What an exciting time to be working on contract paraplanning contracts! We're happy to say that we're getting a large number of advisers each day asking about how they can outsource their paraplanning. I can either see this as a compliment to our business or the building industry-wide acceptance of contract paraplanners working remotely in Australia. The trends that we're seeing are:

The increased pressure to deliver SoAs with a fast turnaround time has been great for our business. With a track record of 10 years of providing Statements of Advice in 5 business days, advisers love being able to get their "financial plan" delivered fast enough that the client remains engaged. Many dealer groups have been struggling to find on-site staff and provide training quickly and this has lead to many Australian financial advisers looking for Australian paraplanning services that can assist on a contract / freelance basis.

It is no secret that our paraplanning service runs lean and this leads to us being able to provide close to the lowest fees in the industry. Advisers aren't paying for excessive administration staff, sales people and other costs. They just pay for experienced paraplanners, working from home or their office, delivering quality Statement of Advice reports. We don't hide our fees or charge for faster turnaround times and have loved adviser feedback on how this is good for their business.

All I keep hearing from advisers is that they have tried outsourcing paraplanning and it didn't go well. Almost always the key factor is under-qualified paraplanners completing SoAs that aren't compliant. I sleep better at night knowing that our paraplanners are qualified, have more than 4 years experience and are experts in Xplan, COIN, Midwinter, Visiplan, ANG and other software programs.

All in all, it's an exciting month for us as we rely on our systems, our referrals from existing advisers and the standards we have in place to keep building quality Statement of Advice documents. Thank you for the support and your valuable feedback!

Rich Peterson

Paraplanner - Melbourne
 
·       Professional Profile
·       Highly supportive team environment 
 
Our rapidlygrowing financial services firm based in the Monash Business Centre, Clayton is looking for a highly motivated and professional individual to join the team.The firm provides comprehensive financial advice to a range of clients and has a strong focus on client service. 
 
Your core responsibilities:
 
·       Working closely with the Advisers you will devise strategies to address all areas of financial needs for each client
·       SOA preparation (ranging from general to more complex involving retirement strategies), as well as providing day to day client service
·       Researching changes to legislation and the effects on planning solutions & clients
·       Provide technical support to the Financial Advisers
 
Yourexperience:
·       A minimum of 12 months paraplanning experience. Some face to face contact with clients would also be an advantage.
·       Experience in Visiplan or XPlan
·       RG146 Compliant
·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills
·       Ability to demonstrate attention to detail,time management and prioritising workflow.   
·       Technically strong with a professional approach to work.
 
In return for your hard work and dedication, the firm will provide you with an attractive salary package (in commensuration with experience) and bonus structure.
 
If you are interested in this position or would like further information, please send your CV to dane.rabot@completefinancialgroup.com.au,alternatively call Dane Rabot on 03 8844 4862 for a confidential discussion.

NSW Senior Planner - Financial Services - Maitland NSW

• Senior Technical Services Planner
• Investment & Advisory Services
• Impressive Portfolio - Newcastle Location. c$90k

This dynamic, successful and highly profitable organisation promotes a range of private investment strategies, financial planning, retail planning and business advisory solutions to a broad client base and dealer group across the East Coast.

This Newcastle based business ensures Clients receive the highest level of service and solutions by providing the training and tools to enable success.

An exciting opportunity now exists for a highly experienced Paraplanner to provide high level technical advice and consultation on complex investment and financial planning strategies that meet Clients future requirements.

A senior advisor role within a close knit, boutique team of professionals, you will communicate with Clients and Accountants on a regular basis whilst supporting other team members in providing appropriate technical services advice.

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced Paraplanner with recent experience and success in financial planning for high net-worth clients providing business planning and technical advisory services to corporate clients in New South Wales and Queensland.

A good networker, you will establish meaningful business relationships with a large number of already established clients to negotiate and establish agreements with them.

The successful candidate will bring approximately 5 years Paraplanning experience, business management experience in Managed Investments, financial services and financial planning.

Your prior experience will have been gained in a financial planning organisation, you will be ready to take a step up in responsibility and workload, having a broader responsibility for your clients and a broader geographical responsibility.

The ideal candidate will be tertiary qualified in finance or business, have excellent presentation skills, be self managing and conversant with financial services legislation and compliance.

