Paraplanner

Career path and progression

You could:

• specialise in an area of finance like technology or pensions
• train to become a financial adviser
• become self employed, working as a freelance paraplanner

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• persistence and determination
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Paraplanners use maths constantly when putting together cash flow analyses, calculating investment returns, and assessing how different financial products perform over time. They work with percentages, compound interest, and projections to help financial advisers give accurate recommendations to clients.
• Economics - Paraplanners need to understand how markets, interest rates, inflation, and economic trends affect the financial products they research. This knowledge helps them assess which funds and investments are likely to perform well and why.
• Accounting - Paraplanners prepare detailed financial reports and need to understand concepts like assets, liabilities, tax implications, and cash flow. Being comfortable reading financial statements and working with figures is a core part of the role.
• Business - Paraplanners work within financial services firms and need to understand how businesses operate, how financial products are structured, and how client needs are met. Many paraplanners also go on to become self-employed, where business knowledge becomes even more important.

Also relevant

• English Language - Paraplanners write detailed finance reports that need to explain complex information clearly to both advisers and clients. Strong written communication skills are essential for producing documents that are accurate, well-structured, and easy to understand.
• Law - Paraplanners work in a heavily regulated industry and need to be aware of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and consumer protection rules. Understanding legal frameworks helps them ensure that the advice and products they research meet regulatory standards.
• Computer Science - Paraplanners use specialist financial planning software to model cash flows, run projections, and analyse data. While they don't build software themselves, some paraplanners work with spreadsheet macros, data tools, and financial technology platforms where understanding how systems process data is a real advantage.