Technical Support / Financial Planning Administrator

My client is a well-established IFA practice with offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, offering bespoke advice to both corporate and private clients. This role will be based in their attractive office in central Ipswich. The purpose of this role is to build excellent working relationships with Wealth Managers, Paraplanning, and Client Services whilst ensuring the service our clients and your colleagues receive is exemplary, whilst developing yourself and your knowledge at the same time. The first phase of this role is to participate in a project to onboard new clients over a period of 12 to 18 months, meeting both the business and compliance needs. The Trainee role is the first step in a structured development opportunity for the role holder to move to a competent Technical Support position, supporting both Client Services and Paraplanning with technical assistance within a centralised team. The Technical Support role offers development pathways with support provided, to progress into Paraplanning and advisory roles in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• You will assist with fund research and analysis, both at the client level and company level, with accurate recording and follow-up where necessary.
• You will gather technical product research and solution provision.
• You will carry out some financial planning calculations/tax calculations.
• You will develop the use of cashflow modelling systems/techniques.
• You will assist with the preparation of initial financial plans and solutions to meet specific client goals.
• You will support the maintenance and development of compliant client recommendation report/letter suite.
• You will assist in consulting with the Wealth Manager on client investment, pension, and tax planning making suggestions to the Wealth Manager, and confirming proposed actions to the client.
• You will provide effective time and caseload management.
• You will support in the preparation of compliant suitability reports.
• You will observe meetings and write up meeting notes.
• You will provide an element of technical administrative support including set up of policies and Trusts, providing the documentation required to enable changes to income/withdrawals, premiums, and funds, preparing meeting packs, processing client changes of details, sending and processing letters of authority, trading client funds and other investments as recommended by Wealth Manager.
• You will accurately update client information, and ensure all administrative work is diarised and actioned in Intelliflo Office (iO).
• You will maintain a strong working relationship with providers and escalate any issues to the line manager when assistance is required.
• You will assist Wealth Managers with the annual review process.

Skills & Experience Required

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to adjust to meet target audience needs.
• Self-motivated, accountable and committed with excellent team player skills.
• Ability to work alone, whilst being within a team and proactively contributing to it (ideas, suggestions) with supervision available.
• Strong organisational skills with flexibility to meet different tasks, requirements, and expectations whilst remaining calm, and being able to prioritise accordingly whilst meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to problem solve using various techniques.
• Work towards being able to analyse and comment on various tax planning scenarios.
• Excellent IT skills particularly using Microsoft Office suite, Word, Excel, & Outlook.
• Previous experience with Microsoft Teams and Intelligent Office would be advantageous.
• Previous experience of working in the Financial Services sector providing administrative support and some technical support.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 1 R0 unit towards the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning qualification, preferably 2, and willing to work towards gaining others required to attain the full Diploma.

Benefits

• 37.5 hour week, Monday to Friday
• Annual leave – Minimum of 23 days plus Bank holidays, increasing at certain continuous service milestones to 28 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary - additional company Christmas leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Group Life Cover
• Learning and Development opportunities, including study day allowances
• Smart Health (24/7 online GP as well as a range of other health and wellbeing experts)
• Workplace Contributory Pension Scheme
• Free eyesight tests
• Private Medical Insurance (contributory basis)
• Health Cash Plan (non-contributory)
• Sick Pay
• Flu Jabs – Paid for (where unable to obtain free NHS ones)
• Volunteering/Charity Workday allowance
• Professional subscriptions paid
• Flexible working opportunities
• Eligibility to participate in the discretionary annual bonus opportunities