Para Planner for Business Development

SUMMARY:
Well known company in the financial services industry (investments and life insurance) requires a Para Planner to assist with New Business Development within an existing client base within Johannesburg.

POSITION INFO:
The Paraplanner supports the Financial Planning Partner(s) in the data fulfilment and preparation of Financial Plans for clients.
The Paraplanner is required to collaborate very closely with the Financial Planning Partner and Assistant, as well as liaising with the regional Business Development Manager when necessary. The Paraplanner takes responsibility for preparing of client data, data integration, financial plan preparation, assisting with scenario planning (if competent), assisting with client reviews, assisting with records of advice, and ensuring compliance with the Company’s Endorsed Advice process (preferred advice process).
The Paraplanner is employed to operate within the Company’s preferred Advice methodology and tool sets only.

Client data management
Responsible for client data recording on the company’s internal CRM software applications (XPlan, etc.), ensuring completeness and accuracy of the data while creating more efficient ways to capture data information (capturing sheets, etc.).
Produce clients’ comprehensive wealth position.
Management of joint entities on the Company’s internal CRM (XPlan) to ensure “single view of family” is enabled.
Combine entities for Joint Planning and reporting on XPlan (Families and related parties – joint planning).
Responsible for complete data integration from the Company’s CRM to various methodology” tools.
Ensure completeness and data field labeling in all applications and tools.
Responsible for full data update on XPlan, post the financial planning process with the client.
Complete data preparation for client reviews.
Check and ensure integrity of client data in the various advice tools and CRM’s.

Financial Planning preparation & Client Reviews
Complete the necessary training on the Company’s preferred financial planning tools.
Pass competence assessment by Business Development Managers and Financial Planning Partner on planning tools.
XPlan Wealth Maps (client repots) must be complete and ready before any client engagement at least 7 days prior to client engagement.
Complete client Personal Goal Plans (PGPs) with the draft record of Advice in preparation for the Partner to finalize for clients.
Complete preparation of Integrated Wealth Plans (IWP) to a level where the Financial Planning Partner or Business Development Manager can take over the scenario planning function in IWP.
Check and ensure that all final plans are compliant and saved on XPlan.
Ensure that the latest client data is integrated and refreshed into Planning Tools. Prepare for the client reviews as per the Partner instruction and ensure tool usage for reviews when relevant.
Reach a point of confidence to sit in the client review meetings (Financial Planning Partner makes the assessment on Paraplanner readiness)
Work closely with Assistants, Product Provider support people, Wealth Account Managers and Broker Consultant to assist your Financial Planning Partner in the financial planning process and proposition to clients.
Be present in all compliance officer meetings with your Financial Planning Partner(s). Address all remedial actions from the compliance officer timeously.

Operational support for Portfolio Managers and Client Relationship Managers
Align with the Financial Planning Partner to ensure that the financial plan is integrated with the Private Client Share Portfolio’s mandate. (Partner and Portfolio Manager are aligned and compliant to mandate).

NAV (internal software), IT, Systems & KPIs
All client records and tasks to be managed and maintained in XPlan so that entire practice is on the same page and compliant.
Ensure proper record keeping in line with business rules and where relevant, legislation & safe storage into XPlan.
Full awareness and understanding of information available on NAV to support the Financial Planning Partner(s).
Liaise and orientate with the Partner on all data and practice attributes on NAV.
Track and monitor your Key Performance Indicators score on NAV.
Request assistance and guidance from the Partner Operations Manager or Business Development Manager where KPI scores can be improved.
Use consolidated client reporting, opportunities & Asset v Revenue reports to assist the Partner and identify opportunities in the client base.

Client management and marketing support
Attend all client events with Financial Planning Partners (when required).
Host and entertain clients at marketing events.
Function as a primary point of contact for clients in the financial planning process.

Knowledge
Financial Services Industry
Understanding of FAIS and FICA legislation
Financial planning fundamentals and product knowledge

Competencies
Computer skills: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint essential); SharePoint
XPlan; IWP & PGP (advantageous)
Good verbal and written communications skills
High energy individual who is customer centric and relationship orientated
Methodical, accurate and have meticulous attention to detail.
Analytical and math’s skills to demonstrate the ability to work with numbers.
Initiative-taking work ethic and able to multi-task.
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 & resourceful and resilient under pressure.
Maintain absolute confidentiality.

Qualifications and Experience
3-5 Years in the financial services industry is required
Relevant tertiary education or courses
Exposure to financial planning is required