Careers

Job Title: Bookkeeper (3A)                                                                                Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Reporting Line: Team Manager: Finance

Business Unit: Group Finance

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The role involves working closely with the creditors clerks, accountants and the Finance management team in reconciling and accounting the company’s finances. The incumbent is responsible for reconciling of the cashbook, handling of foreign and rand petty cash; preparation of monthly charges, general ledger reconciliations, daily cash flows, monthly invoice preparation and journals. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Administering cash levels daily
• Administration of Cash books
• Processing of various month end journals
• Assistance with Salaries payments and related payments
• Administering statutory payments
• Various General Ledger reconciliations
• Various other month end reconciliations
• Treasury function
• General Finance functions
• Administering of foreign petty cash
• Monthly rental journals and invoice collation
• Monthly on charges to subsidiaries
• Responsible for the reconciliation between the bank account and the general ledger
• Rental reallocations
• Intercompany invoices

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• NQF Level 5

Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of the Insurance industry an advantage
• Knowledge of bookkeeping
• Knowledge of Great Plains will be advantageous

Communication:

• Build a working relationship with fellow colleagues
• Anticipates and responds appropriately to the needs, and feedback of various stakeholders internally and externally

Commercial Acumen:

• Able to prioritise and work under pressure
• Able to meet strict deadlines
• Accuracy and figure orientation are key attributable for this job

Computer Literacy:

• Latest MS Office package, particularly Excel, Word and Power-point
• Knowledge of Great Plains an advantage

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Confident
• Self-starter
• Persuasive and influential
• Good networking skills
• Good presentation skills
• Manages expectations
• Self-aware
• Professional
• Responsible & accountable
• Attention to detail

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to recruitment@pps.co.za

Job Title: Risk Management Specialist (4S1)                                                       Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Reporting Line: Group Risk Senior Manager

Business Unit: Risk Management

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The purpose of this job is to support business in identifying, analysing and documenting the risks associated with the Group’s operations and to ensuring that the Group’s risk management framework and component policies are effectively implemented and applied.

The incumbent is responsible for the risk management function in the PPS Group. The successful incumbent will be responsible for proactively and constructively assisting business in identifying and mitigating risks to comply with all regulatory requirements and the PPS Group Enterprise Risk Management Framework and component risk management policies.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Facilitating the identification & assessment of risks
• Assisting business in developing risk mitigation plans
• Monitoring risk mitigation plans and control effectiveness
• Monitoring and reporting of key risk indicators
• Drafting risk reports, combined assurance reports, operational losses & near misses reports
• Enhancing and maintaining the Group Risk Management Framework and component policies that define the Group Risk Management System
• Administration of the CURA risk management system
• Providing risk system training (CURA) and support to subsidiaries and operational areas
• Providing subject matter expertise on risk management issues, trends and best practises
• Evaluating the internal and external risk environment on an on-going basis in order to identify and assess potential/emerging risks as early as possible
• Facilitating and administering Control Self Assessments in line with the combined assurance framework
• Establish effective risk management training programmes

Formal Qualifications:

• BCom degree
• Risk Management Qualification or CRM Prac (IRMSA)

Knowledge and Experience:

• 4+ years’ experience in a Risk Management environment
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Financial Services risk management environment
• Long term Insurance background and knowledge is essential
• Expert risk management knowledge in Financial Services
• Legislative knowledge (Prudential Standards)

Communication:

• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of intended audiences
• Expresses opinions, information and key points of view clearly and assertively
• Confident in conceptualising and articulating risks
• Anticipates and responds appropriately to the needs, reactions and feedback of various stakeholders internally and externally

Commercial Acumen:

• Able to prioritise and work under pressure
• Able to meet strict deadlines
• Managing process and people to meet the risk management plan objectives

Computer Literacy:

• Latest MS Office packages, particularly Excel, Word and Power-point.
• CURA (risk management system) will be advantageous

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Logical and detail-orientated
• Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of business and process needs and risks
• Ability to take initiative and to effectively and efficiently manage deadlines
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with business unit managers
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including report writing skills
• Acts with confidence and works independently within a team environment
• Ability to influence people and negotiation skills
• Good facilitation and conflict handling skills

