Paraplanner / Financial Services Administrator

Lamont Pridmore Asset & Wealth Management is part of one of Cumbria's largest independent firms of chartered accountants, tax and financial advisers. A family-run firm, national award-winning, with eight offices across Cumbria, we trace our roots back over 100 years and we enjoy the stability and continuity of having the same management team and partners for more than 30 years.

We are looking for a Paraplanner / Financial Services Administrator to support our Financial Planners in delivering a professional, accurate and consistently high-quality service.

Ideally, you'll have a background in paraplanning, with experience supporting Financial Advisers through financial planning research, preparing recommendation reports and managing client documentation. However, we're also keen to hear from experienced Financial Services Administrators with a strong understanding of financial products and processes, particularly investments, pensions and protection.

Depending on your experience and qualifications, your responsibilities could range from client servicing and new business administration to more technical paraplanning work, including financial planning research and recommendation reports. Working closely with our Financial Planners and reporting to the Operations & Finance Manager, you'll become part of an established team supporting a growing client base.

Client administration and servicing

• Respond to client enquiries by telephone and email, providing professional and timely support.
• Create and maintain accurate electronic client files, handling confidential financial and personal information.
• Arrange and coordinate client meetings.
• Update and maintain company records and registers.
• Provide ongoing client servicing, including processing withdrawals and fund switches.
• Process client letters of authority, reviewing and analysing information received from providers.
• Liaise with product providers to obtain information and progress client requests.

New business processing

• Prepare illustrations and pre-populate application forms.
• Submit new business applications and monitor their progress through to completion.
• Identify missing or inconsistent information and follow up to ensure applications are completed accurately.

Financial planning and paraplanning support

• Conduct research to support the preparation of financial advice for new and existing clients.
• Assist with or prepare client recommendation and suitability reports, depending on your experience.
• Produce client valuations and support the preparation of financial planning documentation.
• Support Financial Planners with work relating to investments, pensions and protection products.
• Work closely with Financial Planners and administrators to deliver accurate and suitable client outcomes.

We're looking for candidates with:

• At least 2 years of experience working in financial services, ideally within financial planning, wealth management, IFA support, paraplanning, investments, pensions, protection, insurance or financial services administration.
• Practical knowledge of financial services products and processes, particularly investments, pensions and/or protection products such as life assurance and income protection.
• Experience handling client records, financial documentation, provider correspondence, financial product applications or comparable financial services administration.
• Practical working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to organise and prioritise your workload to meet deadlines.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to manage multiple client files and meet deadlines.
• A high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• A reliable, proactive and methodical approach to work, including identifying missing information and resolving administrative issues.
• A professional and approachable manner when dealing with clients.
• The ability and willingness to work on-site at our Kendal office.

• Previous paraplanning experience.
  
• Experience supporting Financial Advisers with financial planning research, preparing recommendation or suitability reports, illustrations and client valuations.
• A Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning or a relevant paraplanning qualification.
• Knowledge of the financial services sector, including FCA policies and procedures.
• Previous experience using Intelligent Office for client management, administration or financial services workflows.
• A full, clean UK driving licence would be advantageous but is not essential.

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive:

• £32-42K PA salary
• Up to 17% performance-related bonus.
• Paid overtime or Time Off in Lieu.
• Auto-enrolment pension.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Additional annual leave with length of service.
• Paid flu vaccination if you are not entitled to a free NHS vaccination.
• Bacon butty or cake on your birthday.
• Free Christmas party with complimentary food and drinks.
• Free Asset & Wealth Management Financial Review.

This role is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Working hours: Working hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, with some flexibility available.

The role is office-based at our Kendal office, so you'll need to be able to commute reliably to this location.

Please submit resume and any additional examples of your work for review.

1st Stage – 20 minute Screening Interview with Nexstema (on behalf of client)
2nd Stage – Hiring Manager Interview