At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Mortgage Advisers and ensure a seamless client experience.
- Company: Join a friendly, independent financial advisory firm in Taunton.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, enhanced holiday scheme, and fun company retreats.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' financial journeys while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; admin experience preferred.
Hours: Full time – 34.5 hours per week
Contract length: Maternity Cover (Nov – July with the potential to extend)
Salary: £13.38 – £15.61 per hour (£24,000 – £28,000 pa) DOE
About Blackdown Financial
We are Independent Financial Advisers and Mortgage Advisers, based in the heart of Taunton’s city centre. We can trace our roots back to the late 1970s, originating from a family-owned business based in the Blackdown hills. At Blackdown we want our clients to be financially independent, to be able to enjoy life, to pursue goals and dreams, safe and secure in the knowledge they have someone to turn to and rely on. This is what drives us to be the best we can be. Our independent status and holistic approach to understanding our clients, their preferences and their motivation, sets us apart. We are not a large, faceless institution, we believe in providing personal one to one advice, built and designed to fulfil our clients’ lifestyle needs. Having four advisers and a strong support team means we are big enough to provide excellent support, yet small enough to really get to know our clients and provide a personal, bespoke service.
About the Role
As an IFA & Mortgage Administrator, you will be working closely with our Mortgage Adviser as their administrator as well as assisting the paraplanning team in providing support for our Financial Advisers. Your role will be essential in helping to deliver a seamless and professional experience for our clients. Working closely with the wider support team, you will be welcoming in clients, handling incoming calls and new enquiries, facilitating client credit checks and preparing documentation for the advisers. This role is responsible for providing efficient day-to-day administrative support, maintaining accurate systems and records, and ensuring client communications are handled professionally and promptly. You will also support the wider team by helping to manage workload capacity, coordinating tasks effectively and contributing to business projects and process improvements where required.
About You
You are an organised, proactive and client-focused individual with previous experience working in administration. Comfortable managing multiple priorities, you have strong attention to detail and take pride in delivering a high standard of administrative support and client service. You have excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills, with the confidence to build positive relationships with clients, advisers and colleagues alike. You can work independently, use initiative and always maintain professionalism and discretion. We are looking for someone who is supportive, collaborative and committed to delivering an exceptional client experience, while ensuring work is completed accurately and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Acting as the main point of contact for client queries and delivering an excellent client experience.
- Ensure all leads, organic prospect and existing client relationships are managed effectively.
- Deal with incoming correspondence from providers and clients.
- Providing full administrative support to the Mortgage Adviser, assisting the paraplanning team in providing support to the Financial Advisers.
- Process and handle general administrative tasks and policy maintenance, such as facilitate credit checks, change-of-address requests, etc.
- Scheduling and arranging client meetings, sending confirmations and coordinating administration tasks on the CRM.
- Supporting the preparation of client meetings to ensure that collated documentation is accurate.
- Fulfilment of agreed tasks following client annual reviews and mortgage meetings.
- Support advisers in the preparation of suitability reports, client service agreement letters and assist in checking valuations.
Essential Skills and Experience
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/5 (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Word, Excel and Outlook (Office 365).
- Excellent organisational skills and close attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Capable of managing multiple tasks and prioritising workload effectively.
- Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Previous experience supporting a Financial Adviser.
- Existing knowledge of Intelliflo or a similar customer relationship/financial management tool.
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program with BHSF
- Cash and Health Plan with BHSF
- Company retreats & fun days
- Free item from Superjuice each week
- A day off for your birthday
- Enhanced Holiday Scheme, rising with length of service
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
Blackdown Financial is committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will endeavour to make the process as accessible and as fair as possible. Please be aware that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment vetting as outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This may include but not limited to adverse financial history, criminal records, UK directorship and disqualifications check. Please visit our website to view our full privacy policy for prospective employees. Please contact Melissa Chambers at melissa.chambers@blackdownfinancial.co.uk for more information.
Equity House, Blackbrook Avenue Blackbrook Business Park Taunton, Somerset TA1 2PX
IFA & Mortgage Administrator in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: Somerset Chamber
At Blackdown Financial, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and collaborative employer located in the heart of Taunton. Our commitment to personal client service fosters a warm work culture where employees can thrive, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy benefits such as enhanced holiday schemes, company retreats, and a day off for your birthday, all while being part of a dedicated team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IFA & Mortgage Administrator in Ashton-under-Lyne
✨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 Somerset Chamber. 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 IFA & Mortgage Administrator in Ashton-under-Lyne
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 Somerset Chamber.
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 Somerset Chamber'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 Somerset Chamber
✨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 Somerset Chamber.
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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.
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Since this is a full-time position, employers at Somerset Chamber 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 Somerset Chamber 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.