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to recruitment@pps.co.za

​Position: Actuarial Pricing Specialist (4S1)                                                           Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Department: Product Development

Reporting: Head of Production Development

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The above-mentioned position is currently available in the PPS Actuarial Product Development team to own the actuarial pricing function. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the delivery of innovative, value-for-money products to the individual Life Risk market through managing and leading the pricing of new and redesigned products.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Producing, checking and signing off product and technical specifications
• Developing and checking business cases for approval
• Supporting the team with pricing, design and launching of new products
• Developing and checking product pricing models and quotes
• Involvement in competitor analysis and the education of internal staff on competitive issues
• Calculating and signing-off reassurance premiums and statistics
• Signing off policy documents and training material
• Negotiating terms and treaties with reinsurers
• Collaborating with all the other relevant stakeholders (internal and external) such as systems, business support, claims, underwriting, research, reinsurance partners, distribution teams, etc. to implement business changes
• Handling product related queries and signing-off related calculations
• Supporting the development of PPS data framework and generation of sales leads
• Supporting of and contributing towards projects, initiatives and team initiatives
• Managing actuarial students in the pricing team

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• Degree in Actuarial Science or Diploma in Actuarial Techniques (making progress with exams)

Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 – 7 years’ experience in the Insurance/Financial Services industry
• At least 3 to 7 years’ experience in pricing life insurance products
• Previous experience in managing a team will be beneficial

Strategic Orientation:

• High standard of integrity, service excellence and a passion for the industry
• Able to think strategically, executing quality proposals under multiple and competing deadlines and working extra hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
• You must be a driven and ambitious experienced self-starter with excellent business acumen

Communication:

• Excellent written and verbal with communication skills
• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of intended audiences
• Expresses opinions, information and key points of view clearly and assertively
• Confident in conceptualising, building and presenting plans related presentations
• Anticipates and responds appropriately to the needs, reactions and feedback of an audience
• Exceptional networker

Computer Literacy:

• Good computer knowledge – Prophet, DCS, SQL, Python, R, SAS and proficient in MS Office are necessary
• Latest MS Office package, particularly Excel, Word and Power-point

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Must be able to work as a member of a team.
• Professional and pleasant manner – even under pressure.
• Good understanding of the organisation’s goals and objectives
• Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language
• Self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail
• Able to prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Managing process and people to meet strategic objectives

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to recruitment@pps.co.za

Position: Short Term Legal & Compliance Manager (4C)                                 Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Department: Short Term

Reporting Line: STI Chief Financial Officer

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The incumbent is responsible for the full legal function in the PPS Short Term business. This will include developing and implementing a legal risk management strategy for PPS STI. He/she will be responsible for proactively and constructively assisting the business in identifying and interpreting applicable legislation and minimising legal risks through the providing of legal advice and assistance to the business.

From a compliance perspective, the successful incumbent will be responsible for proactively and constructively assisting the business in managing its responsibility to comply with all regulatory items and minimise compliance risks through the providing of advice and guidelines to operational management through the application of risk management principles, policies, processes and procedures. 

Duties include developing compliance risk management solutions within strategic guidelines and policies and to facilitate the management of compliance risks and breaches within the Business Unit through application of accepted risk management principles.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Leading and being accountable for the legal and compliance function
• Identifying applicable legislation, provide commentary, performing impact analysis and giving advice and guidance to the business
• Drafting legal contracts, policy documents, etc and reviewing standard business communications
• Providing legal support to all areas of the business
• Litigation management
• Complaints management, including complaints received from different Ombudsman offices.
• Liaising with key stakeholders in the business, the FSCA, PA and other regulatory bodies when required
• Demonstrating effective management by setting objectives for team member, facilitating work prioritisation and performance management
• Implementing mechanisms to ensure the development of team member, including enhancing skills and knowledge. This includes the effective dissemination of compliance knowledge amongst the team

Formal Qualifications:

• LLB degree
• Admitted as an attorney of the High Court
• Completed practical legal training at an accredited law school preferred
• Completed a postgraduate diploma / degree with a commercial application preferred
• Sound academic track record

Experience and Knowledge:

