CFP® Paraplanner

Role overview

An established financial planning practice in Ruimsig, Johannesburg is seeking an experienced CFP® Paraplanner to join its professional team.

This is a technically substantial role for someone who enjoys working closely with financial advisers to develop comprehensive financial planning solutions. The paraplanner carries the analytical and documentary weight of the advice process — building the plans and models, researching the products, and drafting the Records of Advice that make the recommendation defensible.

It will suit a technically strong, detail-orientated professional who wants their work measured by the quality of client outcomes rather than by volume.

Key responsibilities

• Gather and analyse client financial information, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, investments, retirement provisions, insurance and estate planning considerations.
• Prepare comprehensive financial plans, cash flow models, investment recommendations and risk reviews.
• Conduct product, investment and fund research and comparisons.
• Draft Records of Advice and compliance documentation in line with FAIS and FSCA requirements.
• Liaise with product providers for quotations, illustrations and policy documentation.
• Prepare client review packs and support annual review meetings.
• Maintain accurate client records on CRM and practice management systems.
• Ensure advice documentation meets internal compliance standards.
• Support advisers with the implementation of recommendations and related administration.
• Assist with annual tax planning and provisional tax calculations.

Minimum requirements

• A CFP® designation, or active study towards CFP® certification. This is essential.
• A minimum of two to three years’ experience in paraplanning, financial advice support or wealth management.
• A strong understanding of investment, retirement, risk and estate planning principles.
• Experience with FAIS and FSCA compliance and the drafting of Records of Advice.
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English, written and spoken. This is an inherent requirement of the role, as client engagement and advice documentation are produced in both languages.

Preferred qualifications

A relevant tertiary qualification is advantageous. Experience with financial planning software and CRM systems will also count in a candidate’s favour.

Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical ability.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written communication and report-writing ability.
• Organised, with the capacity to manage multiple client files concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong teamwork and adviser-support capability.

Personal attributes

This practice is looking for someone professional and discreet in handling confidential client information. Much of the role involves sight of a client’s complete financial position, and the paraplanner is trusted to treat that material with the same care as the adviser would.

Who this suits

A paraplanner who has moved beyond administrative support and wants the technical work — modelling, research and advice documentation — to be the substance of the role, in an environment where technical expertise and client-focused solutions are genuinely valued.

Candidate information required

A detailed curriculum vitae setting out paraplanning or financial planning experience, CFP® progress or designation, systems exposure and current notice period.