Money adviser

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by a professional body

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a debt adviser intermediate apprenticeship.

This typically takes 18 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

A common way into this career is to volunteer in an advice centre. You'll often start by giving general advice, then get special training in money advice once you have more experience.

It usually takes at least a year to get enough experience and knowledge to apply for paid work as a money adviser.

You can search for volunteering opportunities through organisations like:

• Do IT
• NCVO

DirectApplication

It may be possible to apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role. It will be useful to have experience in other areas like:

• consumer advice
• welfare rights work
• debt recovery for a bank, council, utility company or similar organisation

Employers may not ask for qualifications as your experience would be the most important thing. You will need a reasonable standard of English and maths.

Your employer may ask you to do additional specialist training.

OtherRoutes

You can do a Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Money and Debt Advice through the Chartered Institute of Credit Management .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• persistence and determination
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to read English
• business management skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Money advisers help people whose debts have become too large or difficult for them to handle.

As part of your day-to-day duties you may:

• talk to clients about their money problems
• look at income and outgoings
• carry out a benefits check and support benefit claims
• work out a sensible budget
• help put debts in order of importance
• talk with creditors to sort out a practical repayment plan
• gain the client's agreement to any repayment plan
• talk about other options like bankruptcy and what happens in court
• take the place of clients in court when asked to do so

Location : You could work at a client's business, at a client's home or in a court.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 32 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience you could become a specialist caseworker, or be promoted to a team leader or management post.

You could move into training other money advice workers.