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Money adviser

Alternative titles for this job include Debt counsellor

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

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 32 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a money adviser

You can get into this job through:

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

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

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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:

Direct Application

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.

Other Routes

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

More Information

Career tips

For some jobs, it may be an advantage if you speak a minority community language.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join organisations like the Institute of Money Advisers, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a money adviser right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Financial Services Diploma Level 3

  • Provider: UNIFIED SEEVIC PALMER'S COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: BENFLEET

Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services

  • Provider: NEWHAM SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: London

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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