Fizah Afzal

• Completed CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
• Strengthened technical knowledge across all key areas of regulated financial advice.
• Gained in-depth understanding of holistic financial planning, regulation & client-focused advice.
• Developed advanced analytical, research & problem-solving skills.
• Fully prepared to re-enter financial services industry with up-to-date knowledge & qualifications.

• Completed structured training in regulated financial advice under St. James's Place Academy program.
• Gained experience in delivering holistic financial planning solutions for individuals & businesses.
• Built client-facing skills including factfinding, risk profiling, suitability assessments & goal-based planning.
• Developed expertise in pensions, investments, protection, taxation & estate planning.
• Applied consultative sales techniques to identify client needs & present tailored financial solutions.
• Developed upselling & cross-selling skills to maximise client value & retention while maintaining ethical & compliant standards.
• Worked alongside experienced mentors to apply technical knowledge to real-life client scenarios.
• Built strong interpersonal, communication & relationship management skills.

• Provided technical support to Financial Advisors, preparing suitability reports and recommendations across investments, pensions, protection & estate planning.
• Conducted in-depth research, product analysis & cashflow modelling to support client recommendations.
• Reviewed factfinds, risk profiles & client objectives to ensure accurate & compliant advice delivery.
• Liaised with product providers, underwriters & investment platforms to gather information and process applications.
• Ensured ongoing compliance with FCA regulations, internal procedures & Consumer Duty principles.
• Developed strong analytical & problem-solving skills to assess complex client cases.
• Managed multiple cases simultaneously, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced advisory environment.
• Built strong working relationships with advisors, compliance teams & clients to support seamless advice delivery.

Provided high-level administrative & organisational support to Financial Advisor/Director, ensuring smooth daily operations.

• Managed complex diaries, client appointments, meeting preparation & follow-up actions.
• Handled confidential client information, maintaining accuracy, compliance & discretion at all times.
• Prepared client files, documentation & pre-meeting packs in line with compliance requirements.
• Liaised with clients, product providers, and internal teams to coordinate applications, policy servicing & client communications.
• Assisted with report drafting, financial planning documentation & client onboarding processes.
• Monitored pipeline business, ensuring timely processing & client satisfaction.
• Supported general office management, workflow coordination & business development activities.

• Delivered a high level of customer service, handling guest check-ins, check-outs & enquiries efficiently.
• Managed reservations, cancellations & room allocations using hotel booking systems.
• Handled cash, card payments & reconciliations accurately.
• Resolved guest issues promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction & positive guest experiences.
• Coordinated with housekeeping, maintenance, and management to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Maintained a professional and welcoming front desk environment at all times.

Delivered excellent customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.

• Advised customers on product selection, promotions & special offers to maximise sales.
• Achieved & exceeded daily sales targets through proactive upselling & cross-selling techniques.
• Processed cash & card transactions with accuracy & full compliance to company policies.
• Managed stock levels, conducted merchandising & ensured displays met brand & visual standards.
• Collaborated with team members to meet store performance targets & maintain high customer satisfaction.

• Took a planned career break to raise children & manage household responsibilities full-time.
• Developed excellent organisational, time management, & problem-solving skills while balancing multiple competing priorities.
• Maintained strong interpersonal & communication skills through managing family, education & household commitments.
• Continued personal development & planning for a future career transition into financial services.