• 8+ years overall post-articles experience and a minimum of 4 years Financial Services experience, preferably at a large corporate or a bank, but alternatively in legal practice dealing with insurance and/or financial services matters
• Minimum of 3 years of overall experience must be in a Short-term Insurance role at a large corporate or a bank
• Extensive experience working with financial services legislation for example LTIA, STIA, FAIS, FICA, CISCA, etc
• Comprehensive expert knowledge of Financial Services Regulatory Environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of Compliance Risk Management Methodology
• Expert Legislative Knowledge

Strategic Orientation:

• Able to implement various strategic compliance requirements
• Anticipates and responds appropriately to the needs, reactions and feedback of various stakeholders internally and externally

Communication:

• Confident in conceptualising, building and presenting plans, and implementing legislation changes
• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of intended audiences
• Expresses opinions, information and key points of view clearly and assertively

Commercial Acumen:

• Formulation of Legal & Compliance strategies and plans
• Ability to independently draft legal documents, for example contracts, policy documentation etc. which are of a complex nature
• Able to write, communicate and interpret legislative requirement at the appropriate level

Computer Literacy:

• Latest MS Office packages, particularly Excel, Word and Power-point

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Able to independently solve complex legal problems in a systematic and logical manner
• Able to collate information and to draft legal reports, for example Exco & Risk Committee reports
• Able to partner with customers and/or colleagues (up to ExCo level) to deliberate and discuss complex and/or sensitive issues with the aim of finding an appropriate solution
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including report writing skills
• Able to conduct legal research
• Good facilitation and conflict handling skills
• Able to prioritise and work under pressure
• Able to meet strict deadlines
• Managing process and people to meet strategic objectives
• Functioning proactively and strategically with a holistic view on compliance
• Able to implement annual compliance plan
• Able to advise business on complex compliance matters

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to recruitment@pps.co.za

Position: Intermediate Production Analyst (3E)                                             Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Reporting Line: Head of Business Architecture

Department: Business Solutions

Location: Parktown, Johannesburg

Purpose of the Job:

The Intermediate Production Analyst will work closely with Business Analysts and a variety of end users to ensure technical compatibility and user satisfaction based on functionality required. Responsibilities also include root cause analysis, management communication and client relationship management in partnership with the Infrastructure Service Support team. The successful incumbent will ensure that all production changes are made in accordance with life-cycle methodology and risk guidelines and be required to provide assistance to the business analysts and system architects and production support.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Building test cases for the purpose of regression testing
• Developing re-usable test plans, test scripts & test cases, executing these tests manually on new product developments and existing products and processes 
• Performing root cause analysis on errors and logging, tracking, retesting and closing any defects found
• Analysing the requirements documentation and specifications 
• Providing training and transferring knowledge to users of the new system
• Monitoring and improving the efficiency of business processes, as well as collecting and interpreting data on existing processes
• Monitoring the quality of formal and specification documentation
• Maintaining and updating the document repository
• Testing new and amended product and business functionalities
• Providing technical support to the production line
• Providing support for the maintenance and development of peripheral PPS systems
• Assisting with regular data quality monitoring and review for actuarial, financial and continual business process improvements
• Assisting with testing and deployment of PPS member and adviser focused technology and communication projects
• Formal communication with all stakeholders

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• Relevant Degree or Diploma

Experience and Knowledge:

• Intermediate experience in IAA essential
• Experience in setting up test scripts and cases for the purposes of regression and new business testing
• Solid experience in software testing, test methodologies and test documentation is essential
• Developing work plans that will meet business and implementation requirements
• Previous exposure to the Business Analyst function will be an advantage
• Good understanding of the functional and regression testing processes
• A good understanding of the system/business project process
• Very good understanding of PPS products and business rules
• Knowledge of IAA in relation to Life Cycle, PSD’s and requests

Strategic Orientation:

• Analytical thinking & decision-making ability in a moderately complex environment
• Ability to think strategically, execute quality proposals under multiple and competing deadlines and willingness work extra hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
• High level of creativity, inspiration, innovation and ability to think "outside the box"
• A driven and ambitious experienced self-starter with excellent negotiation skills and business acumen

Communication:

• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the stakeholders
• People networking and good, rapid relationship & team building

Commercial Acumen:

• Demonstrates awareness of market trends and opportunities and keeps up to date with competitor developments impacting area of responsibility

