Trainee Financial Adviser

The Role: I am recruiting a Trainee Financial Adviser on behalf of Philip James Independent Financial Advice, a highly regarded IFA, based in Burford, Oxfordshire (OX18).

The Opportunity: Working closely with the Director and Principal Adviser, this role provides an exceptional opportunity to learn to become a trusted independent financial adviser. You will attend client meetings from the outset (both on-line and face-to-face), taking notes and following up on action points arising. The work is generally not technically complex and paraplanning is straightforward (average clients have £250k assets under management) but exceptional client relationship management skills are key, with the ability to listen, build trust and deliver an exceptional service. You will receive the support required to become Diploma qualified (if you are not already) and, as your skills and experience develop, the opportunity to become a Chartered Financial Adviser.

We expect the successful Trainee Financial Adviser to work alongside the Director (in Burford, OX18), until you have the confidence to work remotely, and then join him in the office for client meetings, once or twice a week. You will also enjoy the support and collaboration of a team of 3 Advisers and 3 Support staff, who work remotely, but meet together on a monthly basis.

The Person: We are keen to consider candidates who have worked in a financial advisory environment (perhaps as a Client Relationship Manager, Financial Planning Assistant or a Paraplanner) and are keen to progress into advising. We are also happy to consider career changers, who have gained a wealth of experience in a professional services environment and who have demonstrated a commitment to becoming a Financial Adviser, by working towards or completing the Diploma in Financial Planning (Dip PFS) or equivalent. The successful Trainee Financial Adviser will be intelligent, keen to learn, proactive, organised and detail orientated, with exceptional customer service skills. They will be a great listener who is emotionally intelligent, caring and passionate about making a difference to peoples’ lives.

Salary and Benefits: up to £50,000 (dependant on experience) + generous benefits package including hybrid working (once established, 1-2 days a week in the office), 25 days holiday + bank holidays, company pension, continued professional development and support (practical and financial) in becoming Chartered etc.

The Company: Philip James Independent Financial Advice was established in 2011 and has grown to become a highly successful, directly authorised IFA business, with core values of Inclusion, Freedom, Integrity, Kindness and Simplicity. They are highly regarded and a VouchedFor Top Rated Advice Firm, who provide an ethical, personal, straightforward and trusted service to over 500 clients, with some £150m of funds under advice.

Trainee Financial Adviser responsibilities include:

• Attend client meetings with the Director, both on-line and face-to-face, with existing and prospective clients, supporting with delivering an exceptional financial advisory service.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships.
• Follow up on all action points arising from the client meetings, coordinating the administrative team and providers and updating clients accordingly.
• Maintain records of client reviews and current and future actions required e.g. specific actions to ensure ISA and pension allowances are used tax-effectively.
• Prepare recommendations, new business submissions and suitability reports.
• Assist with research, due diligence and regular reviews of the advice model and other compliance functions.
• Diary and email management, arranging reviews, meetings and calls.
• General administration and client liaison as required.

Trainee Financial Adviser skills and experience required:

• Part or fully level 4 Diploma qualified (DipPFS or equivalent), intelligent, keen to learn and to progress to Chartered status.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience gained in a financial advisory environment (perhaps as a Client Relationship Manager, Financial Planning Assistant, Paraplanner) OR a wealth of experience gained in a professional services environment, with a demonstrable commitment to transitioning into financial advice.
• A skilled client relationship builder with exceptional interpersonal skills, who is caring, trustworthy, diplomatic and emotionally intelligent.
• Professional appearance, confident manner and exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A proactive, team player who is also capable and confident working independently.
• Analytical with excellent administrative and organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Based within a commutable distance of the Director’s office in Burford (OX18).
• Your own car and full driving license.

Dawn O’Shea is recruiting the Trainee Financial Adviser directly on behalf of Philip James IFA so NO AGENCIES PLEASE. If you are successful in being shortlisted, you will be contacted by telephone in the first instance to discuss the role and your requirements.