Senior Paraplanner in England

Our friendly and highly respected firm of Chartered Financial Planners is seeking an exceptional Senior Paraplanner to join our office-based Adviser Support team at Star House Financial Services. This is not an entry-level paraplanning role, nor is it a stepping stone into financial advice. We are specifically looking for a career paraplanner - someone who genuinely enjoys the technical side of financial planning, takes pride in producing high-quality work and wishes to continue building their expertise within a specialist paraplanning role at a genuinely holistic and independent firm.

Originally formed in 2005, our growth has been entirely organic, driven by our reputation for delivering highly professional and truly independent financial advice. We have never advertised for clients, and our advisers do not work to sales targets. Instead, our success comes from recommendations from satisfied clients and trusted professional connections, creating a rewarding and professional environment in which to work.

In an era where small and medium sized independent firms are being swallowed en masse by large consolidators and Private Equity firms, we are proud to be independently-owned and thus able to tailor our advice on a more bespoke basis. We are based in the centre of a picturesque yet well-served village in the beautiful Chew Valley, within easy driving distance of both Bristol and Bath, and with a supermarket, pharmacy, deli, several pubs/cafés/restaurants and a range of independent shops on our doorstep. This opportunity would particularly suit someone looking to escape the daily grind of a city-centre commute in favour of greener surroundings.

The Opportunity

Following an internal promotion, we are looking to appoint a technically outstanding Senior Paraplanner who can act as a key technical resource within the business. The successful candidate will be fully Diploma-qualified as a minimum and will possess extensive knowledge across pensions, investments, taxation and estate planning. A Pension Transfer Specialist qualification (G60, AF3 or AF7) would be highly desirable. This role would suit an experienced paraplanner who enjoys dealing with complex cases, undertaking detailed technical analysis and helping to maintain the highest standards of advice throughout the firm. You will be a trusted technical expert, providing support not only to advisers but also to colleagues across the wider business. For those wishing to continue their professional development, we will actively support progression towards Chartered and Fellowship status.

The Role

Our Paraplanners play a vital role in ensuring the advice we provide is technically robust, thoroughly researched and presented to the highest standard. Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-level paraplanning support to advisers and technical guidance to colleagues
• Producing detailed and accurate suitability reports across a wide range of financial planning areas
• Undertaking complex technical research and analysis
• Producing tax calculations, including Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Chargeable Gains, Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowances assessments
• Conducting pre-approval file reviews for complex and higher-risk cases
• Preparing complex client valuations and investment analyses
• Researching and comparing investment, pension and protection solutions
• Undertaking product due diligence and provider research
• Preparing client meeting documentation and technical briefing materials
• Maintaining client and research records in accordance with compliance and regulatory requirements
• Submitting and monitoring complex business through provider platforms where required
• Liaising professionally with clients, providers and professional connections by telephone and via written correspondence

About You

To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced and highly capable paraplanner with a genuine passion for technical financial planning. You should be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive paraplanning experience within an independent financial planning environment
• Strong technical knowledge across pensions, investments, taxation and estate planning
• The ability to research and interpret complex legislation and apply it appropriately to client circumstances
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• A meticulous eye for detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong numerical ability and the confidence to perform detailed calculations
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience of producing high-quality suitability reports
• The ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and manage multiple competing deadlines
• A proactive approach and willingness to act as a technical resource for the wider team

Systems & Technology

As a fully independent firm, we utilise a broad range of provider platforms, research tools and back-office systems. Consequently, strong IT skills are essential. You should have experience of:

• O&M or Selectapension
• Cashflow forecasting systems such as Voyant
• Provider platforms and online submission systems
• Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel and Teams

Working Hours

We recognise the importance of work-life balance so we work a compressed week as standard. Our normal office hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:45am to 5:00pm (with a 30 minute lunchbreak)
• Friday: 8:45am to 12:45pm

Reward Package

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established and growing practice where technical excellence is genuinely valued. In return for your skills and experience, we offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Potential for discretionary bonuses
• Non-contributory pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8% of basic salary
• Group Life Cover (subject to acceptance/underwriting)
• Group Income Protection (subject to acceptance/underwriting)
• 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• The option to purchase additional holiday if desired
• Support towards Chartered and Fellowship qualifications

Please note: Due to the location of our office, access to your own vehicle is essential.