The Flex Program is for qualified and partially-qualified candidates not able to commit to Horizons’ 10 week signature program and full-time schedule.  It comprises formal learning and workplace development, culminating in official status as an AMP Representative. 

AMP Horizons Director Tim Steele said the Flex Program will meet growing demand for flexible hours while studying and then entering the workforce – particularly for women wanting greater flexibility.   

“Research shows there’s been substantial growth in part-time work over the past 50 years across the board.  Women constitute most of this growth, and they comprise three-quarters of part-timers in Australia today, but they perceive the financial planning industry is not offering the flexibility that many need[1]. 

“This program aims to encourage more women into a profession where they are significantly under-represented by offering part-time study and then part-time work as they establish their careers – and in general, anyone seeking to combine a greater work/life balance with an exciting and fulfilling career,” Mr Steele said. 

AMP Horizons Flex Program Overview
Piloting in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, the program comprises of formal and workplace learning, involving:

• Weeks 1-2: Two weeks full-time residential study at AMP Horizons in Sydney (must have completed two modules of Diploma of Financial Services/RG146 compliance at this point).
• Weeks 3 – 7: Five weeks part-time practice placement at Horizons Financial Group in candidate’s home region, including structured learning and practice manager observations and mentoring.
• Week 8: One week full-time skills assessment lab at AMP Horizons in Sydney to attain Representative status (must have completed Diploma of Financial Services/RG146 compliance at this point).
• Weeks 9 – 20: 12 weeks part-time Associate Planner placement in Horizons Financial Group in home region, with first client contact established under the guidance of practice managers.
• Further 7 months : Full-time or part-time professional year as Representative.

 The first intake of the new program will start on 29 October 2012. 

For further information or to apply for the AMP Horizons Flex Program, please click here.

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“Premium was founded by accountants and alignment with accountancy practices and principles have always been central to our business,” he said.   “Accountants are among the most trusted professions.  And as we know, sadly advisors still do not have the perception of trust they merit.   We think that many of the other initiatives introduced via FOFA will only have a small impact on rebuilding this trust in the eyes of the community.

“We believe this new accountant’s licencing initiative will increase the uptake of advice and help move financial advice into the status of a profession.

Mr Harding-Davis said it was a natural progression for the firm to offer licencing to accountancy firms.

“We will offer the three tiers of licencing and the support services that go along with it, such as monitoring, audit and training.  Additionally, accountants will need to be RG146 compliant, so we will provide access to the necessary training packages, along with a sensible pricing model.”

“We also believe the referral opportunities this will create will be of significant value for the advisors in our network. We think it’s unlikely that all accountants will want to get involved in the specific investment or insurance product decisions by clients, so reliance upon the knowledge of advisors will be essential in this regard.”

The step by Premium is the latest initiative in an active growth strategy.

“We have recently increased the number or advisors in our network and are in discussions with a number of others. We also recently announced that we have formed an alliance with The Emerald Club to provide licensee and dealer group support for members.”

“We think this latest initiative will further enhance the attractiveness of our Group for firms who wish to remain free from institutional imperatives.”

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