At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Investment Director in managing client portfolios and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Company: Join a personable Independent Financial Advice Practice with a billion in funds under management.
- Benefits: Enjoy social events, health programmes, flexible working, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Finance or Economics degree preferred; experience in financial services is a plus.
My client is a successful Independent Financial Advice Practice with offices throughout East Anglia, managing over a billion in funds. They are a sizeable group with over seventy employees but remain a small and personable collective of likeminded professionals who care about their clients.
I am currently looking to recruit an Investment Support Specialist to join their well-established office on the northeast outskirts.
Role Purpose
To provide dedicated support to the Investment Director in managing the Discretionary Fund Management (DFM). This role is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, and improving client service. The specialist will assist with portfolio management, client reporting, compliance, administrative duties, and specific tasks related to AREA Passive Plus, Blended Income MPS, and active and passive AMPS.
Key Accountabilities
- Portfolio Management Support
- Monitor and rebalance client portfolios
- Conduct research and analysis for investment decisions
- Prepare investment performance reports and presentations
- Client Reporting
- Generate and distribute regular client reports
- Ensure accuracy and timeliness of client communications
- Address client inquiries related to portfolio performance and strategy
- Compliance and Regulatory Support
- Ensure all investment activities comply with regulatory requirements
- Assist in the preparation and submission of compliance reports
- Stay updated on changes in regulations affecting the DFM
- Administrative Duties
- Maintain and update client records and investment documentation
- Coordinate meetings and communications between the Investment Director and clients
- Provide general administrative support to the Investment Director
- Operations and Governance
- Assist with operations, ongoing governance and documentation of AREA Passive Plus and Blended Income MPS (e.g. fund sign off sheets, updated switching spreadsheet, assistance with DFM audits, AMPS audits).
- FE Modelling
- Conduct FE modelling when switching AREA Passive Plus, Blended Income MPS and AMPS
- Receive training and become proficient in FE Analytics software
Knowledge Skills and Competencies
- Desirable to have Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics or a similarly related field
- Achievement of or working towards a Level 4 relevant industry qualification (e.g. CII L4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning)
- Previous experience of working within financial services
- Reliable and trustworthy, with a high level of integrity and professionalism
- Strong communication, research and analytical skills
- Proficient in the use of financial software and tools
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Self-motivation, resilience and a clear focus on attention to detail and high-quality output
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and build strong relationships and networks, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills and able to adapt to changing priorities with strong time management skills and positive outlook
- Continual completion of annual CPD in accordance with company and CII requirements
Additional Key Accountabilities
- Investment Bulletin
- Assist with investment bulletin research and issuance each month
- Send written communications internally to ensure staff remain updated on DFM/GIP/AMPS
- Performance Reporting
- Prepare and distribute quarterly investment performance reports to all staff
- Fund Factsheets
- Assist with the production of fund factsheets
- GIP Switching
- Facilitate GIP switching via platforms
- Investment MI
- Ensure investment MI is accurate and up to date
- Platform Research
- Conduct platform related research
- Committee Membership
- Become an IC member of DIC, AIC and AREA IC (preparation of pre-committee packs for distribution and subsequent discussion)
- Quarterly travel to the Claydon office as required
- Documentation and TEP Panel
- Assist with collating documentation centrally and keeping the TEP panel updated
- Investment Research
- Assist with investment research for AIC (including Multi Asset funds and buy list)
- Initiate written content for AMPS to issue quarterly updates to invested clients
- Blended Income MPS
- Conduct ongoing dip-testing to check yield and profile income payment frequency
Benefits
- Company social events
- Pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Working from home (post probation)
Investment Support Specialist employer: Service Service
As an Investment Support Specialist at this Independent Financial Advice Practice, you will join a dedicated team of over seventy professionals who prioritise client care and operational excellence. The company fosters a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, including ongoing training and development, while offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes enhanced parental leave, health programmes, and flexible working arrangements. Located on the northeast outskirts of East Anglia, this role not only provides a chance to contribute to a billion-pound fund management but also allows you to be part of a personable and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Support Specialist
✨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 Service Service. 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 Investment Support Specialist
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 Service Service.
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 Service Service'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 Service Service
✨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 Service Service.
✨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 Service Service 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 Service Service 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.