To apply follow the Apply now link below and quote the relevant reference number.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Guy Baynes at; guy.baynes@chandlermacleod.com

SYDNEY Senior Paraplanner - Sydney

• > Seeking a real self-starter
• > High Net Worth client base
• > Excellent technical skills required

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join this independent financial planning firm. This client focused group prides themselves on delivering high quality solutions to their HNW client base. They genuinely value the talent in their team and will invest in ongoing mentoring to ensure their team stays abreast of their field. Their Advisers are some of the best in the industry and the training they and the company provide is second to none.
 
As a Senior Paraplanner you will be working very closely with Senior Advisers and provide them with seamless support. You will be heavily involved research and strategy based work, SoA preparation and the execution of client investment strategies. You will ensure that the work produced is accurate, detailed and the deadlines are met. This will involve Excel based financial modelling and review of Compliance related matters.
 
Your maturity, business acumen, exceptional written and verbal communication, excellent organisational skills, thoroughness and strong attention to detail will see you succeed in this role. You will have solid technical knowledge and analytical skills, including Excel skills at the intermediate level as a minimum. You will have had a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a technical paraplanning role and have the capability to step up and participate in client meetings. Tertiary qualification together with ADFP are essential (or very close to completion).
 
For a confidential discussion
Phone Anna Fleming 02 8667 3226
Email anna.fleming@godfreygroup.com.au

SYDNEY PARAPLANNER - HOLISTIC PLANS - Sydney Northern Beaches

• Fast growing organisation
• Hit the ground running using COIN
• Northern Sydney and CBD locations

An excellent opportunity has arisen within a fast growing Financial Services organisation for an experienced Paraplanner to join their Northern Sydney office.  

In this role you will be responsible for creating plans across various strategies and writing SOA’s using COIN for the Financial Planners to deliver. You will be required to maintain a high level of regulatory compliance with all SOA’s, whilst ensuring quality and precision are executed. You will be required to work in a small team environment and hit the ground running with a proven background in creating a wide range of strategies.

In order to be successful for this role you will have previous experience in a Paraplanning role, with a demonstrated self-sufficient attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond. Along with this, you will have completed your Diploma in Financial Planning at minimum and demonstrate the ability to develop a range of plans, with a proven background in working on holistic strategies. You must have experience in using COIN. You will be driven and enjoy working to deadlines in a small team environment. 

In return this role will offer you the opportunity to work within an organisation that offers long term stability within a growing organisation where you can develop into a more complex paraplanning role over time. 

If you have the experience required please apply by clicking the APPLY button, or for further information please contact Laura Modinger on 0282269752 or alternatively laura.modinger@hays.com.au

Perth Paraplanner - Part time
• Part Time – flexible hours (school hours available)
• Autonomous and varied role
• Team environment with a professional, friendly culture
• East Perth location

We are a boutique national financial services company located in East Perth, specialising in SMSF and risk insurance. We are fortunate enough to have a lead stream of over 20 new clients per month, thanks to Crown Lending’s successful money management program. Ethics is the cornerstone of our business. 

This position will involve creating and completing Statements of Advice for the firm's advisers as well as taking client enquiries and sitting in on client meetings when required.

Successful applicants would preferably have 2 years experience as a Paraplanner with Xplan exposure. Ideal candidates will have had exposure to retirement & investment planning, SMSF, wealth creation, income streams, roll-overs and personal insurance. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, professional, and want to contribute to the overall growth and success of the firm. 

Your day to day activities & responsibilities will focus in the following areas: 
• As part of a small, highly capable team, you will be expected to produce compliant advice documentation, including Statements of Advice and review documentation to a superior standard and within agreed turnaround times
• Remain up-to-date with technical issues and developments within the financial planning industry, with particular emphasis on superannuation.
• Adhere to compliance rules and meet ongoing accreditation requirements 
• Take client enquiries and sit in on client meetings when required

To be successful in this role you need to have: 
• Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) or equivalent 
• Preferably 2 years experience as a Paraplanner, ideally with Xplan exposure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• A sound understanding of the financial markets and the regulatory environment confronting the financial planning industry, especially FoFA reforms

On offer to the right candidate is a competitive salary package based on your qualifications, experience and capacity to perform in the role. For further information please contact David Pereira at Crown Wealth Management on 1300 882 981.

A recent study of financial advisers found that advisers that fully outsource their paraplanning is expected to rise by 60%. The reason for the rise is that financial advisers are spending more time on building client relationships and less time on office management, preparing Statement of Advice documents and ongoing recruitment needs.

The survey of 1,323 advisers also noted that there would be a rise in part-time outsourcing of paraplanning where some paraplanning roles would remain in-house while additional work is taken on by freelance paraplanning companies.

