Financial Planning Program at George Brown College

FULL DESCRIPTION

The George Brown College Financial Planning graduate certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of financial services.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
• Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
• Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return
• Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings
• Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation
• Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client's exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks
• Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner
• Prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a complex client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession.
• Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
• Prepare accurate and relevant financial plans manually and electronically.
• Integrate economic and personal information necessary for effective financial planning decisions.
• Compare, contrast, and select, from appropriate financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for the public according to industry standards, including taxation counselling.
• Effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, following up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business.
• Recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation.
• Identify and apply written and verbal client-focused communication styles and strategies.
• Research market opportunities and implement a business plan in support of client needs, as well as student career choices.

YOUR CAREER

Financial services companies, including banks, financial planning firms and other financial institutions, are seeking individuals with knowledge of financial planning. Graduates of the program have found employment as:

• Financial Advisor/Planner
• Financial Services Representative
• Personal Banking Officer
• Investment Advisor