Retirement Benefits Counsellor

Purpose of the Role

To provide retirement benefits counselling and member education services to members of the Sygnia Umbrella Retirement Fund, ensuring that members understand their fund benefits, available options, and the implications of decisions made at key benefit events. The incumbent will also support member communication initiatives and promote financial literacy and the preservation of retirement savings.

Key Responsibilities

Retirement Benefits Counselling

• Conduct retirement benefits counselling sessions for fund members at benefit events, including retirement, resignation, retrenchment, disability, death, and withdrawal from fund membership.
• Explain retirement fund benefits, options available to members, and the potential financial consequences of various choices.
• Assist members in understanding the legislative and tax implications associated with benefit decisions.
• Promote the preservation of retirement savings and informed financial decision-making.

 Member Education and Communication

• Facilitate group and individual member education presentations, workshops, and financial wellness initiatives.
• Support the implementation of member communication programmes and campaigns.
• Provide clear and accurate information regarding fund benefits, rules, and processes.
• Respond to member queries within agreed service standards.

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain professional relationships with participating employers, fund members, fund administrators, and internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with relevant parties to ensure the effective delivery of member counselling and education services.
• Represent the organisation at wellness days and client engagement sessions as required.

 Administration and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate records of counselling activities, member engagements, and related correspondence.
• Prepare activity reports and management information as required.
• Ensure that counselling documentation is completed and retained in accordance with internal policies and procedures.

 Compliance and Governance

• Ensure that all counselling activities are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, fund rules, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Remain informed of legislative and industry developments affecting retirement funds and member education.
• Adhere to governance, risk management, compliance, FICA, POPIA, and Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) requirements where applicable.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Employee Benefits, Financial Planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience within the retirement fund, employee benefits, or broader financial services industry.
• Sound knowledge of retirement fund structures, member benefits, and applicable legislation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

 
Knowledge and Skills

• Good understanding of the South African retirement fund environment.
• Knowledge of the Pension Funds Act and related retirement fund legislation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to explain technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience in a retirement benefits counselling role.
• Experience within an umbrella fund environment.
• Relevant industry qualifications and/or professional memberships.
• Knowledge of financial wellness programmes and member education initiatives.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Professional and ethical conduct.
• Client service orientated.
• Empathetic and approachable.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong planning and organisational ability.
• Results focused with a high level of accountability.

Travel Requirements

This role requires regular travel to client sites within the Western Cape and occasional travel outside the province. A valid driver's licence and reliable transport are required.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days after submitting your application, please accept your application as unsuccessful.

Disclaimer: Please be advised that your personal information shared on your CV will only be used as part of the Sygnia recruitment process for the role applied for. It will not be shared with any third parties for any other reason.