SUMMARY:
Well known company within the financial services industry (investments and life insurance) requires a Financial Planning Assistant for the Sandton Branch.

POSITION INFO:
The Financial Planning Assistant supports the Financial Planner in providing the required levels of client services to clients.
The Financial Planning Assistant is part of a regional team and is encouraged to collaborate with other Assistants in their office as well as with team members in the Region.
The Financial Planning Assistant takes responsibility for overseeing the administrative, operations and client services support to the Financial Planner and is the liaison person 
between the practice and the regional office / head office.

Client Services 
Take full responsibility for the implementation of administrative processes and controls in the Financial Planners practice (including all transactions, queries, reporting etc).
Be the liaison between the Financial Planner and product providers (PPs).
Be equipped to follow the formal complaint resolution process.
You will be the point of contact for clients, ensuring the efficient delivery of client requirements on behalf of the Financial Planner.
You will adhere to the culture and principles of Treating Customer Fairly.

Operations
Collation of all clients related information (data discovery and fact find) and preparation of documentation for engagement between Financial Planner and the client.
FICA and AML capture and checking on client onboard process.
Checking of transition documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy in alignment to relevant client file checklist & lodgment rules.
Administration relating to client transfer and new business transactions.
Submission of intermediary appointment notes to relevant PPs.
Monitoring the submission of intermediary appointment notes to ensure clients successfully transfer to the license group and that ongoing fees are received from the relevant PPs.
Capture and checking of new business documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy in alignment to the lodgment rules.
Submission of new business application(s), together with supporting documentation to relevant PPs.
Monitoring the underwriting and acceptance of new business transactions.
Arranging medicals for clients where required and follow up on outstanding requirements to ensure new business transactions are confirmed by the relevant PPs timeously.
Providing an ongoing service and maintenance support function to the Financial Planner and his / her clients.
Check Commission statements from CommPay and PPs.
Manage commission suspense accounts aligned to compliant new business lodgment.
Escalate with PPs regarding commissions / fees due to the Financial Planner.

Operational support for Portfolio Managers and CRMs
Assistants align with the PCS CRMs to ensure complete pre-population of PCS mandates and applications.
All instructions to PM and CRMs initiated and maintained via Xplan tasks.

IT and Systems
Preparation of client portfolio’s using Astute and / or product provider information.
Ensuring Xplan Policy Schedules are up to date and accurate.
Data capture client demographic data on client relationship management system Xplan.
Client financial data capture (ASTUTE, PPs and manual).
Data integration between xPlan and IWP for handover to BDM or Financial Planner.
Upload scanned copies of all documentation into xPlan (including relevant client file checklist(s)).
Ensure proper record keeping in line with business rules and where relevant, legislation & safe storage into xPlan.
Distribute communication(s) to clients as stipulated in the client management plan. (Auto communication registration and health keeping)
Distribute communication(s) to clients as requested by the Financial Planner via xPlan.
Extensive use of Xplan notes and tasks to manage client records and organization of practice.
Prepare for clients reviews as per client review template.
Client review preparation by producing and checking the Client Consolidated Reports (CCR) from NAV.
Maintain an accurate diary system. (Xplan & Outlook integration)
Address all technology issues experienced by the Financial Planner and facilitate the solution - liaison with the IT support desk etc.

NAV and KPIs
Full awareness and understanding of information available on NAV to support the Financial Planner 
Track and monitor personal KPIs on NAV.
Request assistance and guidance from POM where KPI scores reflect gap
Liaise and orientate with the Financial Planner on all data and practice attributes on NAV.
 
Marketing Support
Assist with the organization of client events in conjunction with the events coordinator i.e. booking venues, RSVP management, event management etc.
Assisting Financial Planner at client events.
Function as a primary point of contact for clients thus strengthening client relationships.
 
Office Management
Support the general office management including reception, facilities, meeting room management, stationery, marketing material etc.
Submit orders for stationery, business cards, marketing brochures, client folders etc. to the Partnership Operations Manager timeously to avoid running out of stock.

Knowledge
Financial Services Industry
Understanding of FAIS and FICA legislation
 
Competencies
Computer skills: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook essential); SharePoint
Xplan
Good verbal and written communications skills
High energy individual who is customer centric and relationship orientated
Methodical, accurate and have meticulous attention to detail.
Initiative-taking work ethic.
Organizational skills, ability to prioritize, plan and manage projects.
Ability to collaborate with others.
Critical thinking: ability to strategize, research and interpret.
Problem solving ability to apply creative skills in evaluating problems and identifying best solutions while being flexible to accommodate the changing needs of the clients.
Teamwork: be a reliable and productive member of the team.
Professional presence: as a representative of the organization, a professional image and professional conduct are always expected and required.
Time management: ability to manage time and tasks to ensure deadlines are met.
Assertiveness, proactive and resourceful
Resilient under pressure
Ability to multi-task
Maintain absolute confidentiality.