[Source]

If your business is interested in discussing how contract paraplanning could revolutionise your back office, contact the outsourced paraplanning specialists.

PARAPLANNER – CAIRNS QLDAre you a career paraplanner?
Looking for a stable role where you will have the opportunity to grow?
Well respected family orientated Financial Services firm in Cairns.

Technical SOAs

Opportunity to transfer your skills

Varied client exposure

Our client is a reputable and well established financial planning practice with a leading client base and healthy profit outlook. They are looking for a new addition to their team, who can bring with them a strong understanding of customer service and a passion for the industry.

In your new role, you will create both basic & complex SOAs, putting a focus on client service. You will be exposed to a variety of strategies and a variety of clients, using innovative & up-to-date industry tools.

To be successful in this role, you will have significant previous experience generating SOAs, along with a practical knowledge of the financial planning industry. You will have a number of years working as a paraplanner and have the ability to mentor junior staff. You will be client facing and enjoy researching and implementing the best possible strategies for your clients. You will be a team player, have the ability to build relationships and have exceptional attention to detail. Industry qualifications highly regarded.

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PARAPLANNER – ADELAIDE SACity fringe location
Supportive team
Growing firm
We are currently looking for a Paraplanner to join a successful Financial Services firm in Adelaide. As a valued member of their supportive team you will be responsible preparing statements of advice and assisting in the preparation of plans across various areas. We are looking for a strategic thinker, that has stability in their employment and happy to demonstrate their Financial Services experience and knowledge. Exposure to Financial planning software would be highly regarded, however our client is open to which software you have utilised and basic training will be provided. To be considered you will possess a relevant Financial Services Qualification have the ability to learn new tasks and prioritise your workload. If you looking for a new challenge in 2013 and currently working as a Paraplanner do not delay send your resume through in confidence.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact James Vaughton on 08 8306 8200 from Adecco Adelaide City SA.

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 PARAPLANNER – SYDNEY NSWDue to significant growth over the last 2 years, Lifetime Financial Advisers located at Macquarie Park (North Ryde) , Sydney is seeking an experienced and technical Paraplanner to assist in the Paraplanning function and interact with Clients and Financial Planners as part of the New Client and Client Review process. Our office is in a new and very modern building, right beside Macquarie Park train station and with easy transport access. The building offers a subsidised gym and lunch facility.

You will work with a highly experienced and hands-on team in an environment that encourages and respects you as an individual and contributes toward the expansion of your professional knowledge.

With a professional and ethical working environment you will be applying your existing knowledge as well as expanding your technical and client-facing skills.

We would welcome applications from potential candidates that meet the following criteria:-
Ideally you will have at least 18 months paraplanning experience
You have an understanding of the Industry including RG146/ DFS or ADFS
Ability to prepare tailored SoA’s
Preferably proficient in Xplan software
Can assist with research of products and other strategic initiatives
Prepared to liaise and directly assist our Financial Advisers
Be involved with the New Client and Client Review process
You are enthusiatic and bring a good attitude to work

On offer for the right Candidate is a negotiated salary based on your qualifications, experience and capacity to do the role.

Please send your details in the first instance to Mr. Grant Wilson Director/Financial Planner – Lifetime Financial Advisers email grant@lfadvisers.com.au Please call Grant with any question directly on 0419 420 151. All applications to be received by Friday 1st Feb 2013.

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ASSISTANT FINANCIAL PLANNER (PARAPLANNER) – TOOWOOMBA & DARLING DOWNS QLDJoin an award-winning regional firm

Attractive remuneration package

A leading financial and business advisory firm is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated person seeking a career in financial planning.

In this role, you will support our experienced financial advisers with the timely and accurate preparation of documentation and superior client service.

You’ll be given the opportunity to use your technical skills to assist with wealth creation and protection strategies supported by ongoing professional development.

To be successful in securing this role, you will

be very organised with attention to detail
have strong computer skills (especially Microsoft Office)
be an effective communicator
have a positive attitude
thrive under pressure and deadlines
be qualified or prepared to undertake further
study.

While experience in paraplanning is preferred, we will offer training to the right candidate.

BMO, based in Dalby (just one hour to Toowoomba), started out as a traditional accounting firm, but over the years has grown and evolved into a multi-faceted business and financial advisory firm.

This role is based in BMO Financial Solutions (our financial planning arm) which has been a part of the BMO service offering since for more than 10 years.

