CIAO GONZALES-CLARKE
Wolverhampton
Summary
Diploma qualified financial planning professional with over 12 years’ experience within the financial services industry, including over five years in paraplanning and recent progression into a trainee consultant role with extensive client-facing responsibility.
Over the last 12 months, I have taken a leading role in client meetings, including conducting full fact-finds from start to finish, leading Attitude to Risk and Capacity for Loss discussions, and presenting and explaining financial planning recommendations to clients. I have also acted as a primary point of contact for client queries, managing ongoing servicing requirements and maintaining strong client relationships.
In addition, I have been responsible for preparing full suitability reports across pensions, investments and protection planning, ensuring client objectives are translated into clear, compliant and tailored financial planning solutions. I have regularly attended networking events and gained exposure to business development activity, and I am now looking to develop this further by building on existing client relationships and contributing to the growth of a firm through the development of new client opportunities over time.
I am now seeking to progress into a fully client-facing financial adviser role within a supportive firm, where I can take responsibility for client relationships and continue developing within a structured financial planning environment. Experienced in financial planning with focus on supporting advisors and clients. Capable of creating comprehensive financial reports and investment summaries through keen analytical skills and attention to detail. Committed to enhancing client satisfaction by providing clear, accurate, and timely financial insights.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work history
Trainee Financial Consultant
Mattioli Woods
2025.06 - 2026.06
- Led client meetings, including conducting full fact-finds from start to finish and identifying financial planning objectives
- Led Attitude to Risk and Capacity for Loss discussions with clients to support suitable investment and financial planning recommendations
- Presented and explained financial planning recommendations to clients, supporting advisers in the delivery of advice across pensions, investments and protection
- Acted as a primary point of contact for client queries, managing ongoing servicing requirements and ensuring clear communication of financial planning information
- Prepared full suitability reports across pensions, investments and protection planning in line with FCA regulatory requirements
- Undertook client meeting preparation, including reviewing client information, identifying planning needs and supporting the structure of meetings
- Supported client review meetings and ongoing relationship management, contributing to long-term client service outcomes
- Worked across a broad range of financial planning cases including pensions, investments and protection within a holistic advice framework
Paraplanner
Mattioli Woods
2023.12 - 2025.06
- Prepared comprehensive suitability reports across pensions, investments, protection and estate planning in line with FCA and internal regulatory requirements
- Conducted technical research and analysis of pension arrangements, investment portfolios and existing financial products
- Assisted with retirement planning, including pension consolidation, drawdown analysis and retirement income modelling
- Developed tax-efficient planning solutions involving pensions, ISAs and estate planning strategies
- Researched investment solutions and portfolio structures, ensuring alignment with client objectives, risk profiles and capacity for loss
- Prepared cashflow modelling and financial planning analysis to support client outcomes
- Liaised with providers and third parties to obtain information, resolve technical queries and progress client cases
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of FCA regulations, industry developments and financial planning best practice
- Worked closely with advisers, administrators and compliance teams to deliver a high standard of client service
Paraplanner
Prosperity Wealth LTD
2022.02 - 2023.12
- Worked closely with financial advisers throughout the financial planning process, from information gathering and analysis through to report preparation
- Prepared suitability reports across pensions and investments, ensuring recommendations were accurately documented and compliant with regulatory requirements
- Produced reports including investment top-ups, Bed & ISA, Bed & Pension, pension withdrawals, drawdown, crystallisation, fund switches and annual reviews
- Conducted technical research and analysis of existing arrangements to identify appropriate planning opportunities
- Assisted with pension and investment cases, reviewing financial information and preparing supporting documentation
- Utilised CashCalc, Iress, Selectapension, FE Analytics and Defaqto to undertake research, analysis and report preparation
- Liaised with providers and third parties to obtain information and progress cases efficiently
Manager/Director
Dessert Daddy
2021.01 - 2021.11
- Co-founded and managed a dessert business during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing day-to-day operations and business performance
- Managed a team of six employees, including kitchen staff and delivery drivers, ensuring high standards of service and operational efficiency
- Oversaw staff scheduling, payroll administration and workforce management
