Financial Planner

Are you interested in working for a rapidly evolving company? Want a career where no two days are the same? Want the flexibility to work from one of our many offices across the UK?

Who are Azets?

Azets are a leading firm of Accountants and Business Advisers operating across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. We have a wide network of employees and an abundance of inspiring opportunities to join one of our many offices

We are a top ten accountancy firm in the UK and are the number one largest SME practice.

Day to day duties

• Always operating within the requirements of the applicable Financial Conduct Authority rules and regulations.
• Identify and establish contact with potential clients.
• Work collaboratively with the supporting team.
• Gather and analyse information required to provide financial planning advice.
• Review client's circumstances regularly in adherence with internal procedures and make appropriate recommendations.
• Complete all administration in a timely and accurate manner in line with the guidelines.
• Satisfy the regulatory CPD thresholds and keep up to date with all compliance matters and Conduct Rules.
• Create and maintain appropriate business relationships within Azets Group.
• Sound technical knowledge of pensions, investments and taxation including estate planning and demonstrated ability to transfer technical knowledge to others.
• Up to date knowledge of FCA Regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and client servicing skills.
• Previous experience in a financial planning environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Client Consultation: Engage with clients to understand their financial objectives, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. Conduct thorough interviews to assess their current financial status, including income, assets, expenses, debts, and existing investments.
• Financial Planning: Leverage your expertise in UK financial regulations, tax laws, and investment options to create personalized financial plans for clients. Consider factors such as retirement planning, wealth management, inheritance tax planning, and protection strategies. Offer recommendations and strategies to help clients meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.
• Investment Advice: Research, evaluate, and suggest suitable investment options based on clients' objectives and risk profiles, considering UK-specific vehicles like ISAs and SIPPs. Monitor investment performance, analyse market trends, and maintain regular communication with clients.
• Retirement Planning: Guide clients on UK-specific retirement savings options, including workplace pensions, personal pensions, and state pensions. Assist clients in understanding the effects of pension contributions and tax relief, and advise on maximizing retirement savings. Offer strategies for retirement income withdrawal, including annuities, drawdown options, and tax considerations.
• Compliance and Regulation: Ensure adherence to all relevant UK financial regulations and laws, including those by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other bodies. Keep a comprehensive understanding of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) and follow its guidelines to ensure all advice and recommendations are up to standard.
• Ongoing Client Support: Build long-term relationships with clients, providing continuous support and advice. Regularly review clients' financial plans to align with their evolving needs.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant professional qualifications such as the Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (DipPFS) or equivalent.
• Proven experience working as a Financial Adviser in the UK market, with a solid understanding of UK financial regulations and tax laws.
• Strong knowledge of UK-specific investment products, pensions, and tax-efficient savings options.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with clients.
• Analytical mindset and attention to detail when conducting financial analysis and creating financial plans.
• Ability to work independently, managing client relationships and delivering high-quality financial advice.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to acting in the best interests of clients.
• Compliance-driven approach, staying up to date with regulatory changes and adhering to industry standards.

We are looking for three things in particular:

• Be a good colleague - work well with your colleagues in Azets and help them achieve our collective goals.
• Be ambitious - Whether that be academically, professionally, or commercially we want you to strive to be your best.
• Do the right thing - We are an advice-based business, and the quality of our advice is paramount.

What's in it for you?

Our benefits include hybrid & flexible working, birthday leave, professional subscription and much more. You can find out more about how we reward our colleagues - Careers | Rewards And Benefits | Azets UK.

Interested in hearing more about Life at Azets?

Azets is open to suggestions for flexible working arrangements that will not impact delivery in this role. Please talk to our Recruitment Team about what you think could work so that we can bear this in mind during your application process.

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