Churchgates is a unique and powerful combination of Accountants, Tax Advisors, Solicitors, Financial Planners and Investment Managers under one roof. We believe that all people should be treated with respect and our culture is to maintain a friendly, professional environment where traditional values still count.
This position is based in the financial planning department of our office based at Langton Place in Bury St Edmunds. The role includes a structured training programme which will lay the foundation for your career in Paraplanning, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and acumen you need to become an expert in the field. It combines on the job training with a professional exam qualification, the CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. All your exam costs and study support will be covered by us in addition to your salary. Once you have completed the diploma you can continue with further studies with the CII that will benefit you in your role as Paraplanner. Again, we will pay for further qualifications in addition to your salary.
We are looking for someone who loves problem solving and thinking analytically, who will fit our friendly yet professional work culture. You may be a school leaver or a graduate, and this will determine the speed at which you progress through your training.
The role
The role of a Financial Planning Trainee involves a wide variety of activities. The responsibilities of the role include:
- Gaining a strong understanding of the financial services industry and the process of providing people with financial advice.
- From day one you will be working on real client cases learning all about pensions, investments and insurance products.
- Contacting product providers to gather detailed information about clients’ financial products.
- Inputting information on to specialist financial planning software and using sophisticated research tools to help paraplanners and advisers provide clients with high quality financial advice.
- Assisting advisers with meeting preparation and undertaking reviews of clients’ investment portfolios.
- When we deem you competent, you will begin to research financial products.
- Dealing effectively with the submission of new business, including accurate completion and submission of application forms, submission of business via platforms and online, relating to both mortgage and financial planning business. Placing deals online and setting up adviser fees.
- Assisting with the issuance of portfolio reviews for both discretionary and advisory clients. This requires analytical skills to carefully check figures and ensure that back office data is correct to provide a client with a clear and accurate report.
- Processing of back office tasks such as billing and recording commission and adviser fees on our systems.
- The ability to manage own time and work to deadlines, to take instruction from senior staff and execute tasks as required.
- Communicating effectively with senior team members and working well in a team as a whole is crucial. Liaising with colleagues from all departments, across the firm, to assist with the effective management of client affairs is required.
Skills required
Not only must the candidate demonstrate strong analytical skills, but they must also demonstrate attention to detail, problem solving and good administrative skills. Computer literacy and good communication are also important. The person appointed to this role will be provided with training and mentoring from senior team members. A good candidate should:
- Have (or be predicted) excellent exam results at A or degree level.
- Have a real interest in financial services and show a desire to learn about investments and the financial advice process.
- Be interested in pursuing a career in the financial services industry.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage your own time effectively and work to deadlines.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively with other team members and work well in a team as a whole.
- Have excellent written communication skills, and the ability to write clear and coherent reports.
- Enjoy problem solving and analytical tasks.
- Have excellent attention to detail.
What you will receive
- A competitive salary.
- A minimum of 22 days holiday (excluding bank holidays).
- Birthday Leave
- Holiday purchase/sale scheme.
- Matching employer pension contributions up to 6% of salary.
- Salary sacrifice available for pension contributions.
- Income protection if you are off work due to long term illness or injury equal to 50% of salary until State Pension age.
- Death in service benefit (4 x basic salary).
- Private health insurance – individual cover paid for.
- Paid study leave.
- All professional exams, study books, revision courses and resources paid for (at the first attempt).
- Up to two professional subscriptions paid for.
- Encouragement to develop and learn by attending training courses and CPD events.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Length of service recognition.
- Social events paid for or subsidised by the firm.
