VANESSA SMIT
Centurion
Summary
Experienced financial advisor with 20 years in regulatory compliance and data management. Recently passed the RE5 examination, ensuring full compliance across all FSP categories. Specialises in financial planning, including needs analyses, investment strategies, and risk planning. Builds strong client relationships through proactive monitoring and customised solutions that enhance financial security.
Overview
3
3
Languages
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Advisor
Cede Capital Insurance
04.2026 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive financial planning to individual and corporate clients across risk, investment, retirement, and estate planning sectors.
- Conducted in-depth Financial Needs Analyses (FNAs) to identify gaps and structure tailored solutions, enhancing alignment with client objectives.
- Monitored client portfolios and engaged proactively regarding life changes impacting financial plans, maintaining relevance and optimising outcomes.
- Prepared detailed Records of Advice (ROA) and secured full FAIS Disclosure Agreement signatures to ensure regulatory compliance and protect client interests.
- Developed extensive knowledge of various insurance products, including short-term, corporate, legal, and investment options. across short-term, corporate, legal, and investment insurance with expert proficiency.
- Maintain rigorous POPIA compliance across all client data, communications, and documentation.
Financial Advisor
Liberty
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
03.2025 - 07.2025
- Delivered personalised financial advice, enhancing client understanding of Liberty Living Life Plan coverage.
- Analysed client credit data, informing tailored financial planning recommendations.
- Built client trust through consistent follow-up and proactive advisory engagement.
- Maintained FAIS and POPIA compliance across client interactions and advice files.
Data Capturer & Records Manager
Amathole District Municipality
07.2010 - 07.2024
- Ensured accuracy of 14 years of consumer and property records through multi-source verification (GIS, Registrar of Deeds, Valuation Roll, TransUnion), enhancing data integrity.
- Captured and managed debtor information, resolving complex data queries to support accurate billing and optimise revenue collection processes.
- Compiled detailed progress reports for management, providing transparency and enabling data-driven operational improvements.
- Coordinated administrative support for satellite offices, maintaining compliant filing systems and enhancing data accessibility across the district.
General Secretary (Volunteer)
IMATU Trade Union
01.2014 - 01.2024
- Acted as primary communication liaison between IMATU head office and member base, promoting clarity and transparency in union communications.
- Managed branch documentation, drafted agenda items, and recorded minutes for meetings, shop steward councils, and disciplinary hearings to ensure accurate record-keeping and communication.
- Coordinated scheduling for Branch Chairperson and organised constituency and shop steward council meetings, providing comprehensive logistical support to enhance meeting effectiveness.
- Served as General Secretary for branch, balancing responsibilities with full-time municipal job, showcasing strong time management and dedication.
Cash Management (Temporary Assignment)
Amathole District Municipality
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Reconciled daily payments and bank deposits against General Ledger accounts, ensuring 100% accuracy for water billing and tender payments.
- Processed manual and electronic deposits, allocated suspense payments, and produced end-of-day reconciliation summaries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Worked closely with team members to complete projects effectively.
- Handled customer complaints using effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ensured cleanliness and safety in the workplace to prevent accidents.
Sales Consultant
Capitec Bank
03.2007 - 06.2010
- Delivered exceptional client service experience across banking products and lending solutions, building customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Managed NAEDO Web documentation and processes, oversaw arrears follow-ups, and coordinated handovers to collection agents to ensure smooth transitions and effective communication.
- Provided relief management cover across multiple branches, showcasing operational flexibility and leadership in maintaining branch performance.
Loan Processing Clerk
Real People Pty (Ltd)
03.2006 - 02.2007
- Captured, vetted, and verified data in a high-volume lending environment; trained new team members on processing protocols to enhance team efficiency.
- Alerted team to fraud risks, ensuring secure loan processing and safeguarding company interests.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
Receipting Clerk
Real People (Addcon)
10.2004 - 02.2006
- Processed payments and managed cash flow in the Addcon system; maintained accurate suspense and debtor/creditor account management.
- Conducted data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy, updating databases and maintaining up-to-date records.
- Handled confidential documents, ensuring secure filing and retrieval as per compliance regulations.
- Ensured data security by adhering to established confidentiality procedures.
- Handled grant orders and administration applications, delivering professional written and telephonic correspondence with clients and stakeholders.
Education
RE5 Regulatory Examination -
Moonstone
Pretoria, GP07-2026
FAIS Certificate, CPD Certificate, Liberty Adviser Development Path & Synergy Certificates, Conflict of Interest Certificate -
Liberty
Pretoria, GP01-2025
Certificate in Municipal Finance Administration -
LGSETA
01-2023
Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences - Accounting Sciences
UNISA
East London01-2018
Marketing Management Certificate - Marketing
MSC College
East London, EC01-2012
Consultant Skills Programme - Banking
Capitec Bank / Firm Foundation
Stellenbosch, WC01-2007
Fraud Awareness -
Real People
East London, EC01-2006
National Senior Certificate (Matric) -
Bertram Secondary School
Port Elizabeth01-2002
Skills
- Financial needs analysis
- Risk assessment
- Retirement planning
- Financial strategies
- Corporate finance
- Regulatory compliance
- Data privacy compliance
- Advice disclosure
- Client relationship management
- Client engagement
- Excel data analysis
- MS Office Suite proficiency
- SAP and Venus systems proficiency
- Regulatory knowledge
- Risk management
Languages
Afrikaans
English
Xhosa
Interests
- Reading
- Cooking and Baking
- Movies
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Financial Advisor
Cede Capital Insurance
04.2026 - Current
Financial Advisor
Liberty
03.2025 - 07.2025
Cash Management (Temporary Assignment)
Amathole District Municipality
01.2017 - 01.2019
General Secretary (Volunteer)
IMATU Trade Union
01.2014 - 01.2024
Data Capturer & Records Manager
Amathole District Municipality
07.2010 - 07.2024
Sales Consultant
Capitec Bank
03.2007 - 06.2010
Loan Processing Clerk
Real People Pty (Ltd)
03.2006 - 02.2007
Receipting Clerk
Real People (Addcon)
10.2004 - 02.2006
RE5 Regulatory Examination -
Moonstone
FAIS Certificate, CPD Certificate, Liberty Adviser Development Path & Synergy Certificates, Conflict of Interest Certificate -
Liberty
Certificate in Municipal Finance Administration -
LGSETA
Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences - Accounting Sciences
UNISA
Marketing Management Certificate - Marketing
MSC College
Consultant Skills Programme - Banking
Capitec Bank / Firm Foundation
Fraud Awareness -
Real People
National Senior Certificate (Matric) -
Bertram Secondary School