Financial Services Customer Adviser

Job Description:

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

Job Category:
Financial Services

What you will do:

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

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to sell products and services (creativity)
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure (leadership skills)
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

College

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

In the UK, for example, courses include:

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

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.

Work

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

Direct Application

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

  • computer and keyboard skills
  • experience of customer service, cash handling or office work

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 36-38 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression:

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