Computer Literacy:

• Good computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio/Aris, Project)

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• High standard of integrity, service excellence and a passion for the industry
• Problem solving skills (analysis and business / process solution design)
• Interpretation of information in a clear and concise manner
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative
• Work methodically and systematically without supervision

Strong personal characteristics, energy, drive, focus, motivation, responsibility

• Service Delivery Orientated with a strong sense of urgency
• Professional approach and conduct
• Innovative
• Troubleshooting
• Interpersonal communications skills and presentation skills.
• Strong aptitude for teamwork (Contributes to the team’s success)

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to  recruitment@pps.co.za

Position: Senior Java Developer (3E)                                                                 Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Reporting Line:  Manager: Applications Development

Department: IT

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The Senior / J2SE & J2EE Developer will be responsible for designing and implementing executable source code of high quality and maintainability, according to functional specification efficiency in alignment to PPS’s development standards. The role encompasses understanding, implementing, supporting, upgrading, training and maintaining the technology aspects that support project deliverables. This includes developing data rich applications within a Scrum development framework.

The incumbent will be required to fix defects and develop, test and release Java applications as per the defined architectural and design standards.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Engaging in technical scoping sessions with a clear mandate of defining and agreeing the technology, design & tools
• Producing working implementation (code) from functional / technical documents like a functional specification.
• Ensuring appropriate use of tools and applications that are in place to support the development process and SDLC
• Software development and testing
• Database administration & manipulation to create SQL statements, etc.
• Unit testing
• Integration testing of code
• Interacting and maintaining good relationships with business stakeholders (business users, project management resources, testing and training teams)
• Engaging leadership and taking initiative around career growth & training (performance management)

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• Oracle / Sun certification or related qualification
• A relevant 3-year degree or related diploma is advantageous 
• Frontend development on any of these technologies (Web: Angular, HTML, HTML5, XML, CSS)

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum 4 – 6 years’ experience using Java 6 and JEE (Servlets, JSP, EJB, REST and SOAP, JPA/Hibernate), JBOSS, Tomcat and MS SQL Server
• 4 - 6 years’ experience with Maven 
• Demonstrated of knowledge of best practice and project standards for coding
• Experience working in a multi-project environment
• Knowledge of and exposure to SDLC / Change Control / Release Management
• Solid understanding of versioning software ie. SVN and GitLab

Strategic Orientation:

• Ability to think strategically, execute quality proposals under multiple and competing deadlines and work extra hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
• High level of creativity, inspiration, innovation and ability to think "outside the box"
• A driven and ambitious experienced self-starter with excellent negotiation skills and business acumen

Communication:

• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal communications skills and presentation skills
• Interpretation of information in a clear and concise manner
• People networking and good, rapid relationship & team building

Commercial Acumen:

• Demonstrates awareness of market trends and opportunities and keeps up to date with competitor developments impacting area of responsibility

Computer Literacy:

• Good computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio/Aris, Project)

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• The candidate should display team spirit and display openness to innovation and keeping up to the latest technology trends
• High standard of integrity, service excellence and a passion for the industry
• Quality orientation and outcomes driven
• Analytical thinking & decision-making ability in a moderately complex environment
• Problem solving skills (analysis and business / process solution design)
• Innovative
• Troubleshooting
• Professional approach and conduct
• Strong personal characteristics; energy, drive, focus, motivation, responsibility
• Strong aptitude for teamwork (Contributes to the team’s success)
• Service delivery orientated (Possesses a sense of urgency)
• Self-motivated with ability to work without supervision

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to  recruitment@pps.co.za

Position: Junior Java Developer X5 (3A)                                                            Closing Date:  11 June 2019

Reporting Line:  Manager: Applications Development

Department: IT

Location: Johannesburg, Parktown

Purpose of the Job:

The role encompasses understanding, implementing, supporting, upgrading, training and maintaining the technology aspects that support project deliverables.

