Technical Helpdesk Consultant (CII Level 4 Qualified)

Location: Home Based

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary to £45,000

NJR Recruitment is working with a leading financial services consultancy to recruit an experienced Technical Helpdesk Consultant to join their Technical and Compliance Helpdesk team.

This is a specialist role for an experienced financial services professional with strong technical and compliance knowledge across the UK financial services sector.

The successful candidate will provide accurate, practical and timely technical and compliance support to member firms, helping them navigate complex regulatory, technical and operational queries.

This is not a sales role. The primary focus is delivering comprehensive, accurate and practical technical support.

The Role

As a Technical Helpdesk Consultant, you will act as a key point of support for member firms, responding to technical and compliance queries across a broad range of financial services areas.

You will need to be confident dealing with situations that are not always straightforward. Strong technical knowledge is important, but so is the ability to research, think critically and provide practical solutions.

The role is home based, with optional office working in Wilmslow. Periodic attendance at the Wilmslow office may be required at management request, with travel expenses paid.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing technical and compliance support to member firms across financial services
• Advising on regulatory, technical, taxation, investment management, risk management, controls and governance matters
• Supporting firms with FCA Direct Authorisation applications
• Assisting with Variation of Permission applications
• Supporting Change of Legal Status and Change in Control applications
• Assisting with Senior Management Function (SMF) applications
• Supporting firms with adding or removing Directory Persons through FCA systems
• Providing guidance and support through FCA Connect
• Reviewing and providing constructive feedback on financial promotions, marketing materials and websites
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partner firms
• Liaising with other divisions within the wider business
• Supporting other members of the Consultancy Team where required
• Maintaining and developing technical knowledge through ongoing training and CPD
• Keeping up to date with regulatory developments, market changes, best practice and regulatory expectations
• Contributing to industry articles, blogs and client seminars where appropriate

FCA Application Support

A key element of the role will be supporting firms through the FCA authorisation process.

This will include:

• Assisting firms throughout the FCA Direct Authorisation process
• Supporting Variation of Permission applications
• Providing guidance on FCA application forms and supporting documentation
• Reviewing application documents and providing constructive feedback
• Supporting and coaching applicant firms preparing for online FCA interviews
• Providing post-authorisation guidance to newly authorised firms
• Liaising with sales partners and consultants throughout the authorisation process
• Maintaining accurate internal records and reports relating to FCA applicants

Technical Knowledge & Experience

The successful candidate will be expected to have a high level of technical and compliance knowledge.

Ideally, you will have:

• Strong knowledge of the adviser, investment management and platform marketplace
• Excellent understanding of UK taxation
• Strong knowledge of pension regulation
• Knowledge and understanding of trusts
• Good understanding of the UK regulatory environment
• Strong knowledge of the FCA Handbook
• Understanding of complaints requirements
• Knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering requirements
• Understanding of Data Protection and GDPR
• Experience dealing with technical and compliance queries within financial services
• Experience working with FCA regulatory processes and applications would be highly advantageous

A QCF Level 4 qualification or higher is expected, together with significant industry experience. The role is likely to suit someone with six or more years' experience within financial services and a strong technical or compliance background.

About You

Technical knowledge is only part of what is required. You will also need to demonstrate:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to listen and understand the underlying issue
• A consultative approach when dealing with member firms
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• The ability to make informed and practical decisions where situations are not black and white
• The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• A professional and approachable manner
• The confidence to provide clear and constructive guidance
• A proactive approach to maintaining and developing technical knowledge

You should be someone who understands that technical support is not simply about knowing the answer. The ability to know where to look, interpret information and provide a practical, accurate response is equally important.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a varied role that will give you exposure to a wide range of technical and regulatory issues across the financial services sector.

You will be working with professional financial services firms, helping them understand regulatory requirements, resolve technical queries and navigate FCA processes.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to wider industry knowledge through articles, blogs, seminars and other consultancy activities.

If you're an experienced financial services professional with strong technical and compliance knowledge, particularly across UK taxation, pensions, trusts and FCA regulation, this is an excellent opportunity to move into a specialist consultancy and technical support role.

Please note: Due to a high volume of applications, if your CV does not reflect the essential requirements, or you answer ‘no’ to key screening questions, we may not be able to contact you.