Associate Advisers

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Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)

When you have a passion, nothing will stop you from achieving your goals and this is how James Grixti approaches every day.

“I have a passion for investment. First Financial hired me straight out of university, and being able to work in the industry is fantastic. I feel lucky that I am already in this role… an Associate Adviser to one of the company’s principals. It’s a real highlight that they have entrusted me with this position.”

Bachelor of Business (Human Resources)

Before university, Daniel Smith hadn’t ever really considered financial planning… he hadn’t come across it in his everyday life, but through his Bachelor of Business at university one introductory subject opened his eyes and set him down a clear career path.

“When I started to select elective subjects, I chose an introduction to financial planning… I found the strategy topics really interesting and so I continually chose finance subjects and went from there.”

Bachelor of Medical Science
Master of Finance
Diploma of Financial Planning

Jo Zhao’s career started with a Bachelor of Medical Science but after a couple of years working within a hospital environment, she realised that it wasn’t her passion.

“I enjoyed it but I felt there were limitations… while I was working in the hospital I developed a strong interest in finance… I have a lot of family and friends working in the finance industry and that definitely influenced me to do my Masters.”

Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
Diploma of Financial Services

Andrew Shavikin’s career originally started down the biological sciences route and while he found his studies interesting, he realised it wasn’t where his passion lay.

“I really enjoyed the analytical side of the work I was doing… but knew quite early on that I didn’t want a career in the sciences. I took a break and did my Diploma of Financial Services and that’s when I realised I wanted to get into the financial industry… to see if I could help people and support them as they get their finances on track.”

Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)

“I was grateful to land my first role at First Financial in Client Services while I was still studying at Uni and have progressed into the Associate Adviser role since then. I have a keen interest in wanting to help people with their finances and want to help clients achieve their financial goals.”

Amy is originally from Townsville in far North QLD, then moved to Melbourne at 18 and worked in a variety of areas including accounting and marketing before making the move to First Financial while undertaking her studies at Deakin.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with friends and being active – running, going to the gym, etc.

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

“From a very young age, I knew my strengths were numbers and problem solving. I naturally followed this skill set through school and university, but soon after joining the profession I learnt just how rewarding and satisfying it can be to interact with clients.

I really enjoy what I do. I appreciate that many clients have spent their working lives focused on their own career or family and may not have given much thought to their own finances or future retirement – that’s where we come in.”

When he’s not working, he’s hiking, training for a marathon or at the gym.

Bachelor of Financial Planning

“From early on, I was always interested in investing which led me to complete a Financial Planning course in university. This opened up a range of different strategies focusing on the holistic approach towards helping people achieve their financial goals.

Joining the team at First Financial and working alongside Adela Ngai has opened my eyes again to how much people appreciate the relationship-based services that we provide.”

Outside of work, Brad lives an active lifestyle, playing football for his local town and enjoys going to the pub for midweek trivia.

Bachelor of Business – Economics and Finance (Applied)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

“I have always had a keen interest in Economics and Finance.

What drew me specifically to a career in the financial planning industry is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives through analytical skills and building long term relationships. It is the relationship building aspect of the profession I find the most interesting.”

Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting & Financial Planning

Savita Dhillon joined First Financial as an Associate Adviser in August 2021, just as Melbourne went into another snap lockdown and experienced our supportive culture firsthand.

She is currently undertaking her Financial Adviser Professional Year Program to develop skills and refine her learning.

“Working closely with Nick is really beneficial. Eventually, I want to become an adviser, but I know it is a big responsibility, but having a one-on-one relationship with him as my mentor helps a lot.”

Meet our Associate Adviser, Julian Manning, dedicated to supporting our financial advisers to provide strategic financial planning to clients.

“In my role, I love that I get to assist in helping clients achieve their goals and give them comfort in knowing that they can comfortably retire.”