Top achievers shine: insights on mastering the Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning

“Keep your head down and put in the effort,” advises Wynand Venter, a sentiment that helped him to secure the top spot in Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6).

Alongside Venter, Marié Rieckhoff and Jaco van der Westhuizen also emerged as top achievers in the latest qualification exams.

The ACFP qualification is more than just a stepping stone; it equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to offer comprehensive financial planning services to everyday individuals. Beyond that, it lays the groundwork for further specialised studies in the field, making it an invaluable asset for aspiring financial planners. Importantly, this qualification meets the educational requirements for obtaining the FINANCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR™ (FSA™) designation awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI).

Whether you’re looking to help companies and individuals achieve their long-term financial goals or deepen your expertise in areas such as the financial planning environment, business management, corporate financial planning, and personal financial planning, this course is designed to prepare and empower you.

To shed light on the journey and impact of this qualification, Moonstone interviewed the top achievers. They shared their experiences, discussed how the ACFP has shaped their careers, and offered advice for those considering enrolling in an online course.

Wynand Venter

At 32, Wynand Venter, the head of Investment Distribution for Credo Asset Management in South Africa, is already making waves in the financial planning industry. His recent success in completing the ACFP has only fuelled his ambition to go further. “I want to enrol for another one,” Venter says, eyeing the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8) as his next academic challenge.

When asked why he chose MBSE for his studies, Venter points to a recommendation from an industry colleague and the appeal of online learning.

“A referral from an industry colleague pointed me in this direction, and I preferred to go the online route,” he explains.

The flexibility of online learning allowed him to complete the course in just one year.

“I wanted to finish it as soon as possible,” Venter adds.

Venter’s journey in the financial services industry began in 2015, and it didn’t take long for him to recognise the importance of formal qualifications.

“I talk to fellow CFP [Certified Financial Planner] professionals daily, and obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma and becoming a CFP-qualified professional myself seemed the natural and organic choice of progress,” he says.

Among the various topics covered in the course, Venter found the investment management module particularly engaging. “My favourite has to be the investment management topic,” he shares, reflecting on the depth of knowledge he gained in this area.

The skills and competencies Venter has acquired through the qualification are already proving invaluable.

“Having a better understanding of the financial planning process and tax planning or considerations that go hand in hand with it will be beneficial for my development,” he notes.

However, he’s not content to stop there and is eager to continue his education with an NQF 8 qualification.

Reflecting on his experience with online learning, Venter speaks highly of the flexibility it offered.

“I enjoyed the online learning experience. It provides flexibility to work whenever suited me best, like during the morning hours,” he says.

This flexibility, coupled with his passion for the industry, kept him motivated and engaged throughout the course.

“Having a passion for the industry and work makes it easy to stay engaged and motivated,” he adds.

Venter’s approach to managing his time effectively was both strategic and efficient.

“It was crucial for me to pay a lot of attention to the work whilst doing the assessments, which saved a lot of time when I had to study for the exams, since I didn’t have to study from scratch,” he explains.

Although his experience with MBSE was mostly smooth, Venter appreciates the support he received when needed.

“The team at Moonstone always replied promptly whenever I had questions,” he says.

Would he recommend MBSE or the course to others? Absolutely.

“The course, yes, to anyone who has a passion for and wants to enter or excel in this industry. And Moonstone, yes. As mentioned before, my experience was seamless, and I will be enrolling with Moonstone again for the Post Grad,” Venter affirms.

Marié Rieckhoff

Rieckhoff, a seasoned financial planner and sole proprietor of a financial services provider in Johannesburg, understands the importance of continuous education in the ever-evolving financial planning industry. Her journey with MBSE began years ago when she completed her NQF 5 qualification, and now she’s committed to advancing her expertise by aiming to obtain her CFP designation.

“I have every intention of obtaining my CFP,” Rieckhoff says, highlighting her dedication to professional growth.

Rieckhoff’s relationship with Moonstone extends beyond just academics; it’s built on trust and experience.

“I’ve done many courses through Moonstone, including my Class of Business before opening my own FSP, and Moonstone assisted with setting up my FSP,” she explains.

This longstanding partnership, combined with the industry recognition of MBSE’s courses, made it the obvious choice for her continuing education.

Students at MBSE can choose to complete their studies full-time in one year or part-time over two years.

Balancing a demanding career with studies, Rieckhoff opted to complete the ACFP over two years.

“I was working and studying at the same time,” she notes, reflecting the reality of many professionals who juggle career and education.

Her decision to pursue a qualification in financial planning was initially driven by the potential for a lucrative career and the promise of flexibility. However, the reality proved different.

“I thought being a financial planner would provide the possibility of a good income, as well as flexibility. I was wrong about the flexibility part because I seem to always be working,” she admits with a smile.

One module, personal financial planning, stood out to Rieckhoff during the course.

“It was the module with the most information, but such interesting information, especially about taxation, which I find particularly interesting,” she shares. This module not only challenged her but also enriched her understanding in areas critical to her professional growth.

She shares that she gained invaluable skills from the qualification, particularly in understanding taxation across various scenarios. Additionally, learning to use a financial calculator instead of relying solely on software provided by product houses has proven to be a significant asset. These skills are already enhancing her effectiveness as a financial planner.

The transition to online learning wasn’t entirely seamless for Rieckhoff, who initially found the platform challenging. “Sometimes I did get confused with the online platform, and it was frustrating at first, but you get used to it. And when in doubt, ask for help,” she says.

Despite these initial hurdles, her self-motivation and determination kept her on track, even when life got in the way. “Life happens, and there were instances where I thought my determination would be impacted, but luckily, it was not,” she adds.

When it came to managing her time effectively while studying online, Rieckhoff took a flexible approach.

“When you get ‘stuck in’, you get sucked in, and I personally was hooked on the learning aspect,” she says. Although she doesn’t describe herself as highly organised, she made time whenever possible, often studying after hours or on weekends.

Rieckhoff also appreciated the support from MBSE’s lecturers, who were always responsive when she had questions.

Jaco van der Westhuizen

Van der Westhuizen, a seasoned attorney and conveyancer at VisagieVos Attorneys, is no stranger to the world of rigorous study. At 45, he decided to expand his professional expertise by pursuing a qualification in financial planning through MBSE.

When asked why he chose the online learning platform, Van der Westhuizen explained that it came highly recommended by friends. He opted to complete the course over two years, aligning with the recommended timeframe, as he balanced his professional responsibilities with his academic pursuits.

Driven by a passion for the field, Van der Westhuizen found the course particularly rewarding, with the module on personal financial planning standing out as both challenging and enriching. He noted that the skills he acquired, particularly in estate and retirement planning, are highly relevant to his work in the legal field.

Van der Westhuizen’s experience with online learning at MBSE was smooth and well organised. “The course was well presented in an online format,” he shared, highlighting that he encountered no issues throughout his studies.

The study plan provided by MBSE played a crucial role in helping him stay organised and manage his time effectively. He also appreciated the additional reading materials, which enhanced his understanding of the subject matter.

He wholeheartedly recommends MBSE to others, praising the school for its well-presented courses, knowledgeable assistance, and high standards.

For those considering enrolling in the ACFP, Van der Westhuizen’s advice is straightforward: “Stay on course with the study plan and put in the hours.”

 

2024 enrolments

MBSE offers the following accredited qualifications:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
• Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
• Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
• Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
• Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)

Applications for next year’s first semester close on Monday, 29 January.

Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za.

For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za.