Associate Financial Planner

Associate Financial Planner

Full-Time 40000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help clients create tailored financial plans and motivate them to take action.
  • Company: Join Octopus Money, a mission-driven financial services company transforming lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by helping people achieve their financial goals.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in client-facing financial roles and a passion for helping others.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.

Our team plays a key role in delivering Octopus Money’s mission. We work together to transform the lives of the clients we speak to by helping them plan for their financial future. We care about doing meaningful work, moving quickly and learning as we go. We’re looking for an Associate Financial Planner to help us produce a world class experience for clients. This role has potential for progression into either leadership/management as a Head Coach or a track to become a Financial Adviser. This role will be a hybrid of working in our office in London and remote.

About Octopus Money: We’re on a mission to become the most recommended financial services business in the UK. Money shapes every part of life. Yet most people never get the support they need:

  • Half of Brits reach retirement age without enough to live the life they want.
  • Financial stress is a leading cause of poor mental health.
  • Only 8% of people have access to 1-to-1 financial advice.

There’s no shortage of information. What people actually need is clarity, guidance and a plan that makes sense for them. That’s where we come in. Octopus Money brings together financial planning, investment expertise and smart technology so people can understand their options and take action with confidence. We help people build a clear plan for their savings, investments and pensions and make investing simple with managed portfolios built by experts. We also support employers who want their teams to feel more secure and in control. Some people need regulated advice. Others need coaching. Many need both at different points in life. Our service adapts to what each person needs. We believe everyone deserves money support that works for real life.

Day to day you will be:

  • Working with clients to build tailored financial plans based on their goals and motivating them to take action to bring their plan to life.
  • Coordinating and collaborating with stakeholders across the business to identify issues and opportunities, and execute solutions effectively.
  • Building strong relationships with clients by actively listening, asking insightful questions, and delivering clear, personalised financial guidance that aligns with their goals.
  • Proactively identifying trends and client pain points, providing data-driven insights to internal teams to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive business growth.

In this role, success will be measured by metrics in relation to supporting clients by building financial plans and helping them to take action with their money.

We value people who:

  • Make every conversation matter: You care about how you make people feel. You communicate clearly, listen well and build trust with customers and colleagues. You want every interaction to move things forward.
  • Move with urgency and focus: You like getting stuck in. You care about making progress, not perfection. You stay focused on what matters, learn quickly and find smart ways to keep things moving.
  • Own it: You take responsibility for your work and the outcomes it creates. You’re comfortable solving problems, making decisions and tackling challenges head on. You hold yourself to a high standard and want to make a real impact.

Knowledge and experience required:

  • 2+ years in a client facing financial services role. This could be as a Mortgage Adviser, Personal Banker or Financial Coach.
  • A solid understanding of investing, pensions, and mortgages.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
  • A deep desire to make a positive impact.
  • Exceptional empathy, communication and influencing skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
  • Proven ability to handle complex customer inquiries with professionalism and efficiency.

Nice to have (but not necessary): Bonus points for a qualification from a financial body or progression towards (CeMAP, ICA, CII etc).

About You:

  • A genuine desire to help people: We are a mission-driven business, so it’s important that you can demonstrate a strong desire to help people and improve their lives.
  • Collaborative and a great team player: We’ve built a great team of top performers, and you’ll need to work with others from across the business to identify problems, agree solutions and implement changes.
  • Goal driven and not afraid to get stuck in: We like to set ambitious goals and find creative ways to hit them, even if that means rolling up our sleeves and doing manual tasks before we’ve managed to fully automate them. You should have a bias towards action and getting things done.
  • Good technical knowledge: You don’t need to be a qualified financial adviser but a base level of knowledge within personal finance (pensions, investments, mortgages) is a must!

The interview process typically includes:

  • An intro call with our talent team.
  • A competency-based interview with the hiring manager.
  • A panel interview with a short task presentation.
  • A conversation focused on how you work and what you value.

We’ll keep it simple and respectful of your time, and you’ll meet the people you’ll actually work with. Our average process takes around four weeks but we’ll always work around your availability.

What’s in it for you:

In return for your contribution we offer a base salary of £40,000 - £45,000 DOE + benefits. We want people to grow here, to feel supported and to feel proud of the impact they make! You’ll get:

  • Hybrid working with 3 days in the office each week (Tuesday - Thursday).
  • 18 days a year working from anywhere (for non-regulated roles).
  • Performance-based bonus.
  • Company pension.
  • Private medical insurance.
  • Enhanced parental leave.
  • Birthday day off.
  • A supportive team who care about what they do.
  • The chance to help people improve their lives.

Please note, as a regulated business we are required to run background checks for all employees which covers adverse financial and unspent convictions. These will only take place upon a successful job offer. We believe in equal financial education for everybody, no matter their background. The same goes for opportunities within our team. We pride ourselves on building an inclusive working environment where diversity is celebrated. We do not and never will discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require support completing your application please contact people@octopusmoney.com.

Associate Financial Planner employer: Octopus Money

At Octopus Money, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Strategy and Partnerships Associate, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including 18 days of remote work, and opportunities for personal and professional growth while working closely with our leadership team. Our commitment to innovation and employee well-being ensures that you will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions truly make a difference.

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Contact Details:

Octopus Money Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Financial Planner

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

✨Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Octopus Money. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Financial Planner

Client Relationship Management
Financial Planning
Investment Knowledge
Pensions Knowledge
Mortgage Knowledge
Communication Skills
Empathy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Octopus Money.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Octopus Money's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Money

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Octopus Money.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Octopus Money will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Octopus Money employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.