Shaista Mohamed
Executive Assistant/Paraplanner
Pietermaritzburg
Summary
Reliable Financial professional offering 11 years handling complex transactions in fast-paced settings. Personable and detail-oriented with commitment to accuracy and customer satisfaction. I consider myself a versatile Individual bringing expertise in risk, portfolio and account management. Highly effective at resolving customer issues. Familiar with diverse financial products and skilled at applying range of knowledge on daily basis. My Roles as an Office Manager and Administrative Professional have allowed me experience and implement optimizing productivity initiatives, efficiency and service quality across various environments. I am a Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist. A leader that blends advanced organizational, technical and business acumen. Works effectively with cross-functional teams in ensuring operational and service excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraplanner/Executive Administrative Assistant
Momentum Insurance
04.2019 - Current
- Created quality reports, presentations and spreadsheets for advisers on company insurance products and client portfolios.
- Ensured office records stayed up-to-date by overseeing effective file management
- Managed office correspondence efficiently and timely, including emails, phone calls and walk in clientele.
- Collaborated with financial advisors to develop customized financial plans for clients to meet their long-term goals.
- Prepared clear and concise reports that facilitated advisor-client communication and decisionmaking.
- Organised office documentation for maximum efficiency and team productivity
- Conducted comprehensive research on investment options, resulting in well-informed advice for clients.
- Maintained organised calendar covering team meetings, trips, and appointments.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials, leading to increased business opportunities and client acquisition.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry rules, regulations, and standards.
- Monitored market performance regularly to provide insightful updates to both advisors and clients as needed.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual reviews for existing clients, fostering trust through transparency.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for each client profile, enabling tailored advice that addressed individual needs.
- Supported advisors in conducting client meetings, ensuring a smooth flow of information and effective collaboration.
- Delivered accurate cashflow forecasts that informed strategic decisions regarding clients'' portfolios.
- Developed strong working relationships with both internal colleagues and external partners to facilitate seamless coordination across all aspects of financial planning services.
- Improved overall office productivity through the implementation of organizational systems and best practices.
- Attended training courses to further knowledge and maximize understanding of current trends and strategies in financial planning.
- Prepared for meetings by gathering materials, reports and presentations.
- Streamlined internal processes by implementing efficient data management strategies and tools.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex claims issues efficiently and effectively.
- Maintained strict confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information about patients'' medical histories or personal details.
- Reduced claim processing time for faster customer service and improved satisfaction rates.
- Managed high volume of claims, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
- Maintained detailed records of all processed claims for easy retrieval during audits or disputes.
- Developed strong relationships with healthcare providers and insurance agents to facilitate seamless communication during the claims process.
- Handled escalated customer concerns regarding claim denials or delays with empathy and professionalism.
- Participated in various professional development opportunities to stay current on industry regulations, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to claim processing activities.
- Followed up with customers on unresolved issues.
- Made contact with insurance carriers to discuss policies and individual patient benefits.
- Maintained strong knowledge of basic medical terminology to better understand services and procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient finances, records, and health statuses.
Assistant Financial Advisor
Shefa Financial Services
09.2018 - 03.2019
- Provided exceptional customer service, promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to their financial portfolios, transactions, or investments.
- Helped clients make informed decisions about their financial future.
- Presented financial plans and investment recommendations to clients.
- Updated clients on changes in tax laws and other regulations affecting investments.
- Actively participated in industry seminars and workshops to stay current on emerging trends and maintain professional certifications.
- Managed day-to-day administrative tasks such as preparing reports, updating client records, scheduling appointments, and uploading of new business.
- Supported senior financial advisors in managing a diverse client portfolio, contributing to overall business growth.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of industry regulations, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards.
- Assisted in the development of comprehensive financial plans, addressing clients'' short and long-term goals.
- Conducted market research and analyzed financial data to identify investment opportunities for clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized financial advice and investment recommendations.
- Increased client retention through timely communication and regular portfolio reviews.
- Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products and services based on individual needs.
- Assisted clients with budgeting and cash flow management.
Office Manager
Discovery Insurance Company
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Maintained and updated case management system files with complete accuracy
- Maintained ongoing contact with customers throughout claims process, diligently and accurately reporting progress
- Handled confidential information inline with compliance protocol, minimizing risks to customer information.
- Performed quality control and client protocol compliance, including accuracy and timeliness of record-keeping for maximum efficiency in line with FAIS regulations
- Managed claims across different products, including Risk business,Medical Aid ,Short term insurance etc
- Wealth and Investment Portfolio Management
- Followed internal claims processing procedures, ensuring high-quality assurance standards
- Communicated effectively with broking department, providing claim information and reports with ease
- Efficiently organised claim files using Discovery Short term online platforms
- Maintained comprehensive dialogue with insurers and clients, keeping all parties appropriately informed.
- Streamlined communication with clients by maintaining comprehensive documentation of all claims-related correspondence.
- Ensured timely payments to policyholders by efficiently managing a high volume of claims.
Personal Assistant
Sanlam Life Insurance
02.2014 - 07.2016
- Produced professional and error-free letters, presentations and spreadsheets required by Financial Adviser.
- Prepared client correspondence and presentations using excellent copywriting skills, to produce client financial portfolio reports and presentations.
- Administered physical and digital filing systems, keeping records well-organised and easily retrievable for practice compliance requirements.
- Scheduled appointments and maintained master calendar.
- Monitored expenses closely, maintaining an organized filing system for easy access to financial records.
- Communicated with clients to resolve inquiries, schedule appointments and address financial portfolio updates.
- Monitored and controlled office inventory, ensuring adequate supply levels, timely product ordering and efficient management of company resources.
- Liaised with customers, addressed enquiries, handled meeting requests, and answered billing questions to provide outstanding client care.
- Oversaw all day-to-day office operations such as organising correspondence, managing incoming calls, and creating business records.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Maintained confidentiality and discretion while handling sensitive information relevant to company operations.
- Increased efficiency in administrative processes by implementing new organizational systems and tools.
- Assisted in the preparation of presentations and reports, contributing to well-informed decision making.
Education
Heather Secondary School-Matriculated 2009
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 04.2001 - 04.2000
Skills
Proposal writing
Compliance knowledge
File and data Retrieval systems
Customer relations
Detail-orientated
Professional demeanor
Data entry
Report writing
Prioritization
Process improvement
Scheduling & Calendar Management
Time management
Reception management
Scheduling Meetings
Office Inventory Control
Customer Relations
Due diligence
Money transfers
Technical aptitude
Compliance requirements
Financial Planning
Research and analysis
Analytical thinking abilities
Investment strategies
Business development acumen
Continuous learning mindset
Regulatory Compliance Awareness
Industry trend awareness
Strong Communication Skills
Retirement planning strategies
Insurance planning acumen
Reports Generation
Client Inquiries Management
Financial Transactions Management
Attention to Detail
Recordkeeping and documentation
References
- Momentum Financial Services, Bruce Jackson,084 400 0188
- Discovery, Mr A Shaik, 067 861 2346
- Shefa Financial Services , Mildrid,062 037 0366
- Sanlam Insurance, Jerome Rambarran
Timeline
Paraplanner/Executive Administrative Assistant
Momentum Insurance
04.2019 - Current
Assistant Financial Advisor
Shefa Financial Services
09.2018 - 03.2019
Office Manager
Discovery Insurance Company
08.2016 - 08.2018
Personal Assistant
Sanlam Life Insurance
02.2014 - 07.2016
Heather Secondary School-Matriculated 2009
04.2001 - 04.2000