Financial services customer adviser

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Relevant subjects include:

• Level 1 Award for Introduction to Customer Service
• Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service
• Level 2 Certificate in Contact Centre Operations
• T Level in Finance

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a financial services customer adviser intermediate apprenticeship or a senior financial services customer adviser advanced apprenticeship.

It takes around 12 months to complete these apprenticeships. They include a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an admin assistant with a company and move into financial services by training on the job.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become a financial services customer adviser. It will help if you have:

• GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
• computer and keyboard skills
• experience of customer service, cash handling or office work

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to sell products and services
• maths knowledge
• persuading skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• administration skills
• a good memory
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Financial services customer advisers work in contact centres for banks, insurance, investment and credit companies.

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• deal with other businesses, investors or members of the public
• use computer systems to access customer information and update account details
• answer customer questions
• process payments and withdrawals
• keep accurate records
• promote financial products and services
• work to targets
• handle complaints or refer them to a supervisor
• refer customers to staff to sell financial products

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With more training and qualifications, you could specialise in mortgage advice, pensions or financial advice.