Paraplanner

Position Description

The Paraplanner is instrumental in collaborating with Financial Advisers to develop and provide robust, compliant financial advice. This role involves working in close partnership with advisers through the entire advice lifecycle, delivering technical analysis, strategy modelling, research into investments and insurance, portfolio reporting, and preparing advice documents to ensure exceptional client results. The Paraplanner also contributes to enhancing advice development, process optimization, and the technical proficiency of the advice team, supporting consistent and efficient advice delivery.

Primary Duties

• Create Statements of Advice (SoAs), Records of Advice (RoAs), Review Reports, and other advice materials ensuring adherence to compliance standards and company policies.
• Collect, evaluate, and validate client data necessary for formulating advice strategies and recommendations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including file notes and records, in alignment with regulatory and organizational guidelines.
• Keep client information accurate and current within Xplan and other business applications.
• Collaborate with Financial Advisers to develop and refine client strategies effectively.
• Generate cashflow forecasts, scenario modelling, and strategic analyses supporting client advice.
• Perform detailed research on investments, wealth platforms, superannuation, retirement planning, and insurance solutions.
• Develop insurance comparisons, policy replacement evaluations, and risk assessments to inform adviser recommendations.
• Prepare strategic portfolio assessments, investment summaries, and communications for wholesale clients.
• Offer alternative strategy scenarios and provide technical recommendations to support advisers.
• Oversee advice production workflows ensuring timely delivery and service quality.
• Engage in technical peer reviews and quality assurance activities to preserve accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Assist in managing advice template maintenance, including Fact Finds, SoAs, RoAs, and product-specific content.
• Coordinate with technology vendors to facilitate advice-related systems and tools efficiency.
• Identify and implement improvements in advice workflow, processes, and technology use.
• Complete advice reviews and technical assignments within agreed service standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to sustain up-to-date technical, product, and regulatory knowledge.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of three years' experience in paraplanning or related technical advice support roles.
• Compliant with RG146 standards.
• Preferably hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
• Proven proficiency in preparing SoAs, RoAs, and Review Reports.
• Experience in developing strategic portfolio reviews and client-facing financial documents.
• Competency in creating cashflow projections and strategy modelling.
• Strong background in investment and personal risk insurance research.
• Familiar with financial planning platforms including Xplan, Iress/Xtools+, and other relevant software.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• In-depth technical knowledge across investments, superannuation, retirement planning, taxation, and personal insurance.
• Understanding of wholesale and retail investment products such as managed funds, ETFs, listed investments, and model portfolios.
• Effective in communicating strategically with advisers regarding technical and strategic advice development.
• Advanced analytical, modelling, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication capabilities.
• High precision and strong attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of advice production processes and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative nature paired with a dedication to ongoing process enhancement.

About Focus Partners Australia

Focus Partners Australia is a part of Focus Financial Partners, a premier financial services firm headquartered in the United States, offering wealth management, family office, and business management services. The Australian branch provides integrated services in investment and portfolio management, accounting, lending, insurance, and allied areas from offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Committed to a client-first philosophy, it leverages global resources and expertise to deliver comprehensive, fiduciary guidance spanning strategic planning, portfolio management, insurance, credit, and tax matters. Focus Partners Australia supports clients in safeguarding, growing, and transitioning their wealth at every stage of life through a combination of local insight and world-class tools.