Job Description

Client Technical Support

• To attend client meetings (normally via Teams) with the FP Director to take detailed notes of the meeting.
• Transpose the meeting notes into the Factfind an dInvestment Risk Discussion document for submission.
• To assist the Financial Planner in formulating the advice to the client, taking instructions for research and/or document the advice to provide to the Paraplanner.
• Review client objectives ensuring they are clear, concise, and achievable when compared against the client’s financial circumstance.
• Respond to client emails by analysing and researching the technical questions and creating the appropriate response for the client or FP Director
• Assist team PA with technical matters and liaising with clients in the absence of the FP Director
• To work within the Paraplanner licence framework.

Research and Recommendations

• Provide research and analysis of investment funds and financial products, whilst considering the client objectives.
• Conduct fund research using the panel or FE Analytics where appropriate.
• Review asset allocation for any investment/pension holdings
• Complete financial cashflow forecasts, clearly demonstrating the clients current and future financial position.
• Prepare Financial Plans, clearly outlining the client’s current position, where they need to be and how they will get there.
• Preparation of fund switch and encashment letters according to advice provided.
• Obtain applications, key features documents, factsheets, illustrations, and product comparison quotes through appropriate source - providing clear research of the advice provided.
• Liaise with Product Providers / Third Parties regarding any technical queries

Team Working

• Build a strong working relationship with all colleagues across the business.
• Accurately complete, new business sheets to be handed over to the PA.
• Complete 4-eyes checks on the completion of application/trust forms before submission to the client or complete the forms if necessary.
• Complete 4-eyes checks of new business prior to PA submission to the providers.
• Provide support and assistance to other team members to ensure tasks are completed on schedule and deadlines met.
• All work to be completed within agreed SLA’s.
• Provide absence cover for colleagues.
• Undertake project work and additional duties as and when required.

Compliance

• Treat all data with complete confidentiality and take reasonable steps to always protect this.
• Always treat our customers fairly, referring to your Line Manager or the Head of Compliance for guidance if necessary. Act in accordance with Compliance procedures and FCA Regulations always to ensure regulatory requirements and company policies are correctly followed.
• Maintain client records and update client information on back-office systems to keep an effective audit trail.
• Undertake work appropriate to the individual Paraplanner licence.

Training and Technical Knowledge

• Regularly update and maintain industry/product knowledge, through webinars, seminars, training sessions.
• Successfully undertake company quarterly tests.
• Maintain detailed record of all CPD activity, demonstrating a minimum of 35 hours a year.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fully Diploma qualified
• Good understanding of the Financial Planning process.
• Strong interpersonal skills, both written and verbal communication.
• Customer service skills - providing an excellent service to the adviser and client.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively to deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail to balance demands of role

Work Experience:

• Previous experience of working in similar role within financial services
• Practical application of technical financial knowledge within career.
• Ability to analyse the performance of Discretionary Fund Managers to determine their level of client service and capability
• Previous data research and report writing experience within financial services
• Technical use of Excel to demonstrate performance against benchmark over time.
• Extensive experience of working with Microsoft Office products including Word Outlook and PowerPoint, or similar tools
• Professional with a proven strong customer focus approach to getting the best outcome for the client and the business.
• Flexible and proactive approach to getting the job done.
• Experience of dealing with Trusts to mitigate Inheritance Tax
• Experience of dealing with products such as VCTs, EIS and IHT Schemes