A Financial Planning Today magazine report on the Paraplanning sector comes out next week, looking at the trouble firms have had finding Paraplanners with the right skills and experience.

As part of this, company bosses told Financial Planning Today what they are looking for in potential Paraplanners.

We asked: What are the key attributes you look for in your Paraplanning staff? What’s on your Paraplanning wish list?

Marlene Outrim CFPTM Chartered FCSI, a former IFP President, founder and managing director of Uniq Family wealth in Wales

They have to be keen on research and analysis, good at problem solving, with great attention to detail, proficient written skills and able to communicate well with the team and with clients. We always use the Kolbe questionnaire, which looks at people’s unique skills. Scoring high on detail and follow through means they will probably make a good Paraplanner.

Nicola Watts Chartered Financial Planner CFPTM Chartered FCSI, director Jane Smith Financial Planning in Buckinghamshire

For me, a good Paraplanner is someone that is technically excellent. They need to be as good, if not better, than me, at least qualified to Diploma level, heading towards or already at Chartered level. They will be at the centre of the advisory process, able to create the technical plan and challenge and collaborate with me to ensure that the advice being provided to the client is correct and of the highest standard.

Although of course I need to sign everything off, the Paraplanner’s level of expertise leaves me to concentrate on client financial strategies and relationships and managing my business. They are certainly not taking instructions!

Carl Lamb, Chartered Financial Planner, founder and MD of Almary Green in Norfolk

We have high standards and we ask all candidates to sit a technical knowledge test at interview and we look for candidates qualified to diploma level to determine their ability. We also look at experience within an IFA environment, which is really important to ensure they have experience to cover as many advice areas as possible.

Cathi Harrison, PFS board member, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Paraplanning firm Para-Sols in Darlington

I think the two key things are attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box. Both sound rather generic but are absolutely crucial to Paraplanning.

Anyone can learn the technical stuff and pass the exams with the right training and enough time - but having that focus on detail and knowing when and how to question things is what really sets a great Paraplanner apart from a good one.

Kim George FPFS TEP, founder of Integrated Paraplanning Solutions

Communication is priority number one - we value people who convey themselves articulately and explain concepts simply.

Collaboration, resilience and finding solutions are vital attributes to being a great Paraplanner. I look for motivated individuals who are self-starters.

Also, I want to surround myself with people who aren’t afraid to speak their mind and engage in difficult conversations. Another important factor is a person’s response to criticism. None of us are perfect and in order to develop and improve, a good Paraplanner will thrive from constructive criticism.