At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Financial Planning Team with research and client advice.
- Company: Join a respected firm focused on exceptional service and client relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with genuine opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team that values standards and professionalism.
- Qualifications: A Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About Us
Our ambition is clear and openly bold. Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like‑minded firms. But growth alone is not the goal. Reputation is. And reputation is earned, not inherited. Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver. To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK. The firm business owners talk about. The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation. To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day. At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind. This strategy sets the direction. Our people, our values‑led culture, and our standards will deliver it. We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:
- Standards and professionalism
- Doing work they are proud to put their name to
- Building long‑term client relationships
- Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values‑driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.
What you will find here:
- A firm with clear direction and momentum
- Clients who value advice and relationships
- Colleagues who care about doing things properly
- A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty
- Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
We are now recruiting for a Paraplanner to join our Kendal office and wider Financial Planning Service Line. The main purpose of this position is to provide technical and advisory support to the Financial Planning Team, including Financial Planning Consultants and Financial Planning Assistants, together with the Leadership & Compliance Teams. The main elements of this role will include:
- Conducting required research to produce all kinds of advice for new or existing clients
- Compiling suitability letters based on the advice being given
- Processing new business
- Providing feedback to Financial Planning Consultants in respect of potential improvements to fact find completion
- Supporting Financial Planning Consultants and Financial Planning Assistants with the development of their technical and research knowledge, as appropriate
- Maintaining and developing your own technical knowledge
Please note that we will not be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy.
The Candidate
In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:
- A Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning qualification (minimum requirement)
- Significant Paraplanning experience (a minimum of 5 years' experience is desirable but not essential)
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of Business Standards - Conduct of Business (COBS)
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of High Level Standards - Code of Conduct (COCON)
- Good knowledge and understanding of FCA Money Laundering Section of the System & Controls Sourcebook (SYSC)
- Basic knowledge of other Accountancy services, including Audit, Tax, Insolvency, Corporate Finance, VAT and Accounting
- Excellent communication skills (in both written and verbal forms) and a passion for delivering exemplary service to clients
- Comfortable working in a fast paced environment
- A dedicated team player, and willing to assist colleagues in the team where possible
- Able to prioritise workloads under strict deadlines and use initiative to solve problems
- General IT skills
- Good attention to detail to ensure that reports are compiled to the highest possible quality
- A Full UK Driving Licence (desirable not essential requirement)
The Benefits
In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes:
- Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income Protection
- Competitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
- Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working
- Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)
- Paid flu jabs and eye tests
- Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)
- Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral
- Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materials
- Paid professional membership fees
In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further. When you're with us... we're with you.
Paraplanner in Kendal employer: Armstrong Watson
Armstrong-Watson is an exceptional employer, providing a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the picturesque town of Cockermouth, this role not only offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits but also paves the way for a rewarding career as a Chartered Accountant through a structured apprenticeship programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paraplanner in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Armstrong Watson. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Armstrong Watson.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Armstrong Watson. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Paraplanner in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Armstrong Watson and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Armstrong Watson how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Watson
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Armstrong Watson.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Armstrong Watson's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
