What it’s like to work in Financial Planning

Following the decision to leave my previous firm in search of a new challenge, I was given the exciting opportunity to interview at Francis Clark Financial Planning for a position in their Business Support Team.

Interviewing at Francis Clark isn’t like interviewing anywhere else. I wasn’t sat in a cold boardroom across from a panel of suits asking me about my strengths and weaknesses. Instead, I was welcomed into a bright and cheerful office and asked about me, my career path, and my plans for the future. I explained that career progression was important to me as well as the opportunity to further my knowledge and understanding of the Financial Services industry with a view to studying for my Diploma over the next few years. It quickly became clear that Francis Clark is fully prepared to support me in achieving these goals and being a much larger firm, there was much more opportunity for me to progress and develop my skills in the future.

Following a friendly chat, I was given a tour of the Exeter Office and the chance to meet members of the team. That’s the moment that I realised that Francis Clark was where I wanted to be – with colleagues working together for the same objective – providing a high level of service to their clients, in a realistic timescale.

I have worked in the Financial Services industry for 13 years and it is common for adviser firms to be loud, highly pressured to achieve unmanageable deadlines and a sense of ego from senior members. It was clear that Francis Clark Financial Planning is different, and everyone is considered equal, treated with respect and given the opportunity to shine on their own.

I was delighted to be offered the chance to join Francis Clark Financial Planning and I accepted without question.

Joining a new company and a new team of people can be daunting and there is always some anxiety about what will be expected from you in your first week. Am I going to be thrown in at the deep end? No, joining Francis Clark Financial Planning is not like that. From the beginning, you are welcomed into a team of intelligent and professional people who are willing to support you, assist you whilst you learn your new role and have a genuine interest in getting to know you and what makes you tick.

On my first day I was given a welcome pack including a book celebrating Francis Clarks’ Centenary which provides an insight into the history of the company and how they have evolved over the years to become the prestigious firm they are today. Health and wellbeing are also important, and teams regularly get together in and out of the office to take park in a variety of social and sporting activities with the objective of building and maintaining strong bonds. Inside the office, there are weekly updates and announcements to celebrate each other’s achievements.

As a new starter, I was given the chance to tell everyone about me and what my hobbies and interests are. This included letting the team know about my love of baking and how I intend to bake my way into their hearts over the next few months.

There is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right decision to join Francis Clark Financial Planning and I look forward to building my career as a member of the team.

David James, Business Support – Francis Clark Financial Planning