Trainee Paraplanner

Job Title: Trainee Paraplanner
Location: Manchester City Centre
Salary: £30,000 - £36,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday Friday, 9:00am 5:00pm

Overview:
A well-established and highly respected independent financial planning firm is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Trainee Paraplanner to join its expanding team. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build or progress their career within financial services, particularly in a supportive environment with clear opportunities for professional development and exam support.

Candidates not yet Level 4 qualified will enter the role as a Junior Trainee Paraplanner, with the expectation to progress upon qualification.

The Role:
Working closely with Financial Advisers, you will be responsible for investment and product research, producing documentation, and drafting suitability reports in support of client advice. You ll play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and clarity of the advice process.
Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret and document client advice based on individual circumstances, objectives, and risk profiles.
• Conduct product and fund research using tools such as Adviser Asset, FE Analytics, and internal systems.
• Source pre-sale documentation including illustrations, quotations, and product literature.
• Draft clear and compliant pre-sale suitability reports and advice letters.
• Maintain and update suitability report templates.
• Stay informed on product, regulatory, and legislative developments.
• Ensure adherence to the FCA s Conduct Rules.

Key Skills & Experience:
Essential:

• Minimum GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Relevant experience in a similar role within an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) practice.
• Strong IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Solid understanding of pensions, investments, and protection products.
• Familiarity with provider platforms such as Standard Life, AJ Bell, and Aviva.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a process-driven mindset.
• Ability to interpret complex information and identify gaps or inconsistencies.
• Willingness to learn and pursue professional qualifications.

Desirable:

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business).
• Experience with platforms such as XPlan (Iress), Adviser Asset, or FE Analytics.
• Currently working toward Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (or commitment to achieve it within 3 years).

What s on Offer:

• A supportive environment with real potential for career progression.
• Options for professional study support and exam bonuses (up to £100 per exam passed).
• 8% pension contribution (after 3 months).
• 3x salary death in service benefit (after 3 months).
• 1x salary group critical illness cover (after 12 months).
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Office closure over the Christmas period without using annual leave.