Paraplanner Jobs

Exchange Street Executive Search is one of the leading recruiters in the UK for paraplanner jobs.

What are paraplanner jobs?

Paraplanners support Financial Planners or Financial Advisers and undertake a number of the non-client facing tasks involved in preparing and administering a Financial Plan or Report for a client, such as research and administration. Paraplanner jobs are found in all areas of finance including pensions, mortgages, general insurance, tax and investment management.

The core tasks for paraplanner jobs include:

researching financial databases and products that match clients' needs

writing reports

obtaining product quotes

dealing with customer queries

keeping accurate client records

acknowledging the receipt of application forms and other documents

processing new business documentation

drafting letters

making sure that all work meets the compliance standards set by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)

Most paraplanner jobs are office based and work can be fast paced.

Skills & Personal Qualities required in Paraplanner Jobs:

excellent interpersonal and IT skills

excellent report writing skills

customer focus

a good telephone manner

ability to analyse statistics

good time management skills

Entry Requirements for Paraplanner Jobs

There are no set minimum entry requirements for paraplanner jobs. Employers may ask for GCSEs (A*-C) in Maths and English and evidence of IT skills. Previous experience in financial work is an advantage. Some employers may require applicants to have achieved, or be working towards, a relevant qualification.

Some people enter paraplanner jobs through an Apprenticeship in advising on financial products.

Typical Career Path for Paraplanner Jobs

Entrants into paraplanner jobs are trained by senior paraplanners and experienced administrative staff. This usually includes structured training in the technical aspects of the job and in the financial products.

Paraplanners are encouraged to study part time for professional qualifications such as those offered by the CII or IFS School of Finance. Apprentices work towards the Level 3 Award in providing financial advice and either the Certificate in Financial Planning or CeFA.

Paraplanners may progress to senior paraplanner jobs. Those who have relevant professional qualifications may become financial planners or take financial adviser jobs. Experienced paraplanners may go into compliance work or become insurance brokers.

Typical Employers for Paraplanner Jobs

There are around 35,000 paraplanner jobs in the UK. Employers include insurance brokers; firms of independent financial advisers (IFAs); life assurance and pensions companies; banks; building societies; and accountants. An increasing number of paraplanner jobs are available in IFA support organisations, they provide an administration service and marketing support to smaller companies or self-employed IFAs. Other employers include estate agencies, law firms and retailers who offer financial services.

Salaries and Benefits for Paraplanner Jobs

These figures are only intended as a guide:

New paraplanner jobs may offer between £17,000 and £23,000 a year

Experienced paraplanner jobs may offer between £23,000 and £35,000 a year

Senior paraplanner jobs may offer up to £40,000 a year or more