Job Description

Watson French Ltd

are soon to commence interviews for a new

Trainee Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)

to undertake an initial training period of 18 months fully-supported study, while gaining experience by working with the Managing Director, Chairman, advisory, investment and administration teams on all aspects of the financial advice process.

Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, the Trainee IFA will be promoted to the role of Associate IFA and will continue studying towards Chartered Financial Planner status (the highest level of qualification), before becoming a client-facing IFA.

The successful candidate will assist in all aspects of the business (in a non-client facing role) during the initial training period, working directly with and being mentored by the Managing Director and Chairman and team. The duties will include:

Producing client valuation reports - accurately compiling reports for client review meetings which detail their investment holdings

Acquiring information from financial services providers - for example, gathering plan information from pension or investment account providers

Investment research and reviews - assisting our Investment Director with investment portfolio and fund analysis, preparing investment proposals, contributing to due diligence on investment funds, keeping up to date with investment market trends and economic news

Product research - researching the whole of market for pension plans or insurance policies

Completing tax calculations - such as for capital gains tax and salary sacrifice arrangements

Contributing to written content for our website - writing about technical subjects, your own career journey, or recent financial news

Preparing cash flow forecasts and interpreting the results - using our cash flow planning software to project a client's financial position into the future, demonstrating the sustainability of the financial plan

Assisting advisers with meeting preparation and follow-up work - preparing reports, reviewing meeting notes, organising and completing the agreed actions

Shadowing advisers on calls and remote meetings - sitting in on meetings and calls with clients

Communicating with clients by email and telephone - from basic email and letter correspondence to phone calls with clients, demonstrating the highest standards of written and spoken communication

Becoming familiar with all aspects of business administration - by working with the administration, advisory and investment teams

The Trainee IFA will also work towards attainment of the CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning after 18 months. This is a challenging technical qualification which covers financial services regulation, investments, pensions, taxation and protection. All training is fully financially supported and one day per week is allowed for study at home.

Successful completion of the training period and qualification will lead to promotion to Associate IFA. This role continues the theme of developing the experience and interpersonal skills required to advise clients, alongside studying for the highest level of financial services qualification (Chartered Financial Planner status) over a period of three years. Naturally this offers the opportunity for considerable pay progression.

This is a demanding role but one which leads to a highly rewarding long-term career.

Required personal skills and qualifications:

Experience and/or prior knowledge of the financial planning sector is not essential. The successful candidate will have:

Professional integrity - advising clients on their wealth and financial goals is an incredibly responsible position and this should always be uppermost in your mind. Everything you do should be done with utmost integrity, aligning your thinking with the best interest of the client at every stage.

Empathy and emotional intelligence - our clients come to us from all walks of life and at different times of their life, some of these being very difficult and stressful situations. This requires a mature and non-judgmental approach.

Independent thinker - you should be comfortable completing your own research and finding your own information. We work as a team at Watson French and all ideas are discussed and debated, but you will be expected to demonstrate initiative from day one.

Structured problem solver - each client's circumstances and needs are different, and therefore no two financial plans are the same. You should be able to work out what is best for the client in a structured and consistent way, ensuring all clients receive the best outcome.

Curious mind - the world of financial advice is broad and diverse. You should have a passion for continuous learning and development, exploring areas you may not have any prior knowledge of. The opportunity for professional development is there, the responsibility is on you.

Openness to improve - mistakes happen, but having the resilience to learn and improve is what counts. Learning from constructive criticism is vital to developing yourself.

Communication - You should be able to clearly articulate your ideas and thinking to both colleagues and clients. Financial topics can be complex and judging the right level of detail for your audience is key.

We need someone that can get stuck into the stimulating but also the routine. You will need to be happy with all aspects of the work, whether it be routine data gathering or report preparation or more interesting and engaging work on complex business and trust planning.

Organised and willing to put the work in - our clients' circumstances are not static, and the financial environment is always changing. Work will come thick and fast, so organising your time to work effectively is key - as a part of a team, individual input is needed from all colleagues for the company to perform at its best.

A degree level qualification (preferred but not essential) - a degree in finance, accounting, mathematics or a related subject is preferred but we welcome an application from everyone.

Contract details:

This is a permanent role for the right candidate. There will be a probationary period of 3 months. Generous holiday allowance and pension contributions One study day per week with full study materials provided

Applications:

Please click

Register and Apply

or

Log in and Apply

and send your CV along with a brief letter answering the following questions, addressed to Christopher Phillips, Managing Director.

o Why are you interested in pursuing a career in wealth management?

o Tell us about a financial topic or recent event which interests you and why.

o In your view, what qualities are essential for a successful financial adviser?

Please note that although we appreciate the benefits of AI for research, we ask that you complete your application in your own words.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 25,000.00-30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person