BMO Financial Solutions has developed a high level of respect in the marketplace for its professional, down-to-earth and caring approach.

BMO offers a professional and friendly work environment underpinned by the agreed values of awareness, enjoyment, innovation, outstanding service and understanding. (We call our values the BMO AEIOU). We have a great team of around 45 people working across all the BMO ivisions including Accounting, Loans, Marketing, Human Resources and Business Advisory.

Read more about our firm at www.bmo.com.au

For more information about the role or to obtain a position description, contact Sarah Shaw on (07) 4662 3722 or sarahs@bmo.com.au.

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SENIOR PARAPLANNER – BRISBANE QLDFriendly growing team.
Wide variety of plans.
Above market salary

This boutique Financial Services firm, with national presence, has a focus on providing holistic financial planning solutions to a wide spectrum of clients.

Due to the growth of the business, they are
seeking a motivated Paraplanner to join their team. This newly created role will be imperative to the success of the organization.

You will be the paraplanning support to the financial planning team by producing plans, following up documentation, applications and liaising with clients. There is a dedicated client service team fulfilling the non technical function.

You will thrive in a busy environment, have an eye for detail and will be content in a technical role. You will be able to work autonomously, demonstrate excellent time management skills, and have the ability to think outside the box.

In return, you will be given the opportunity to grow your career in Finance with the support of an experienced and energetic team behind you.

If you have previous experience in a similar role and relevant qualifications, I would love to hear from you.

Please call Chris on 0425 726 288.

CURRENT TOP PARAPLANNER JOB LISTINGS#1 PARAPLANNER – ADELAIDE6 Month Contract
• Supportive Environment
• Quality Client Base
• Dynamic Business

We are looking for an experienced Paraplanner to fill a 6 month contract, there is also the possibility this may be extended to a permanent full time position.

Based in Rose Park, your time will be spent supporting a group of dynamic and experienced financial advisers, ensuring that the financial planning processes are adhered to through the timely and accurate preparation of financial documentation. In addition, you will have the opportunity to utilise your technical and financial strategy knowledge to assist clients.

To be successful in securing this role, you will have a minimum of two years paraplanning experience and be proficient in a variety of strategies including risk insurance, superannuation, retirement income streams, along with working knowledge of compliance issues.

RG146 qualification/ Diploma in Financial Planning and experience with Xplan highly desirable.

In addition, you will be a team player who is exceptionally well organised, with a high attention to detail. If you are a strong communicator (both verbal and written), possess a positive attitude, have the ability to work in a dynamic environment and to deadlines we would like to hear from you.

For further information, in confidence, please contact Christina Belmonte on 8364 0800 or email your application to christina@sasfinancialservices.com.au .

___________________________

#2 PARAPLANNER – SYDNEYDue to significant growth over the last 2 years, Lifetime Financial Advisers located at Macquarie Park (North Ryde) , Sydney is seeking an experienced and technical Paraplanner to assist in the Paraplanning function and interact with Clients and Financial Planners as part of the New Client and Client Review process. Our office is in a new and very modern building, right beside Macquarie Park train station and with easy transport access. The building offers a subsidised gym and lunch facility.

You will work with a highly experienced and hands-on team in an environment that encourages and respects you as an individual and contributes toward the expansion of your professional knowledge.

With a professional and ethical working environment you will be applying your existing knowledge as well as expanding your technical and client-facing skills.

We would welcome applications from potential candidates that meet the following criteria:-
Ideally you will have at least 18 months paraplanning experience
You have an understanding of the Industry including RG146/ DFS or ADFS
Ability to prepare tailored SoA’s
Preferably proficient in Xplan software
Can assist with research of products and other strategic initiatives
Prepared to liaise and directly assist our Financial Advisers
Be involved with the New Client and Client Review process
You are enthusiatic and bring a good attitude to work

On offer for the right Candidate is a negotiated salary based on your qualifications, experience and capacity to do the role.

Please send your details in the first instance to Mr. Grant Wilson Director/Financial Planner – Lifetime Financial Advisers email grant@lfadvisers.com.au Please call Grant with any question directly on 0419 420 151. All applications to be received by Friday 1st Feb 2013.

_____________________________________

#3 PARAPLANNER (WITH PROGRESSION TO SENIOR PARAPLANNER) – ADELAIDEApplications closing soon – apply now!

Our client is a highly-respected independent financial planning practice in Adelaide that is looking for a superstar Paraplanner for an amazing opportunity.

