Portfolio managers implement and monitor investment strategies for clients. Clients may be individuals, trusts, pension funds, foundations, or corporates amongst others.  They provide guidance in the process of determining each client’s goals, risk appetite, tax constraints and liquidity requirements. Finally, Portfolio Manager’s will devise and implement investment strategies and processes to meet these objectives and constraints.

• Develop client investment policy statements.
• Advise and guide clients’ selection of investment opportunities.
• Monitor investment performance activity.
• Identify and manage risks associated with investment strategy.
• Communicate with clients about accounts, market conditions and economic trends.
• Collaborate and contribute to research within the investment team

A portfolio manager will work in a high-paced and dynamic environment.  Typically, hours will range from fifty to sixty hours per week.  Some work will be necessary outside of normal working hours.

• Financial planning
• Investment strategy and process
• Portfolio construction and execution
• Performance measurement and risk management
• Private client wealth management
• Institutional client fund management (pension funds, foundations, insurance companies, hedge funds etc.)

Typically, a Financial Portfolio Manager holds a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, (although other graduate qualifications which have a mathematical and analytical focus are also acceptable).

Depending on the area of specialization a Financial Portfolio Manager may be required to obtain other suitable qualifications or certifications in addition to a graduate qualification to comply with regulations covering the area of specialization.

A Financial Portfolio Manager will have to demonstrate the ability to work both independently and within teams and execute instructions with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

A high level of communication and writing skills is required.

Reading skills and the ability to absorb large quantities of information are essential, as is a willingness to commit to a rigorous program of ongoing learning.

Employers frequently give priority to candidates with the CFA designation as they have demonstrated mastery in investment management.  To find out more about the CFA designation, please follow this link: About CFA

• Universities – the following Universities are affiliated with CFA Institute and incorporate the CFA Level I program in their curriculum:
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• University of Pretoria
• Stellenbosch University
• Business Colleges
• Employer-led internal educational programs