Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Financial Planner.

Job Title – Financial Planner

Description

A Financial Planner is a highly skilled; professional individual who attends to clients’ financial needs including reviewing all options, and planning a personal financial package that will benefit the client.

Typical Job Activities

Attends client meetings and discussions
Holds telephone consultations
Understands the client’s needs and requirements
Creates personal budgets and financial plans for clients
Advises clients on various ways of controlling their expenditures
Sets saving goals
Puts into place plans and strategies for accumulating wealth
Creates working relationships with financial professionals and financial companies
Keeps up to date with financial products, tax laws and client requirements
Networks and markets for new clients
Researches and improves the financial situations of existing clients
Teaches and advises clients on financial matters and products

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Related Occupations

Wealth Planner
Forensic Accountant

Educational Requirements

3-4 Years BCom university degree with subjects like Finance and Accounting.  Economics is not compulsory but highly recommended. Or technikon studies for a certificate/diploma route through various accredited colleges, academies and institutions.

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Accounting

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have an aptitude for Mathematics and Accountancy
Be accurate
Have an eye for numerical detail
Act carefully (weigh up alternatives)
Possess the necessary integrity and maturity for such a responsibility
Be calm and patient
Have self-confidence
Communicate well with people
Be a likeable person
Be professional
Have good problem-solving, organisational and financial skills
Have excellent people skills
Have the ability to analyse and evaluate information
Have the ability to lead and motivate people
Have the ability to be adaptable and to work well under pressure
Be very responsible and trustworthy
Be practical
Have integrity
Have a positive attitude
Be able to reason analytically
Have the willingness to educate
The ability to be persuasive

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

Moderate

International Employment Market

Moderate

Possible Employers

Big private companies
Medium or small Companies
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: Contractor, consultant

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Relevant Contact Details

Financial Planning Institute Of South Africa: (FPI)
http://bit.ly/1TQbu4o

Insurance Sector Education & Training Authority
http://www.inseta.org.za

Career Progress and Path

Further studies in related fields
Work performance
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles, etc.

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Consultant/ contractor
Own business

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in private companies
To start my own business
To be of service to people
To focus on a specific field
To apply my special skill