JOHANNA (JOELIEN) JAMES
FINANCE & INSURANCE MANAGER
Pretoria
Summary
Results-driven Finance & Insurance Manager with over seven years of experience increasing dealership profitability through customized finance solutions and strategic sales. Skilled in navigating credit and insurance regulations while enhancing sales performance. Focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and maximizing revenue through ethical sales practices.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Auto Investments Pretoria North
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Assessed clients’ financial needs and recommended suitable lending and insurance solutions.
- Researched and compared finance and insurance products across multiple lenders and providers.
- Structured and delivered tailored finance packages (vehicle, asset, and equipment finance) and insurance products (GAP, credit protection, warranties, comprehensive cover).
- Assisted clients with applications, documentation, and explained terms, costs, risks, and obligations clearly.
- Submitted and managed loan applications through to approval and settlement, liaising with lenders to negotiate rates and terms.
- Ensured full compliance with financial regulations and credit legislation, maintaining accurate and audit-ready documentation.
- Maintained strong relationships with lenders, insurers, and industry partners to secure competitive offerings.
- Supported business growth through lead generation, upselling, and improving dealership profitability (PVR).
- Trained and mentored staff on finance and insurance products, compliance, and client service.
- Stayed up to date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and product developments through continuous professional development.
- Participated in compliance audits and consistently maintained high standards with no non-conformities.
Finance & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
The Auto Shed
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Interviewed clients to assess financial needs, creditworthiness, and recommend suitable finance and insurance solutions.
- Prepared, submitted, and managed vehicle finance applications end-to-end, negotiating rates, terms, and approvals with lenders.
- Advised on and structured tailored finance and insurance packages (GAP cover, credit protection, warranties, comprehensive insurance) while ensuring responsible lending.
- Ensured full compliance with FAIS, National Credit Act, and internal policies by maintaining accurate, audit-ready documentation and achieving zero non-conformities.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with banks, financiers, insurers, and clients to secure competitive terms and long-term business.
- Drove revenue through upselling and cross-selling strategies, maximizing per-unit retail (PVR).
- Provided ongoing client support, including refinancing, policy updates, claims, settlements, and account closures.
- Trained and supported dealership staff on finance processes, compliance, and identifying sales opportunities.
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Group 1 Mahindra Midrand
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Assessed client financial needs and creditworthiness to recommend suitable finance and insurance solutions.
- Managed vehicle finance applications end-to-end, including structuring deals and negotiating rates, terms, and approvals with lenders.
- Advised on and delivered tailored finance and insurance packages (GAP, credit protection, warranties, comprehensive cover) in line with responsible lending practices.
- Ensured full compliance with FAIS, National Credit Act, and internal policies through accurate, audit-ready documentation and zero non-conformities.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, lenders, and insurers to secure competitive terms and repeat business.
- Increased revenue through effective upselling and cross-selling strategies, maximizing PVR performance.
- Provided end-to-end client support, including refinancing, claims, settlements, policy updates, and account closures.
- Trained and guided dealership staff on finance processes, compliance standards, and identifying sales opportunities.
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Inspectacar Pretoria North (Top Mark’s pre-owned)
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Assessed client financial needs and creditworthiness to recommend suitable finance and insurance solutions.
- Prepared, submitted, and managed vehicle finance applications end-to-end, negotiating terms, rates, and approvals with lenders.
- Structured and delivered tailored finance and insurance packages (including GAP cover, warranties, and comprehensive insurance) in line with responsible lending requirements.
- Ensured full compliance with credit legislation and financial regulations through accurate, audit-ready documentation and zero non-conformities.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, lenders, and insurers to secure competitive terms and long-term business.
- Oversaw preparation and submission of all contracts and supporting documents, ensuring a seamless transition from sales to delivery.
- Clearly explained product features, benefits, risks, and obligations to support informed client decisions.
- Supported revenue growth through compliant upselling and cross-selling strategies.
- Trained sales staff on identifying finance opportunities and effective client referrals.
Junior Conveyancing Secretary
WSP Attorneys
2017 - 2018
- Open and maintain conveyancing files and capture all matter details.
- Draft and prepare standard conveyancing documents and correspondence using templates/software.
- Liaise with clients, estate agents, banks, and other attorneys to obtain information and documents.
- Track file progress from instruction to registration and keep all parties updated.
- Perform basic deeds office/property searches and gather supporting documents.
- Maintain accurate filing (paper and electronic) and ensure documents are correctly organized.
- Assist with basic financial/admin tasks on files, such as recording payments and disbursements.
Receptionist
WSP Attorneys
2016 - 2017
- Greeted and assisted clients, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and positive first impressions.
- Managed incoming calls, directing inquiries to appropriate staff members efficiently.
- Scheduled appointments using practice management software to optimize calendar efficiency.
- Maintained accurate client records and updated information in database systems regularly.
- Assisted attorneys with administrative tasks, enhancing workflow and improving case management processes.
- Trained new reception staff on procedures, promoting consistency in client service delivery.
- Coordinated office supplies inventory, placing orders to ensure availability for daily operations.
- Implemented filing system improvements, increasing document retrieval speed and organization efficiency.
Education
FETC Short Term Insurance NQF 4 - Insurance
Moonstone Business School
South Africa 04.2001 -
Class Of Business: Short-Term Personal Lines -
Moonstone Business School
South Africa 04.2001 -
Class Of Business: Short-Term Commercial Lines -
Moonstone Business School
South Africa 04.2001 -
National Credit Act -
Moonstone Business School
South Africa01-2018
Class Of Business: Long-Term Insurance -
Moonstone Business School
South Africa 04.2001 -
RE5 Regulatory Examination - Representative in all categories of FSPs
Moonstone Business School
South Africa01-2020
Skills
Client needs assessment
Profitability improvement
Industry trends
Records management
Customer service
Analytical skills
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork and collaboration
Relationship management
Conflict resolution
Excellent communication
Professionalism
Reliability
Timeline
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Auto Investments Pretoria North
01.2024 - 01.2025
Finance & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
The Auto Shed
01.2022 - 01.2024
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Group 1 Mahindra Midrand
01.2021 - 01.2022
Finace & Insurance Manager/ Finance Broker
Inspectacar Pretoria North (Top Mark’s pre-owned)
01.2018 - 01.2021
FETC Short Term Insurance NQF 4 - Insurance
Moonstone Business School
04.2001 -
Class Of Business: Short-Term Personal Lines -
Moonstone Business School
04.2001 -
Class Of Business: Short-Term Commercial Lines -
Moonstone Business School
04.2001 -
Class Of Business: Long-Term Insurance -
Moonstone Business School
04.2001 -
Junior Conveyancing Secretary
WSP Attorneys
2017 - 2018
Receptionist
WSP Attorneys
2016 - 2017
National Credit Act -
Moonstone Business School
RE5 Regulatory Examination - Representative in all categories of FSPs
Moonstone Business School