Trainee Financial Adviser

Recognised in the FT Top 100 for six consecutive years, we are a well-established, family-run firm in the East of England, continuing to expand during an exciting period of sustained growth.

At Douglas Steers & Company, we are passionate about helping our clients achieve their financial goals through expert wealth and retirement planning. We believe the best client outcomes begin with expert advisers, this is why we invest in structured training, hands-on support, and clear development pathways for our Financial Advisers.

We are looking for ambitious individuals who are eager to grow, develop their expertise, and build a long-term career with us. If you are ready to take the next step in your journey, this is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking firm that will invest in your future as much as you invest in ours.

The Opportunity:

Trainee Financial Advisor (unqualified) – Base Salary £25k
*with potential bonus on successful completion of qualification.

Join our immersive 4-month programme designed to set you up for success. You’ll receive financial support throughout your journey, alongside structured coaching, useful training tools and dedicated study time to help you confidently achieve your Level 4 qualification through the LIBF platform (Walbrook Institute).

Trainee Financial Advisor (qualified) – Base Salary £36K

*Entry requirements: A Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is required.

Fast-track your career as a client-facing, qualified IFA.

This intensive development programme combines expert coaching, hands-on training, and tailored business support to accelerate your progression. You’ll gain the practical experience and commercial insight required to confidently step into a client advisory position.

In your first year of advising, on-target earnings could be up to £100,000 per annum.

About you:

You may be seeking a fresh challenge or considering a new career direction within Financial Advice. Perhaps you are ready to begin a new journey that builds on the skills you have developed in previous roles and utilises them into a rewarding career.

You will be a confident communicator, comfortable engaging with a wide range of people and skilled in active listening. With strong organisational ability and an adaptable and flexible mindset, you will feel comfortable managing your own workload and diary to meet client needs.

You recognise that meaningful growth requires focus, commitment, and careful planning. Most importantly, you have a genuine interest in a career in Financial Planning and the drive and focus to develop into a successful Financial Adviser.

Your skillset and experience:

• CII/LIBF Level 4 Diploma (desirable)
• Previous experience in financial services administration, sales or education roles (desirable)
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills, consistently meeting deadlines
• Work well under pressure while maintaining a high standard of work
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data
• Ability to work as part of a team or on their own, using initiative
• Excellent presentation and sales skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook; particularly Excel
• Hold a UK Driving License and access to a car
• Must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate for the role

Perks at DSC:

• 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Christmas closure
• Professional body membership paid for
• Company events
• Matched pension contribution scheme with AVIVA
• Wellbeing support
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Private Medical Insurance (after probation period)
• Cycle to Work scheme (after 2 years)
• Birthday off (after 2 years)
• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 6-months)

How to Apply and Interview Process:

Please apply with an up-to-date tailored CV and a cover letter detailing why you meet the requirements and skills set required for this role. Please detail if you hold the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning or if you are working towards the qualification. If you do not hold this qualification, please explain why you are interested in obtaining the qualification and pursuing this career path. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered for the role.

This is a competitive application journey with three interview stages:

1 Stage: Telephone Interview and Discussion
2 Stage: Face to face Interview with our HR & Talent Manager
3 Stage: Face to face interview with the Head Advisor and Director

We try to provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates, however due to the volume of applications received this may not always be possible.

Please note at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship pathways for a Skilled Worker Visa currently, please consider this in your application.

What next?

If you are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, eager to take the next step in your career and believe you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you!

Douglas Steers & Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful work environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to £100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Financial planning services
• Health & wellbeing programme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Colchester CO7 7RS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• A covering letter is an application requirement for this role. Please see the application details within the job description. Those who do not meet the minimum application requirements will not be considered for the role. Have you added a cover letter?

Licence/Certification:

• UK Driving License and access to a vehicle (required)

Work Location: In person

View the original Indeed job posting for the Trainee Financial Adviser at Douglas Steers & Company in Tavern House, Station Road, Colchester CO7 7RS.