At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in their financial journey and prepare clear, compliant reports.
- Company: Join PKF Francis Clark, a leading independent firm in the South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health plans, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial planning while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in paraplanning and a Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 41850 - 51150 £ per year.
In a nutshell
We're looking for an experienced Senior Paraplanner to join our growing Financial Planning team in Taunton.
Working closely with Financial Planners, Client Executives and fellow Paraplanners, you'll act as a trusted technical specialist, helping shape complex financial planning strategies and ensuring clients receive high-quality, compliant and practical advice.
Beyond preparing suitability reports and technical research, you'll bring insight, challenge and expertise to financial planning recommendations, helping deliver excellent client outcomes.
This role offers the opportunity to take a leading technical position within the team, support the development of colleagues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our processes and client experience.
The role is based in our Taunton office. We currently operate a hybrid working model, with colleagues working from the office three days per week.
- What you'll be doing day to day
- Work closely with Financial Planners and Client Executives to support clients throughout their financial planning journey
- Prepare clear, compliant suitability reports that explain recommendations in a straightforward and understandable way
- Research suitable options using approved tools and platforms and prepare recommendations for review
- Use cashflow modelling and scenario planning to support client conversations and recommendations
- Review fact finds, risk profiles and supporting documentation
- Identify missing information and liaise with providers, clients and colleagues to obtain it
- Prepare application forms and supporting documentation for new business and policy amendments
- Maintain accurate client records within our CRM systems
- Stay up to date with FCA requirements, tax legislation and product developments
- Suggest improvements based on day-to-day experience that enhance the client experience
About you
- Experience within a paraplanning, technical administration or financial planning support role
- CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (or equivalent), or actively working towards qualification
- Good technical knowledge across pensions, investments and protection
- Understanding of FCA regulations and the importance of client outcomes
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills
- Experience using financial planning software, cashflow modelling tools and CRM systems
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from others
- Ambitious to continue developing your technical expertise and career within Financial Planning
- Why work at PKF Francis Clark
As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.
Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.
Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.
We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.
For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.
We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services.
These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people.
In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance.
We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long‑term decisions that balance people and planet.
We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms.
Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like‑minded advisers in 150 countries.
- Your core benefits
- Financial wellbeing
- Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions
- Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary
- Group income protection available after six months’ service
- Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse
- Mental wellbeing
- Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family
- Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support
- Physical wellbeing
- Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000*
- Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK
- Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan
- Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support
- Additional benefits
- Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network
- The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) *
- One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations
- Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) *
- Gifts to mark key career and family milestones
- Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing
- Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship
- These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage
- Additional information
- Job title used internally may not align exactly with the title displayed in this advert
Paraplanner in Taunton employer: PKF Francis Clark
PKF Francis Clark is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values professional development and employee growth. With a focus on trusts and estates, our Private Client Tax team provides meaningful opportunities to engage with high-net-worth clients while supporting your career progression through mentorship and training. Located in a vibrant area, we pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships both with our clients and within our team, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paraplanner in Taunton
✨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 PKF Francis Clark. 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 PKF Francis Clark.
✨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 PKF Francis Clark. 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 Paraplanner in Taunton
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 PKF Francis Clark 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 PKF Francis Clark how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Francis Clark
✨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 PKF Francis Clark.
✨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 PKF Francis Clark'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!
