Financial Planner

Job Specification Summary: Financial Planner

Core Role Overview

• Title: Financial Advisor
• Business Unit: Advisory Services
• Reports To: Head of Advisory Services
• Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
• Company Values: Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, Innovation
• Primary Focus: Provide expert advice on investments, retirement planning, and wealth preservation, while collaborating with Business Development to meet revenue targets. The role involves handling complex issues like tax residency, foreign pensions, exchange controls, and international estate planning.

Key Responsibilities

The role is divided into several categories:

• Financial Planning:
  • Personalized advice on investment portfolios, retirement strategies, and wealth preservation.
  • Conduct financial needs analyses and develop tailored plans.
  • Stay updated on SA financial laws, taxes, and retirement products.
  • Advise on offshore investments, annuities, tax-efficient strategies, and transitions from pension/provident funds.
  • Handle cross-border issues (e.g., currency risk, dual tax residency).
  • Perform regular portfolio reviews and build long-term client relationships.
  • Collaborate with legal/tax experts for holistic solutions.
• CRM Proficiency:
  • Use AtWork (or similar CRM) for tracking client interactions, lead pipelines, and conversions.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Manage KYC/AML requirements.
  • Guide clients on documentation for encashments, tax emigration, forex, etc.
  • Ensure adherence to SA and international regulations.
• Communication and Digital Proficiency:
  • Explain complex concepts simply.
  • Strong writing skills for emails; comfortable with virtual consultations (e.g., Teams).
  • Basic proficiency in spreadsheets for calculations.
• Problem-Solving and Advisory Skills:
  • Assess client situations and recommend solutions.
  • Identify red flags and suggest alternatives when needed.
• Primary Accountabilities(Sales Process):
  • Lead reception and organization.
  • Initial contact and rapport-building.
  • Qualification of leads (eligibility, documentation).
  • Presentation of tailored solutions.
  • Negotiation and objection handling.
  • Closing sales and handover to Service Delivery.
  • Follow-up for satisfaction and upselling/referrals.

Traits and Skills

• Essential Traits: Empathy, active listening, patience, trustworthiness/integrity, resilience, confidence (without arrogance), adaptability.
• Critical Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving mindset, emotional intelligence (EQ), relationship-building, knowledge of FinGlobal services, attention to detail.

Learning and Development

• Must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points under the FAIS Act to maintain fit and proper status.
• Familiarize with new FinGlobal services as added.

Compliance

• Adhere to company SOPs, policies, and regulations (e.g., FSCA, SARB, SARS).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance is measured across categories. Here's a consolidated table:

Category	KPI	Description	Target/Measure
Financial Planning & Advisory Delivery	Retirement Strategy Development	Number of personalized retirement strategies for SA clients and expats.	10 per month
	Cross-Border Planning Accuracy	Correct guidance on tax residency, foreign pensions, exchange control, & international estate.	0 non-compliance findings
	Portfolio Review Frequency	Annual or semi-annual reviews completed.	100% of clients reviewed on schedule
	Client Portfolio Improvement	Measured improvement in efficiency, diversification, or cost reduction.	Documented improvements for 100% of reviewed clients
Client Relationship Management	Client Retention Rate	Percentage retained annually.	95%
	Client Satisfaction Score	From feedback surveys.	4.5/5
	Response Time to Client Queries	Average response time.	Within 24 business hours
CRM Usage & Pipeline Management	CRM Data Accuracy	Accuracy of client/lead info.	98% accuracy
	Pipeline Update Frequency	Frequency of updates.	Daily updates, no lead idle > 3 days
	Lead Conversion Rate	Qualified leads to paying clients.	80% of Living annuity clients approached
	Lead Drop-Off Identification	Documentation of drop-off reasons.	100% of lost leads tagged
Sales & Revenue Contribution	Proposal Acceptance Rate	Accepted vs. submitted proposals.	70%
	Sales Closed (Value & Volume)	Number of sales and AUM book growth.	10 sales per month; grow AUM by R10m per month
Compliance, Documentation & Regulatory Adherence	KYC/AML Compliance Accuracy	Completed documents for new clients.	100% compliance
	Zero Regulatory Breaches	Compliance with FSCA, SARS, SARB.	0 breaches
	Documentation Turnaround Time	Time to obtain documents.	5 business days average
Communication & Professional Conduct	Advice Communication Quality	Internal check on clarity and professionalism.	90% score
Problem-Solving, Red-Flag Identification & Advisory Judgement	Red Flag Detection Rate	Identifying issues and escalating.	100% identification and escalation
	Solution Suitability Score	Review of solution appropriateness.	90%
	Alternative Solutions Proposed	Recommendations for mismatches.	At least one viable alternative per unsuitable case
Learning, Development & CPD Compliance	Annual CPD Requirements Completed	FAIS compliance.	100% by deadline
	New Services Mastery Time	Proficiency in new offerings.	Within 30-60 days of rollout
	Training Attendance	Participation in sessions.	95% attendance

Key Relationships

• Internal Primary: Head of Business Development (guidance); Advisory/Service Delivery teams (client outcomes); Business Development & Marketing (alignment).
• Internal Secondary: CRM support (system improvements); Business Intelligence (data insights); Risk and Compliance (advice on risks).
• External: Clients; Service providers and partners.

Role Requirements

• Qualifications and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related field.
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) or equivalent.
  • Minimum 10 years in financial advisory, focusing on investments and retirement.
  • Proven track record with high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and expats.
  • RE5/RE1 certification as authorized representative.

Additional Information

• Employment: Permanent position under contract, including salary terms.
• Workplace Health and Safety: Compliance required for self and team.
• Risk and Compliance: Manage departmental risks, escalate issues, and promote a positive culture through performance reviews.