Business Assurance Monitoring Officer in Altrincham

Role Overview

You will primarily be responsible for supporting the Business Assurance Monitoring Manager in carrying out client file reviews as part of Brooks Macdonald's risk-based monitoring program. This may be within the asset management or financial planning sides of the business. This role supports the group's commitment to delivering high standards of advice and service, maintaining regulatory compliance, and mitigating risk. The Business Assurance Monitoring Officer will assess documentation, advice suitability, and process adherence, providing feedback and guidance to Advisers and Paraplanners to uphold best practices. You will ensure that files are reviewed thoroughly, fairly, consistently and promptly, considering internal risk assessments, external regulatory developments and the group's business plan. Further to this, you will liaise with the relevant T&C Manager and/or Paraplanning Manager to highlight any Adviser / Paraplanner training & development needs.

Role Responsibilities

• Undertake both pre- and post-sale client file reviews covering all aspects of business written across Brooks Macdonald; inclusive of both asset management and financial planning advice, to ensure completeness, accuracy and suitability.
• Identify risk issues on cases reviewed and recommend corrective actions, applying the principles of Treating Customers Fairly, vulnerable client guidelines and Consumer Duty.
• Ensure files meet FCA and internal compliance standards, including documentation, disclosure and record keeping.
• Identify and elevate potential breaches or risks to the Business Assurance Manager or relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver constructive feedback to Advisers and Paraplanners highlighting development needs and action points and requesting further information / corrective action as necessary.
• Contribute to training initiatives and process improvements based on common findings or trends.
• Maintain accurate records of file checks and outcomes for audit, training and reporting purposes.
• Manage own workload to ensure all outstanding action / information is followed up, completed, and resolved appropriately and within Company timescales, liaising with Advisers and the Head of File Checking as required.
• To carry out other monitoring tasks as established by the Business Assurance monitoring plan, such as any thematic monitoring that has been identified.
• To undertake reasonable additional project work in line with KPI's, client segmentation and other regulatory developments.
• To undertake reasonable additional duties at the request of your Line Manager as may be required from time to time in line with the needs of the business.
• Provide guidance and support to the business and assistance across the Business Assurance function.
• Consistently adhere to the expected behaviour stated in the FCA Conduct Rules.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Level 4 Diploma qualified with a minimum of 2 years' experience file checking within an asset management or financial planning environment.
• Detailed knowledge of UK Financial Services Industry and retail products.
• IM - specifically Investment Management and suitability requirements and familiarity with financial planning processes.
• Familiarity with financial planning processes including investments, retirement planning, protection and tax planning.
• Strong knowledge of FCA regulations and guidelines applicable to asset management and financial planning firms, particularly COBS, SYS and PROD rules.
• Ability to work collaboratively and form relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Effective planning, organisational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.

• Previous experience file checking within an IFA environment.
• Working knowledge of Intelligent Office back-office system.

We value different ways of working and actively promote flexible working across our business. Collaboration is important to us as a firm, with employees required to be in the office 3 days a week, and each team having a core in-office day per week. We're committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, religion or belief, sexuality, age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.