Market Sourcing: Research appropriate financial solutions from the entire market using in-house and third-party qualitative and quantitative software.
• Financial Modeling: Utilize tools such as cash flow modeling and cost comparison systems to map out potential client wealth trajectories.
• Quotations & Illustrations: Obtain detailed quotes and product illustrations from providers using accurate client metrics.
• Portfolio Review: Assess asset allocation, fund performance, and historical data against a client's risk profile. Report Writing & Advice Preparation
• Suitability Reports: Draft detailed, personalized suitability reports, review letters, and annual documentation outlining advice clearly and professionally.
• Objective Analysis: Discuss financial goals with advisers to translate "soft facts" from client fact-finds into SMART advice strategies.
• Pre-Completion Checks: Assemble application packets and pre-complete compliance documentation ready for client review and signatures. Compliance & File Management
• Audit Trails: Maintain meticulous, complete client files that substantiate the advice process under FCA regulations and Consumer Duty guidelines.
• Business Processes: Ensure all data, risk profiles, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols adhere strictly to Fairstone Group risk criteria. Client Service & Relationship Support
• Communication: Coordinate with clients, investment platform providers, and legal advisers to acquire necessary administrative paperwork.
• Meeting Support: Attend client meetings alongside financial advisers when requested to take technical notes or provide real-time cash flow modeling updates. Candidate Profile (Skills & Experience) Required Knowledge & Experience
• Sector Background: Minimum 2–3 years of paraplanning experience within an independent financial advisory (IFA) environment.
• Technical Breadth: Proficient understanding of pensions, retirement options, tax-efficient investments, and personal protection schemes. Technical & Digital Competency
• Office Applications: Advanced competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Industry Tools: Prior exposure to platform provider portals and analysis systems (e.g., Intelligent Office, FE Analytics, or similar cash flow tools) is highly preferred. Core Competencies
• Attention to Detail: Precision in analyzing numerical differences, checking policy clauses, and editing text for compliance errors.
• Time Management: Ability to manage a pipeline of work, multitask efficiently under pressure, and respect advisory deadlines.
• Self-Motivation: Able to plan work autonomously and drive assigned goals to completion without constant supervision. Qualifications
• Preferred: CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (R01–R06)
• Minimum: Regulated Level 3 Certificate or active, demonstrable progression toward finishing the Level 4 Diploma. Compensation and Benefits
• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Retirement: Workplace pension scheme with corporate contributions.
• Health & Lifestyle: Flexible benefit allowance, employee assistance platform, and life cover incentives.
• Career Growth: Supported development paths to progress into Senior Paraplanning or Advisory pathways.