Working closely with the entire team, you will have a wide exposure to all facets of the Financial Planning process. This role will involve ongoing training and development to take on a more senior role in the short to medium term. As such, our client is looking for someone with a number of key attributes.

Ideal applicants will:
- Be a highly motivated, presentable individual
- Have at least 12 months experience as a Paraplanner/CSO
- Have completed their DFS/P and so are RG146 compliant
- Be able to communicate effectively, in both a written and verbal capacity
- Possess a self-starter attitude and a strong desire to succeed
- Want to contribute to a client’s strategy in a meaningful way
- Have an innate passion for research and investigation
- Have X-plan experience (preferably)

This role will also involve more than Paraplanning, so to be successful in this role the perfect candidate will have to be prepared to dive head first into a number of different aspects of Financial Planning. This includes (but is not limited to): client interaction, meeting with fund managers, internal training and development, giving presentations to the rest of the team, and contributing to discussions surrounding the approved products list. This is the perfect role for an individual with long-term career aspirations. If you are confident that you are this person then don’t hesitate – apply today.

For a confidential discussion please contact Michael Wright on 0499 771 759, alternatively email or connect via Linkedin.
For a confidential discussion, contact Michael Wright on 0499771759 or email michael.98896.3449@terringtonconsultingau.aplitrak.com.

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#4 PARAPLANNER – PERTHIf you consider yourself to be an enthusiastic and motivated Paraplanner that is looking forward to 2013 being your year of career advancement then read on. This position will see you working in a firm that will not only allow you to build on your existing experience but provide you the opportunity to learn more and have a wider exposure to financial advice and process.

An opportunity has now become available to join a multi-disciplinary financial services firm located in West Leederville that is experiencing continued business growth on the back of an expanded service offering and an excellent business reputation. You will be working in a stable and supportive environment with an opportunity for career advancement should you so choose.

This role is divided into two parts:

Work closely with the superannuation and retirement adviser and the personal risk insurance adviser to formulate and assist in the preparation and implementation of advice strategies and;
Work with one of the directors in the construction of the model portfolios as well as the monitoring and reporting processes.

To be considered for this opportunity the following would be considered desirable:

2-5 years previous Paraplanning experience
ADFS qualification and/or Bachelor degree in a finance related field of study and be RG146 compliant.
Experienced in using COIN or similar CRM
A professional presentation and outlook.
Good communication skills both written and oral.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Should you be successful with your application you will be rewarded for your efforts with a competitive remuneration package.

Brenton Jones
08 9269 5400

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#5 SENIOR PARAPLANNER – HIGH NET WORTH STRATEGIES – PERTHCompetitive Salary + Benefits
Great Career Opportunity
Security of Big 4 Bank

Work for a leading Financial Services Organisation looking to expand their Financial Planning business due to growth. We are looking for motivated people with previous paraplanning experience for the role of Senior Paraplanner. The role will involve assisting a small group of Financial Planners in providing top-quality support to meet the clients’ needs.

Join an Industry leader who prides itself on providing quality financial planning advice to clients. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a competitive pay package plus benefits. With a national presence you will be working in a very stable and supportive environment and will have plenty of opportunities for career advancement both here in Perth and Nationwide.

The Role
You will be responsible for providing the highest quality support to a team of Financial Planners. The role will allow you to handle more complicated issues and have more client contact. There will be lots of opportunities for you to increase your skill-set by working on more complex and comprehensive strategies. You will have opportunities to add-value to the Planning process through the formulation of improved strategies in conjunction with your team of Financial Planners. As a Senior Paraplanner you will be able to pass on your extensive knowledge to more junior members of your team through training and development programs.

The Person
3-5 years previous Paraplanning experience preferred
Financial planners who have not had paraplanning support
ADFS or Bachelor Degree in Financial Planning
Experience with COIN preferred
Exceptional Communication skills, both written and verbal
Immaculate professional presentation
Ability to pass on your knowledge through training and development of junior team members
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

This is a great opportunity to work with a leading Financial Planning organisation that rewards their employees with a great work life balance and fantastic benefits. If you are a Paraplanner looking for the next step in your career or a Senior Paraplanner looking for a change this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Apply now via the link or call Enda Burns on (08) 6466 3800.

Let me start with these figures.

The most recent statistics have Xplan holding 35%, COIN holding 20%, Visiplan holding 10% & Midwinter holding 10% of the adviser financial planning software market.

