Paraplanner – 12-Month Fixed Term Contract Location: Reading Salary: Competitive Benefits Contract: Full-Time, 12-Month FTC Shape the future of financial advice with Ascot Lloyd. We’re looking for an experienced Paraplanner to join our dynamic team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional client service and thrive in a collaborative environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. About Us Ascot Lloyd is one of the UK’s leading independent financial advice firms. We pride ourselves on providing consistent, compliant, and proactive service that puts clients first—always aligned with Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) and Consumer Duty principles. The Role Reporting to the Client Services & Operations Manager, you’ll work closely with Financial Advisers and IFA Administrators to support the advisory process. Your role is pivotal in ensuring clients receive tailored, high-quality advice through accurate research, analysis, and suitability reporting. Key Responsibilities Review fact finds, file notes, and risk profiles to understand client needs Conduct detailed research and analysis, including: Fund and portfolio research Product comparisons and charges analysis Tax implications (IHT, CGT, LTA, CEG) Prepare pre-meeting documents and cleanse risk profiles where needed Draft clear, compliant suitability reports tailored to client objectives Liaise with Financial Advisers to refine recommendations Submit case packs to Tax and Compliance teams and manage remedial work Monitor progress via Intelligent Office and ensure deadlines are met Proactively identify and resolve service delivery issues Support the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiative and uphold Consumer Duty Regulatory Responsibilities As an FCA-regulated firm, you’ll adhere to SM&CR and uphold the highest standards of integrity and client care, including: Acting with integrity, due skill, and diligence Treating customers fairly and delivering good outcomes Observing proper standards of market conduct What We’re Looking For Financial Planning Diploma (or equivalent) Proven experience in an end-to-end paraplanning role Strong knowledge of research tools, ideally including: Selectapension (Safeguarded Benefits) FE Analytics Iress/Exchange (Protection & Annuity research) Voyant/FinCalc (Cash Flow) Dynamic Planner (Risk Profiling) Understanding of centralised investment propositions, including: Multi-asset/multi-manager solutions Discretionary Fund Managers Model Portfolios Ability to personalise templated suitability reports beyond standard wording Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise workload Proficiency in MS Office and Intelligent Office Commitment to client confidentiality and adherence to policies and procedures Why Join Ascot Lloyd? Be part of a respected, growing financial advice firm Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to make a real impact on client outcomes Contract Details: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract offering full-time hours. Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us deliver outstanding financial advice and client care.