Senior Paraplanner

In a nutshell

This is much more than a traditional paraplanning role. Working closely with Financial Planners, Client Executives and fellow Paraplanners, you’ll help shape the long-term financial plans and advice that turn each client’s priorities into a clear, practical route forward. Based in Taunton with hybrid working, this is an exciting opportunity to combine technical expertise with real influence over how clients experience our advice, while continuing to grow your own career with the encouragement, development and support of a forward-thinking team around you.

What you'll be doing day to day

Work closely with Financial Planners and Client Executives to support a joined-up client journey

Use cashflow modelling and scenario planning to help clients understand their options

Prepare clear, compliant suitability reports that explain advice in plain English

Shape and sense-check financial planning strategies, including more complex cases

Carry out technical research using approved tools and platforms

Review fact finds, risk profiles and supporting information to spot gaps early

Prepare application forms and supporting documents for new business and plan changes

Liaise with providers, clients and colleagues to resolve queries and gather information

Keep CRM records accurate and support clear, secure client communication

Keep up to date with FCA requirements, tax changes and product developments

Share ideas, support colleagues and help improve the way the team works

About you

Experienced in paraplanning and motivated by the difference great advice makes to clients

Holding the CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (or equivalent)

Confident across pensions, investments and protection, with a practical client-focused approach

Clear on FCA requirements, compliance and the importance of good client outcomes

Able to turn complex information into clear, meaningful reports and recommendations

Comfortable using financial planning software, cashflow tools, CRM systems and Microsoft Office

Curious, analytical and proactive, with the confidence to ask questions and spot gaps early

Keen to be part of a supportive team that shares knowledge and works closely together

Client-first in mindset, with empathy for how the advice journey feels from the client’s perspective

Organised, detail-focused and proud to produce high-quality work colleagues can rely on

Open to change and happy to contribute ideas that improve the client journey

Ambitious to keep developing, with support for qualifications, mentoring and progression towards Chartered status

Why work at PKF Francis Clark

As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.

Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.

We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.

For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.

We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services. These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people. In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance. We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.

We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms. Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.

Your core benefits

Financial wellbeing

Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions

Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary

Group income protection available after six months’ service

Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse

Mental wellbeing

Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family

Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family

Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support

Physical wellbeing

Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000*

Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK

Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan

Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support

Additional benefits

Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network

The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) *

One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations

Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) *

Gifts to mark key career and family milestones

Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing

Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship

• These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage

Additional information

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