At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Financial Planning team by preparing detailed suitability reports and managing client cases.
- Company: Join a dynamic financial services firm in Chester with a focus on collaboration and client success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant office environment.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available, fostering growth and collaboration within the team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of client cases and deepen your technical expertise in a structured advice setting.
- Qualifications: Proven paraplanning experience and Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Department: Client Services
Location: Chester
We are looking for an experienced Paraplanner to support our Financial Planning team in delivering high-quality advice and client outcomes. You will work within a cross-functional pod alongside Financial Planners and Client Support Executives, taking ownership of cases, providing technical insight, and ensuring recommendations are accurate, compliant, and client-focused. This role suits a paraplanner who wants real responsibility, a varied caseload, and the opportunity to deepen technical expertise within a well-structured advice environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Ownership
- Prepare detailed, compliant suitability reports tailored to individual client needs.
- Take full ownership of cases from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client objectives.
- Manage complex workloads independently, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.
- Adviser Collaboration
- Work closely with advisers to understand client goals and develop strategies.
- Proactively gather outstanding information and documentation.
- Contribute to technical discussions and best practice initiatives.
- Technical Expertise
- Research and analyse financial products, investments, pensions, and tax planning opportunities.
- Prepare technical illustrations, projections, and recommendations.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, FCA guidance, and market trends.
- Client Interaction
- Respond to client queries and clarify technical details post-meeting.
- Attend client meetings when required to support advisers and explain recommendations.
- Compliance & Quality
- Ensure all work meets FCA standards and internal compliance requirements.
- Review and sign off reports prepared by junior team members, providing feedback.
- Keep documentation audit-ready and support compliance process improvements.
- Process & Template Management
- Update templates and tools in line with regulatory or product changes.
- Suggest workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.
- Leadership & Development
- Mentor and coach junior paraplanners, providing technical guidance and training.
- Where applicable, manage team performance and development.
- Promote collaboration and continuous professional development within the team.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Work with compliance, operations, and investment teams to streamline advice processes.
- Support audits and maintain risk awareness.
- Champion effective use of financial planning software and data tools.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven paraplanning experience is essential.
- Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (CII) or equivalent, or working towards it.
- Typically 1 to 3 years’ paraplanning experience, or 5+ years’ relevant experience if not yet qualified.
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of retail investments, pensions, savings, and protection products.
- Solid understanding of suitability report requirements, structure, and regulatory expectations.
- Experience producing suitability reports, completing cashflow modelling, and conducting technical research.
Communication and Collaboration
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident dealing with stakeholders at all levels.
- Collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships across internal teams and external partners.
Systems and Tools
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to develop expertise in internal systems, including Enable, Fusion, and Wealth Platform.
Personal Attributes
- Well organised, with strong attention to detail.
- Able to manage workload and prioritise effectively.
- Positive and adaptable, with a mindset open to change.
- Aligned to company values and culture, with a focus on continuous improvement.
The Base
You’ll be based at our Chester office, a well-connected regional hub that supports close collaboration and high-quality delivery. Located in a vibrant historic city, the office benefits from strong transport links and access to a wide range of local amenities. The workspace is modern and well equipped, designed to support productivity and effective teamwork. It offers a professional and welcoming environment where you can focus on delivering strong outcomes for clients. We support a balanced approach to work and value a culture where colleagues feel connected, supported, and able to perform at their best. We are an equal opportunity employer. You are welcome at Benchmark regardless of your age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. We’re building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Paraplanner in Chester employer: Benchmark Capital
At Benchmark, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in our Chester office. With a focus on professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and mentorship, ensuring that our Paraplanners can deepen their technical expertise while managing a varied caseload. Our modern workspace, combined with a commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paraplanner in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial planning world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream paraplanner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and case studies. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor. Show them you’re not just a paraplanner, but the paraplanner they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being a great communicator and collaborator is key in this role. We suggest sharing examples of how you’ve worked with advisers or clients to achieve successful outcomes during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company. Let’s get you that paraplanner position!
We think you need these skills to ace Paraplanner in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paraplanner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our job description, especially your technical expertise and case ownership.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your knowledge of financial products and compliance standards. Include specific examples of suitability reports you've prepared or complex cases you've managed to demonstrate your capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Benchmark Capital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to financial products, pensions, and tax planning. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially when preparing suitability reports or conducting cashflow modelling.
✨Showcase Your Case Ownership
Prepare examples of cases you've managed from start to finish. Highlight how you ensured accuracy and alignment with client objectives, and be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks to meet deadlines.
✨Collaboration is Key
Demonstrate your ability to work closely with advisers and other team members. Share experiences where you proactively gathered information or contributed to technical discussions, showing that you're a team player who values collaboration.
✨Be Compliance Savvy
Familiarise yourself with FCA standards and internal compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured your work meets these standards and any improvements you've suggested for compliance processes in previous roles.
