Financial Planning Administrator - Progression to Paraplanner - Jenson Fisher Consulting Ltd : Job Details

My client is a boutique wealth planner, asset manager and employee benefits specialist. As they are independent, this allows them to provide objective advice that is aligned to a client’s best interests, delivered by teams steeped in financial services knowledge and experience. They have built their Company on integrity and trust, because doing what is right for their clients is best for their business. They have also been awarded Corporate Chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute – the industry gold standard for financial planners evidencing ethical practice, professional, competent, and knowledgeable advice, and a commitment to providing service and support of the highest quality. They are passionate about equal opportunities and diversity within the industry and have worked hard to develop a fantastic people-led culture. They are proud winners of the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Best Financial Advisers to Work for award.The RoleTo provide technical administrative support to the Advisers of a successful team, as well as working closely with the Senior Administrator. This is a busy role assisting the Advisers in delivering an outstanding holistic financial planning service to new and existing clients. The role will suit a self-motivated and experienced IFA administrator who enjoys working pro-actively and collaboratively within a small team. The role offers a fantastic opportunity for a part or fully Diploma qualified candidate with aspirations to develop into a technical paraplanning role over the medium term, with access to their internal paraplanner training programme available for the right candidate. ResponsibilitiesClient servicing and meeting preparation

• Deliver the highest possible level of client service, consistent with developing and maintaining outstanding long-term relationships.
• Prepare for and attend client meetings where requested, taking detailed written notes, and following up on any admin/technical admin actions after the meeting.
• Use appropriate systems and processes to submit new business to providers.
• Obtain information from clients to facilitate Annual Suitability Reviews
• Obtain literature, illustrations and forms from providers and pre-complete basic client details.
• Prepare application forms and other documents for client signing of approval.
• Complete and assist with trades and portfolio rebalancing, as required.
• Assist with cash management control on client accounts (bonds, SIPPs, etc)
• Close plans correctly on Intelligent Office in a timely manner and ensure income expectations are settled, if relevant
• Deal with complex and technical client queries as directed
• Be willing and able to work to pressing deadlines, sometimes involving a level of time commitment beyond standard working hours.
• In addition, working with the Adviser to ensure the following is completed in line with the wider client service: liaison with product providers to ensure all applications are received and completed; produce accurate client portfolio valuations and statements using iO; ensure client agreements, including fee schedules, are in place and are signed, documented and saved to the DMS

Correspondence and client files

• Ensure all client information is accurately maintained on internal systems (iO and Volume), including all written and electronic communication with clients and providers, and meeting notes.
• Ensure electronic client files are organised and updated, and easily accessible.
• Schedule and manage follow up tasks relating to client meetings and business submissions using iO to monitor and accurately record tasks including writing up letters.

Compliance with FCA and company procedures

• Ensure the team remain compliant with FCA and internal compliance procedures, ensuring all client files and information remain compliant and confidential.
• Notify the Advisers of any suspicion of a complaint and follow appropriate procedures within the complaints handling process.
• Follow Anti-Money Laundering Procedures and comply with the requirements of GDPR.
• Follow risk profiling procedures, record risk profile score in iO and save risk profile to the DMS.
• Record and file all relevant correspondence.

General administration

• Provide agendas and information request prior to client meetings, if required
• Assist with the production of management information, as required by central teams.
• Handle client queries in a professional and timely manner

Experience

• Have 2+ years’ experience within the independent sector of the financial services industry, in a relevant administration role, involving direct contact with high-net-worth clients.
• Have comprehensive experience of using iO and have some experience on some or all the below:
  • AJ Bell Investcentre, Aviva, Abrdn Wrap Platform (Standard Life Wrap), Standard Life Adviserzone, Fidelity, Elevate, Transact, Pru Adviser, Aegon, Quilter (Investments)
  • Zurich, AIG, L&G (Protection)
  • AJ Bell, Curtis Banks, James Hay (SIPP’s)
• Have excellent IT skills and written communication skills, being highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages. A good working knowledge of Excel will be advantageous.
• Have sufficient understanding of the needs of Financial Services teams, and FCA rules and compliances, in order to effectively carry out the role.
• Relevant industry qualifications will be a distinct advantage (preferably at least one R0 exam)