Aim
Watson French Ltd is soon to commence interviews for a new Graduate Trainee Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) to undertake an initial training period of 18 months’ fully-supported study, while gaining experience by working with the Managing Director, Chairman and administration team on all aspects of the financial advice process.
Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, the graduate will be promoted to the role of Associate IFA and will continue ongoing qualification to Chartered Financial Planner status (the highest level of qualification), before becoming a client-facing IFA.
Ultimately, the aim is to build our team at Director level by promoting and developing talented graduate trainees, offering considerable scope for career progression for the right candidate.
The Company
Watson French is a local, privately-owned company with an established and highly-regarded reputation for experience and expertise in all aspects of financial advice. We provide independent financial planning and investment advice for private clients, trusts, business executives and entrepreneurs.
Working closely with our professional connections, Watson French provides solutions from the most basic to the most complex of financial planning needs. We are passionately independent and aim to set ourselves apart by the excellent service we offer and the effort we make to truly understand the needs and priorities of our clients.
Our culture is to operate ethically and with the utmost integrity, and we are rightly proud of our reputation.
Nature of work undertaken
The successful graduate will assist in all aspects of the business (in a non-client facing role) during the initial graduate training period, working directly with and being mentored by the Managing Director and Chairman. The relationship with the Managing Director and Chairman will be along the lines of right-hand person, assisting with all aspects of the advice-giving process.
The graduate will also work towards attainment of the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning after 18 months. This is a challenging technical qualification which covers financial services regulation, investments, pensions, taxation and protection. All training is fully financially supported and one day per week is allowed for study at home.
Successful completion of the graduate training period and qualification will lead to promotion to Associate IFA. This role continues the theme of developing the experience and interpersonal skills required to advise clients, alongside studying for the highest level of financial services qualification (Chartered Financial Planner status) over a period of three years.
This is a demanding role but one which leads to a highly rewarding long-term career.
Required personal skills and qualifications:
Experience and/or prior knowledge of the financial planning sector is not essential. The successful graduate will have:
- A degree level qualification – ideally in finance, accounting, mathematics, or a related subject, but any technical subject is acceptable
- A keen interest in money and economics
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A preference for working as part of a small but high-performance team
- Attention to detail and organisational skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Empathy and integrity, combined with a mature and professional approach
- Enthusiasm for the role and a motivation to succeed.