Regarding time to complete a Statement of Advice document:

Software providers also managed to reduce the time it takes to produce Statements of Advice by 40 minutes, from 7 hours and 36 minutes on average in 2006 to 6 hours and 50 minutes in 2010.

After completing SoAs for the past 10 years for the majority of financial planning groups in Australia, I have been working with various software providers in order to offer a way to enter the data online in order to produce Statement of Advice documents.

I have spoken to many financial advisers and they no longer want to do the following:

• Pay for financial planning software
• Learn financial planning software
• Provide paraplanning training to a staff member who may no stay committed to their business
• Wait 7-10 days for a centralised paraplanning unit to prepare their document
• Pay for research software
• Have their Statement of Advice prepared in an inconsistent way
• Present their clients with a 60+ page document that they may never read as it has been written for compliance only

With these frustrations in mind, I will be launching an online form for advisers to securely enter client data & receive a Statement of Advice document in two business days.

And cost?

If you research the cost of completing an SoA, you would find that an in-house paraplanner (with all additional staffing costs, software costs, training costs etc) would cost $400 to complete a typical SoA document. The average for most outsourced paraplanner would be $400 – $600 for the same document. For the same document, completed in half the time (2 days instead of 4-10) using an online form, I am looking at a cost of $200 – $250.

The documents produced will be compliant, consistent, easy-to-read, well-researched and concise.

There will also be a range of Statement of Advice documents to have produced:

• SMSF Statement of Advice (including information on establishing a SMSF)
• Insurance Statement of Advice (including detailed comparisons of product replacement, RPAR reports)
• Business Insurance Statement of Advice (including details of structures)
• Review Statement of Advice documents (including references to previous Statement of Advice documents, Statement of Additional Advice SoAA documents, Financial Plan documents, CAR documents)
• Superannuation Statement of Advice (including detailed research and reasonable basis for advice when switching products)
• Investment Statement of Advice (including managed fund research & regular savings plans)
• Trust Statement of Advice (includes entity SoA information)
• Company Statement of Advice
• Estate Statement of Advice
• Gearing Statement of Advice (includes gearing analysis & suitability of lending in SoA)
• and many more….

Paraplanning is about to get a lot easier.

Due to the rising level of data that your clients consume, it is important that your financial advice and the information you provide be clear, concise & able to be retained easily.

Paraplanner.com.au is working with leading information architects and designers to develop Statement of Advice documents that convey large & complex volumes of data in a visually-appealing way. Through these documents, clients will be better informed & educated, leading to fewer complaints and confusion throughout the financial planning relationship.

Cost efficiency and having the flexibility of an ‘on-tap’ service are the top two reasons for utilising a contract paraplanner, both for independent advisers and dealer groups.

Nina Hope, former director of contract paraplanning provider Paraplanning Professionals, which was sold to Tribeca Corporation in 2001 and subsequently absorbed into Integratec, identifies the most common scenarios for employing third-party paraplanners.

“With small practices, they either couldn’t justify employing someone at that stage, or they wanted to test the waters first to see how it would work. With larger dealer groups, where we would be doing all their paraplanning – between 80 and 150 plans a month – it would be to save them the hassle of managing a paraplanning division,” Hope says.

Succession planning for a paraplanner within a small practice is often difficult, and so another reason for outsourcing, although many dealer groups encourage larger practices to have their own internal paraplanners for this reason. [More details]

Based on current industry research, the time that an average paraplanner in a financial advice business stays in their role is 18 months to 2 years. After this amount of time, they typically either decide to leave the profession or move on to a financial adviser role. The reasons for the move to financial advising are typically:

• More responsibility within financial advising role
• Higher pay structure as a financial adviser
• More autonomy
• Less administration (although this is questionable)

The options that a financial advising business have at this point are:

• Hire another junior paraplanner, invest in training and spend (on average) three months getting the paraplanner to a point where they are confident to take on mid-level advice documents.
• Hire a senior paraplanner and spend (on average) one month training them in your systems.
• Hire an outsourced contract paraplanner (either an in-house paraplanner or an off-site paraplanner). The training time for paraplanners whom I have overseen (offsite outsourced paraplanners) is typically one to two days.
• A combination of the above options.

I am absolutely bias in recommending contract outsourced paraplanning staff. I have seen the added flexibility and cost savings that businesses have achieved through having a paraplanner on call but not on “paid” call. With a myriad of tools to use for collaboration, the outsourced contract paraplanning position can either be the interim or long-term relationship that advisers need.