The incumbent will be required to fix defects and develop, test and release Java applications as per the defined architectural and design standards.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Engaging in technical scoping sessions with a clear mandate of defining and collating the technology, design & tools
• Producing working implementation (code) from functional / technical documents like a functional specification
• Ensuring appropriate use of tools and applications that are in place to support the development process and SDLC
• Software development and testing
• Database administration & manipulation to create SQL statement, etc.
• Unit testing
• Integration testing of codes

Initiating and maintaining good relationships with business stakeholders (business users, project management resources, testing and training teams)

• Engaging with leadership and taking initiative around career growth & training (performance management)

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• Oracle / Sun certification or related qualification
• A Relevant 3-year degree or related diploma is an advantage 
• Frontend development on any of these technologies (Web: Angular, HTML, HTML5, XML, CSS)

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience in Java 6 and JEE, J2EE (Servlets, JSP, EJB, REST and SOAP, JPA/Hibernate), JBOSS, Tomcat and MS SQL Server
• 1 – 2 years’ experience with Build tools ie. Maven
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practice and project standards for coding
• Solid understanding of versioning software ie. SVN and GitLab
• Demonstration of knowledge of best practice and project standards for coding

Strategic Orientation:

• Ability to think strategically, execute quality proposals under multiple and competing deadlines and willingness to work extra hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
• High level of creativity, inspiration, innovation and ability to think "outside the box"
• You will be a driven and ambitious experienced self-starter with excellent negotiation skills and business acumen

Communication:

• Articulate and communicates in a logical way and structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the stakeholders

Commercial Acumen:

• Demonstrates awareness of market trends and opportunities and keeps up to date with competitor developments impacting area of responsibility

Computer Literacy:

• Good computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio/Aris, Project)

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• The candidate should display team spirit and display openness to innovation and keeping up to the latest technology trends.
• High standard of integrity, service excellence and a passion for the industry
• Quality orientation and outcomes driven
• Analytical thinking & decision-making ability in a moderately complex environment
• Problem solving skills (analysis and business / process solution design)
• Innovative
• Troubleshooting
• Professional approach and conduct
• Strong personal characteristics; energy, drive, focus, motivation, responsibility
• Strong aptitude for teamwork (Contributes to the team’s success)
• Service delivery orientated (Possesses a sense of urgency)
• Self-motivated with ability to work without supervision

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates

Please send your applications to  recruitment@pps.co.za

Position: Financial Advisor                                                                                   Closing Date:  07 June 2019

Department: Financial Advisory

Reporting: Regional Manager

Location: Coastal (CT and DBN)

Purpose of the Job:

An exciting career opportunity has become available for a Financial Planner in PPS Financial Planning Department. The key purpose of this role is to provide professional financial services to a client or a member. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, retaining and growing a membership and client base for eligible professionals though implementation of PPS financial solutions in line with the client’s needs.  The individual must have a valid driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle .The roles are based in Durban and Cape town.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Meet clients to understand their financial objectives
• Prepare and present proposals to existing and potential clients using state of the art financial planning tools
• Explain complex information relating to financial planning in a clear and effortless way
• Provide suitable advice to best fit the needs and requirements of professionals
• Manage, maintain and build new and existing client relationships
• Ability to grow a client book within the first 24 months and consistently thereafter
• Adhere to compliance, operational procedures and practice management standards
• Stay abreast with product information, performance and industry changes
• Build a professional network and suitable business within the professional market
• Ability to function independently

Formal Qualifications:

• Financial Tertiary qualification
• RE
• NQF 6
• Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning Advantageous
• CFP Advantageous
• Successful completion of supervisory process

Experience and Knowledge:

• 2 years’ experience in Financial Services industry in a sales role within risk and investment spaces
• Strong sales, interpersonal and business orientated person with an acumen to build client relationships
• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of the professional client market
• Experience and track record in high performance sales environments
• Knowledge of best practices in the financial planning and financial advisory services
• Knowledge and understanding of financial planning through meaningful client engagements
• Ability to plan and manage time effectively

Computer Literacy:

• Proficient in MS Office
• Experience using CRM system preferable
• Experience using financial planning software

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Impeccable work ethics
• Strong communication
• Analytical and numerical skills with the ability to analyse and interpret statistical information
• High attention to detail
• A passion for the financial planning environment
• Team orientated
• Self-motivated and highly driven
• Strong presentation skills
• Relationship management and networking skills
• Resilience and Tenacity
• Emotional Intelligence

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates .Please send your applications to HRSupportFP@pps.co.za