Paraplanner (Solihull)

Purpose

Working closely with advisers across the 7IM group on standard advice cases, while supporting the wider support team with advice queries, training, and client-related support.

Responsibilities

• Create clear standard advice reports covering new wrappers, pension, ISA and GIA transfers, and investment top-ups, ensuring recommendations are clearly articulated, suitable for the client’s circumstances, and compliant with regulatory and internal quality standards.
• Carry out detailed research and cashflow modelling using appropriate tools and assumptions to support financial planning recommendations, assess long‑term sustainability, and clearly demonstrate suitability for the client.
• Assist with accurate financial calculations, including Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and detailed cost comparisons, to support client recommendations and suitability assessments.
• Provide support and guidance to Level 1 Paraplanners and being prepared to take ownership of Statements of Suitability (SoS), withdrawal and fund switch recommendations when required to ensure workloads are appropriately shared across the team.
• Ensuring the accuracy, appropriateness, and timely delivery of all client communications, including emails, letters, and reports.
• Mentor and train Client Service Associates, actively sharing knowledge and best practice to ensure errors are minimised and the highest level of client service is delivered.
• Manage own workloads, ensuring the best client experience is provided.
• Ensure advice files are fully compliant and accurately maintained within our Practice Management System (Xplan).
• Liaise with third party stakeholders such as accountants, lawyers, and service providers where relevant to provide/obtain information for mutual clients.
• Participate in any projects and relevant business initiatives when required.
• Complete monthly compliance modules in timely fashion before deadlines.
• Continually look at ways to enhance operational systems and procedures to maximise efficiencies e.g. Xplan (practice management system).
• Continually suggesting realistic & appropriate improvements and solutions to problems to your line manager and others across 7im and update/create procedures as and when required.
•  Subscribe to 7IMs declared Mission and Tenets, & to Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiatives.
• Keep ahead of FCA rules and regulatory changes, embedding compliance into daily practice.
• Ensure the 7IM VPVPs (Vision, Purpose, Values and Personalities) are followed throughout your working practices.
• Other duties, as reasonably required by the line manager

Skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Client focused, delivering a high standard of client service
• Must be proactive and able to use initiative
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision whilst managing multiple and conflicting deadlines.
• Adaptive to change.
• Skilled with research tools such as FE Analytics and cashflow modelling.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and ideally have experience of Xplan (or a similar Practice Management System).

Knowledge

• Experience in report writing is essential.
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience as a Level 1 Paraplanner.
• Product knowledge of pensions, bonds and other wrappers.
• Good working knowledge of all Microsoft office applications specifically Excel.

 Qualifications

• Candidates must demonstrate numeracy & literacy skills to at least A level/Higher standard.
• An industry relevant examination such as CII Level 4 Financial Planning qualification or working towards this is desired.

 Other relevant information

• Reports into Paraplanner Team Manager