Southwood Financial Planning: Junior Paraplanner

The Financial Planning Institute; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Study support

Career growth

Job summary

Southwood Financial Planning is seeking a detail-oriented Paraplanner to support our financial planning team in Cape Town. You will assist with financial plans, investment and retirement analysis, client reviews, compliance documentation, and general admin to Financial Planners.

This is a great entry into independent wealth management with opportunities for growth. The role starts office-based with the possibility of partial remote work later, and requires strong Excel skills, client focus, and

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance or related field.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial plans and retirement analysis under supervision.
• Draft and review Records of Advice (ROAs).
• Gather client data and portfolios to identify gaps.
• Assist with retirement, investment, tax planning strategies.
• Conduct product and fund research to support recommendations.
• Record meeting minutes and manage action items in CRM.
• Prepare compliance documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Finance/Accounting/Economics related degree

Tools

CRM software

Office suite (Excel, Word)

Job description

Employment Type

Full-Time, office-based initially; partly remote later

About Southwood Financial Planning

Southwood Financial Planning is an independent, professional financial planning practice focused on delivering personalised, long-term holistic financial advice to individuals and families. We pride ourselves on building trusted client relationships and providing high-quality financial planning solutions with professionalism, integrity, and care.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Paraplanner to support our financial planning team. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to build a long-term career in independent financial planning and wealth management.

The successful candidate will assist with the preparation of financial plans, investment and retirement analysis, client reviews, compliance documentation, and general administrative support to Financial Planners. The role is integral to delivering high-quality financial advice and maintaining efficient client service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Meeting administration and action management.
  • Record accurate and comprehensive meeting minutes, capturing key discussions, decisions and agreed action items.
  • Enter and assign action items from meeting minutes into CRM. Monitor and follow up.
• Behavioural finance insights.
• Support executive financial planner in preparing financial plans and review documentation o Draft and review Records of Advice (ROAs)
• Gather and analyse client financial information and portfolios, identifying gaps and opportunities
• Assist with retirement, investment, risk, estate, and tax planning strategies and incorporate into financial planning proposals under supervision
• Conduct product and fund research to support recommendations

Additional responsibilities

• Prepare compliance and FICA documentation
• Liaise with product providers and investment platforms
• Maintain accurate client records and CRM systems
• Ensure all client files comply with FAIS and FICA requirements.
• Ensure administrative processes are completed accurately and timeously
• Residence in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment Management, or related field
• Strong academic record and interest in financial planning
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Professional, client-focused attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Advantageous

• Previous experience in financial services, investments, or administration
• Understanding of FAIS, FICA, and South African financial services legislation.
• Knowledge of financial planning software and investment platforms

What We Offer

• Exposure to all aspects of holistic financial planning
• Ongoing mentorship and training
• Support for further studies and professional development
• Opportunity for long-term career growth within the practice
• Professional and supportive working environment

Remuneration

Market related salary, depending on qualifications and experience.

Study support for CFP® or industry qualifications