At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients and team members while managing administrative tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning financial planning business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, generous leave, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your work and make a real impact in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in client services or financial planning with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: London, City
Salary: £37,000 - £42,000 depending on experience
Hybrid: 2 days working from home after probation
Bonus: Up to 12%
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced Client Services professional looking for a role where you can take greater ownership of your work and have more influence within a team? Perhaps you're already operating at a senior level, or you're ready for the next step where you can take responsibility for workflow, support newer team members and become a key point of contact for the wider team? This could be an excellent opportunity to join a Chartered and award-winning financial planning business where development is genuinely encouraged.
The Company
With just over 100 employees, this is an established and growing financial planning business with an excellent reputation for developing and retaining its people. The culture is a big part of what makes the business stand out. It's a social, collaborative environment where people genuinely enjoy working together, with regular team and company-wide social events. We've placed several people into the business ourselves, and one of the things that really stands out is the staff retention.
The Team & Role
The 9-person Client Service Team plays an important role in supporting Advisers and Paraplanners and, ultimately, ensuring clients receive a high level of service. You'll be responsible for a varied range of client servicing and administrative activities, including:
- Preparing portfolio reports and pre-meeting documentation
- Reviewing and correcting client cash accounts
- Drafting servicing letters and other client correspondence
- Supporting Advisers and Paraplanners with a range of client service requirements
- Maintaining and keeping relevant systems and client records up to date
- Managing tasks through to completion and ensuring deadlines are met
- Identifying and resolving issues where appropriate
- Working collaboratively with Advisers, Paraplanners and the wider business
As a Senior Client Services Associate, you'll also have the opportunity to take on additional responsibility, which could include:
- Supporting the management and allocation of team workflow
- Acting as a supportive point of contact for new recruits
- Helping colleagues develop their knowledge and confidence
- Providing guidance and support to the wider Client Service Team
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes and ways of working
It's a role that would suit someone who enjoys being hands-on with their own work but also gets satisfaction from helping others and keeping a team running effectively.
Progression & Development
Development is a real focus within the business, and this role offers the opportunity to grow your responsibilities alongside your technical and professional development. You'll be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge, take ownership of areas of responsibility and develop the skills needed to progress within the wider business.
What's on Offer
- £37,000 - £42,000, depending on experience
- Discretionary bonus of up to 12%
- Hybrid working, with 2 days from home after probation
- 32 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Option to buy and sell holiday
- Private medical insurance
- Income protection
- Death in Service
- Company pension scheme
- Rail Season Ticket Loan
- Regular team and company-wide social events
- Excellent staff retention and a genuinely supportive working environment
- Structured career development and opportunities to take on greater responsibility
What They're Looking For
- Previous experience within a Client Services, IFA Administration or Financial Planning environment
- Good understanding of the financial planning client journey
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately
- Confident written communication skills
- Excellent organisation and time management
- Able to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach
- Someone who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others
- Comfortable taking greater ownership and responsibility
- Ideally someone interested in developing their leadership, workflow management and team support skills
Senior IFA Administrator / Client Service Associate employer: Cranleigh Personnel
Join a dynamic and supportive financial planning firm in Woking, where you'll receive structured training and mentorship from experienced professionals. With a collaborative work culture and regular social events, this company prioritises employee growth and retention, offering a unique blend of close-knit team support and exposure to a vibrant London office. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to kickstart their career in financial services within a reputable and award-winning business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IFA Administrator / Client Service Associate
✨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 Cranleigh Personnel. 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 Cranleigh Personnel.
✨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 Cranleigh Personnel. 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 Senior IFA Administrator / Client Service Associate
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 Cranleigh Personnel 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 Cranleigh Personnel how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Personnel
✨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 Cranleigh Personnel.
✨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 Cranleigh Personnel'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!
