Financial Services Customer Adviser
Job Description:Financial services customer advisers work in contact centres for banks, insurance, investment and credit companies.
Job Category: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
Entry Requirements:
To become a financial services customer adviser, specific GCSE subjects are not typically required. However, certain subjects can provide a foundation for the skills and knowledge necessary for this role. Financial services customer advisers assist clients with various financial products and services, so a combination of subjects related to business, communication, and mathematics can be beneficial. Here are some recommended GCSE subjects that can be helpful for aspiring financial services customer advisers:
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are essential for financial services advisers, as they often assist clients with financial calculations, budgeting, and understanding financial products.
- Business Studies: Business studies can provide insights into financial management, economic principles, and customer service, which are directly relevant to financial services advisory roles.
- Economics: Economics can be valuable for understanding economic concepts, market trends, and the broader financial context in which clients make financial decisions.
- English: Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for financial services advisers. They need to explain complex financial concepts to clients, convey product information, and handle client inquiries effectively.
- IT/Computer Science: Familiarity with computer applications and customer relationship management (CRM) software can be beneficial for managing client information and interactions.
- Accounting (if available): Some schools may offer GCSE accounting as an option. Taking this subject can provide a strong foundation in basic accounting principles, which can be relevant in financial services roles.
Post School
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.