Research & Analysis Associate

Farringdon, London

£38,000–£44,000 depending on experience

Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research & Analysis Associate to join a small, established Independent Financial Advice firm based in Farringdon.

You’ll become part of an existing team, working closely with experienced senior paraplanners to support financial advisers and their clients.

This is a varied role offering the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge across pensions, investments, research and new business. Full training will be provided to help you understand the firm's processes and the ongoing requirements of its clients.

What You’ll Be DoingResearch & Analysis

• Producing accurate and compliant research packs
• Submitting and chasing authority letters to obtain client plan information
• Liaising with pension and investment providers
• Compiling accurate Data Capture Forms (DCFs)
• Preparing client-facing presentations using PowerPoint and Excel for adviser meetings

New Business

• Following the advice process to produce fully compliant client files
• Ensuring all client documentation is accurate and up to date
• Maintaining current and accurate client information within the CRM
• Completing and submitting applications
• Preparing detailed Suitability Reports
• Checking that all work has been completed accurately and satisfactorily

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintaining your CPD through seminars and professional examinations
• Preparing adviser files for review by external file reviewers
• Taking part in team meetings and contributing ideas to improve processes across the business

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone with previous experience within an IFA / financial planning environment, ideally supporting multiple financial advisers.

You’ll need:

• At least three R0 exams passed, with a willingness to work towards DipPFS
• Experience supporting Independent Financial Advisers
• Good technical knowledge of pensions and investments
• Experience writing Suitability Reports
• Experience completing applications and compiling compliant client files
• Experience using investment platforms and liaising with pension providers
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Degree-level education

Personal Attributes

Alongside your technical experience, you’ll be someone who demonstrates:

Excellent attention to detail

Strong written communication skills

A professional and engaging telephone manner

Excellent organisation and time-management skills

The ability to multitask and manage competing priorities

A systematic and methodical approach

Strong numeracy

A positive and hardworking attitude

A genuine team-player mentality

What's In It For You?

Once you have successfully completed your probationary period, the benefits package includes:

• Quarterly bonus scheme – up to £11,000 per annum
• Bonus paid in 2025: £8,525
• £600 annual exam allowance
• Private Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance with Vitality Health
• Gym membership with Virgin Active or Pure Gym
• Pension scheme, including an additional £100 monthly contribution alongside auto-enrolment contributions
• Annual 5-star overseas staff holiday

Previous staff trips have included skiing in Val Thorens, New York, Las Vegas and Barcelona.

Interested?

If you’re currently working within an IFA environment and have experience across research, paraplanning, pensions and investments, this could be an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.