Job Title: Paraplanner Job Type: Full-time Location: Reading (Caversham) Salary: Between £30,000- £35,000 depending on experience Job Description: We’re seeking an experienced Paraplanner to join our friendly and supportive team. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in assisting our employed Advisors. Your expertise in paraplanning is essential for success. This position will initially be fully remote, transitioning to a hybrid model in Spring 2025, with the opportunity to work in our newly refurbished office in Reading. You will be responsible for carrying out high quality research on a full range of financial planning products in line with company’s advice process and compliance framework and drafting detailed reports supporting specific product recommendations. A strong working knowledge of pre and post-retirement planning (including pension transfers), investments and taxation is key to this role. Responsibilities: Conducting high quality research on a full range of financial planning products Drafting detailed reports to support specific product recommendations Liaising with product providers and staying updated on new products and developments Ensuring compliance with the company’s advice process and framework Collaborating effectively with the centralised team and advisors Obtaining information on a client’s existing financial arrangements and conducting a gap analysis Producing a suitability report and making high level recommendations in line with the clients’ objectives where required Researching the market in line with guidelines from the Adviser, using the client’s circumstances and objectives for product and service solutions and preparing personalised high-quality reports that are clear and written in plain English, including any compliance requirements Communication with the relevant Adviser throughout this process is of paramount importance. Experience and Qualifications: Previous experience in paraplanning is essential; knowledge of retail investment products and platforms is a must Strong organisational and prioritising skills, with the ability to work under pressure Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to influence at all levels Highly numerate and analytical, with self-motivation and initiative Team player with a solutions-oriented mindset Ability to think outside the box Strong PC skills with good knowledge of Office 365 including Word, Excel and Outlook Ability to balance commercial needs with compliance requirements. Desirable: Working towards or achievement of Paraplanning qualification and/or Level 4 Diploma Knowledge of research tools & software (e.g. cashflow models and FEAnalytics) Knowledge in other areas such as protection, IHT planning and structured products Understanding of industry initiatives including Consumer Duty & TCF Able to assist with training and coaching of junior members of staff Desire to maintain knowledge of industry development Able to identify process improvements. Key Skills and Personal Attributes: A positive, friendly, service orientated person with a "cando" attitude who is aware of the important role played by advisers in providing financial advice Honesty, integrity and ability to maintain confidence and confidentiality are key attributes. Hard working and responsive to the need to deliver a high-quality support You must have the ability to balance commercial needs with compliance requirements and be able to identify sales opportunities or flag any concerns. Benefits: Flexible working arrangements Supportive team environment Company pension scheme Company events. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you