IFA ADMINISTRATOR & OFFICE MANAGER

Cambridge | £34,000–£40,000 | Permanent

MORE THAN IFA ADMINISTRATION. A KEY ROLE IN A NEW CAMBRIDGE OFFICE.

If you have solid IFA administration experience and want a role that offers more variety, responsibility and client interaction, this could be the move for you.

I'm working with an established and growing Financial Planning & Wealth Management business that is opening a new office in Cambridge. They're looking for an experienced IFA Administrator to help establish the office, support the Financial Planners and take ownership of the day-to-day running of the working environment.

The role combines two areas of responsibility. Around 60% is dedicated to financial planning administration, supporting advisers and ensuring client work progresses efficiently. The remaining 40% covers office management, reception and client experience.

You'll still be doing the financial planning work you know, but you'll also have a visible role in how the wider business operates.

It's an opportunity to take ownership, build relationships and become an important part of a growing team.

THE ROLE: TWO SIDES TO YOUR DAY

Financial Planning Administration

You'll provide essential support to the Financial Planners, helping them deliver an efficient, professional service to their clients.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting advisers with their client caseloads and ongoing financial planning requirements.
• Processing new business across pensions, investments and protection.
• Preparing suitability reports, client letters and other financial planning documentation.
• Preparing Letters of Authority and liaising with providers to obtain information.
• Chasing outstanding paperwork and ensuring cases continue to move forward.
• Maintaining accurate client records and keeping files and documentation up to date.
• Supporting annual reviews and ongoing client servicing.
• Undertaking research where required.
• Responding to client queries professionally and promptly.
• Managing competing priorities and keeping work on track against agreed deadlines.

You'll need to be comfortable managing cases from an administrative perspective, keeping on top of the detail and providing advisers with the support they need.

Office Management & Client Experience

You'll also be the main point of contact at the new Cambridge office, helping create a professional, welcoming and well-organised environment for clients, colleagues and visitors.

This part of the role will involve:

• Welcoming clients and visitors and making them feel at ease.
• Preparing meeting rooms ahead of client appointments.
• Ensuring refreshments are available and the office is presented to a high standard.
• Providing reception support for another business sharing the building.
• Managing office supplies, stationery and general facilities.
• Reporting maintenance issues and helping resolve day-to-day office requirements.
• Taking meter readings when required.
• Keeping the office running smoothly and anticipating what needs doing next.

The office is expected to host around 5–10 client meetings per week, so you'll have regular opportunities to interact with clients while retaining a substantial focus on financial planning administration.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU A GOOD FIT?

You'll have at least two years' experience in an IFA, Financial Planning or Wealth Management business and a good understanding of the administrative processes involved in supporting financial advisers.

Ideally, you'll bring experience in:

• IFA or financial planning administration.
• New business processing and provider liaison.
• Pensions, investments and associated client documentation.
• Suitability paperwork and Letters of Authority.
• Managing multiple cases, deadlines and competing priorities.
• CRM and back-office systems, such as Intelligent Office or similar.

Just as importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys taking responsibility.

You're organised, approachable and proactive. You can deal confidently with clients and providers, communicate clearly with colleagues and maintain high standards without needing to be chased.

You take pride in getting the details right, but you're equally comfortable stepping away from your desk to welcome a client, prepare a meeting room or sort out an office issue.

If you're someone who spots what needs doing and gets on with it, you'll be well suited to this position.

LOCATION & WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

The role is based at a new office in Cambridge, with parking available.

To get you up to speed, your initial induction and training will take place over several weeks at the firm's established Stansted office. Once the Cambridge office is up and running, you'll return to Stansted approximately once every 2–4 weeks for team meetings, training and collaboration.

The position is predominantly office-based, reflecting the combination of financial planning administration, client contact and office management. There may be some flexibility to work from home occasionally once the Cambridge operation is established.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

• Salary: £34,000–£40,000, depending on experience.
• Permanent position within an established and growing Financial Planning & Wealth Management business.
• The opportunity to play a key role in a new Cambridge office.
• A varied position combining financial planning administration, client contact and office management.
• Greater visibility and responsibility than you might find in a conventional IFA Administrator role.

INTERESTED?

If you're an experienced IFA Administrator who enjoys the technical and organisational side of financial planning but would welcome a broader role, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

For a confidential discussion, contact:

Ryan Wootten

Partner – Financial Divisions