What is a Paraplanner you may be asking?  It is an industry specific term, some might say, for a "dogsbody" - only joking!!  The industry defines it as someone who is responsible for researching financial products and giving administrative support to financial advisors or financial planners. Their work may include:

• searching financial databases
• finding information about products that match clients' needs
• writing reports on recommendations
• obtaining a selection of product quotes
• dealing with customer queries
• keeping accurate client records.

A paraplanner should:

• have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• be customer-focused
• have a good telephone manner
• have basic computer skills
• enjoy working within a sales-oriented team.

My role encompasses all of the above and some.  Sometimes, I have to prepare a pre-sales report detailing our reasons for recommendations or prepare a written review of either new or existing clients' investments and policies.   And it doesn't stop there!!  Once the application form has been signed, the paperwork is processed and forwarded to the provider, another report is prepared and we also have to continually chase the providers to get the policy issued or monies paid out.

It is a varied role, which demands good communication skills to ensure that the companies we place business with provide an excellent service and deal with any issues in a timely fashion.  Favours are frequently requested and because we have established good working relationships with our key contacts, we will usually manage to get it sorted out.  We endeavour to keep all our clients informed, which is almost a full-time job in itself!

Most of the time I enjoy my job and I 'm not just saying it to get a pay rise!!