- Maintained compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and COVID-19 operating requirements
- Managed stock control, supplier relationships and operational processes to support the smooth running of the business
- Developed strong leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced environment
Paraplanner
L J Taffetsauffer Wealth Management LTD
2020.08 - 2021.06
- Worked closely with a financial adviser to support meeting preparation and ongoing client review activity in a home-based role
- Contacted existing and prospective clients via telephone and email to arrange review meetings and maintain client engagement
- Assisted with preparation for upcoming meetings by organising information and ensuring advisers were fully briefed
- Reviewed adviser meeting notes and conducted initial analysis to support the preparation of financial planning recommendations
- Drafted the initial structure and content of client reports, which were then finalised by the financial adviser
- Gained exposure to the end-to-end financial planning process, including client communication, analysis and report preparation
Paraplanner
Chase de Vere
2019.01 - 2020.03
- Supported a pool of approximately 50 Independent Financial Advisers, providing technical research and report-writing support across a broad range of financial planning cases
- Liaised closely with advisers to review client objectives, discuss pre-advice requirements and develop appropriate planning solutions
- Conducted research and analysis of existing arrangements, investment portfolios and client circumstances to support financial planning recommendations
- Prepared comprehensive suitability reports covering pension transfers, fund switches, Bed & ISA, estate planning, protection, discretionary portfolios, capital gains tax planning and inherited ISA arrangements
- Reviewed investment solutions and portfolio strategies using Asset Allocation, FE Analytics and Pension Profiler
- Utilised a range of platform provider systems and financial planning tools to support research, analysis and report preparation
- Maintained high standards of accuracy and regulatory compliance while managing a varied workload across multiple advisers and client cases
Paraplanner
Wesleyan Assurance Society
2018.06 - 2018.12
- Supported financial advisers with investment replacement cases, ensuring accurate preparation and documentation throughout the advice process
- Prepared comprehensive suitability reports across pensions and investments in line with regulatory requirements
- Requested and processed Letters of Authority (LOAs) to obtain accurate client and provider information
- Calculated Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to support investment and portfolio planning decisions
- Analysed fund fact sheets and investment information to assist with suitability and recommendation preparation
- Reviewed client information including risk profiles, objectives, assets, liabilities, income and expenditure to support financial planning analysis
Relationship Coordinator
Wesleyan Assurance Society
Birmingham
2012.12 - 2018.05
- Supported field-based financial consultants by coordinating client engagement and managing diaries for professional clients, primarily NHS doctors and general practitioners
- Contacted existing and prospective clients by telephone to arrange and secure meetings for financial reviews and advice discussions, averaging approximately 80 outbound calls per day
- Promoted holistic financial advice services tailored to medical professionals, including NHS pension guidance and wider financial planning solutions
- Assisted in maintaining client engagement throughout the advice process, ensuring effective communication between clients and consultants
- Acted as a key point of contact for client communication, supporting smooth delivery of advice services between clients and consultants
- Provided support across key financial planning areas including pensions, mortgages, protection and investments
Education
BTEC National Diploma - Aerospace Technology
Solihull College
BirminghamAS Levels - Psychology, English Literature, Art & Geography
Fairfax Sixth Form College
Sutton ColdfieldGCSE -
The College High School
BirminghamLevel 4 DipFA - Finance
London Institution of Banking & Finance
Certificate in Mortgage Advice - Finance
Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
Skills
- Financial Planning
- Client Relationship Management
- Fact-Finding & Client Discovery
- Investment & Retirement Planning
- Attitude to Risk & Capacity for Loss Assessments
- Suitability Report Writing
- Client Meeting Management
- Business Development & Networking
- Regulatory & FCA Compliance
- Portfolio Analysis
- Due Diligence
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Organisational Skills
Timeline
Trainee Financial Consultant
Mattioli Woods
2025.06 - 2026.06
Paraplanner
Mattioli Woods
2023.12 - 2025.06
Paraplanner
Prosperity Wealth LTD
2022.02 - 2023.12
Manager/Director
Dessert Daddy
2021.01 - 2021.11
Paraplanner
L J Taffetsauffer Wealth Management LTD
2020.08 - 2021.06
Paraplanner
Chase de Vere
2019.01 - 2020.03
Paraplanner
Wesleyan Assurance Society
2018.06 - 2018.12
Relationship Coordinator
Wesleyan Assurance Society
2012.12 - 2018.05
BTEC National Diploma - Aerospace Technology
Solihull College
AS Levels - Psychology, English Literature, Art & Geography
Fairfax Sixth Form College
GCSE -
The College High School
Level 4 DipFA - Finance
London Institution of Banking & Finance
Certificate in Mortgage Advice - Finance
Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)