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Meet Raphael, 21, from Reading. He assists financial advisers as a financial service administrator. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

How would you describe your job?

My job is a financial service administrator. I assist financial advisers. My main responsibilities involve conducting research and writing reports for clients, although there’s no set day-to-day routine – it really varies.

What skills do you use in your work?

Attention to detail is important and so are analytical skills because I have to work with a lot of numbers. I use communication skills everyday as I regularly need to discuss things with my adviser. I also need to be very adaptable because no two cases that I work on are the same.

Do you draw on any particular subjects that you studied at school?

I draw on the Maths that I learnt at GCSE and A-level, because there are so many calculations in my work. My English GCSE helps too, because I need to make sure that my reports are easy to understand. I also apply what I learnt in ICT as I work with a lot of spreadsheets. It sounds weird, but I use what I learnt in Biology too as it was very analytical and that's a skill I’ve transferred.

What was your educational career path?

After my GCSEs, I studied Maths, Biology and Geography at A-level. I was unsure about what to do next though. I got a place at university, but then decided I wanted to do something else. I applied for a number of apprenticeship jobs, but wasn't accepted, so I had to take a step back and apply for entry-level jobs to get experience instead.

I worked in customer service at an investment company and did some qualifications alongside this, like my Level 2 Bookkeeping and Accounts, so I was able to take small steps toward my current job.

Top tips

• Sometimes things might not work out, but the main thing is to focus on your goals

• You just have to be proactive and keep trying. It’s not always straightforward and you have to be prepared for that.

Many financial service administrators work towards becoming financial advisers. Financial advisers help people and organisations to choose investments, savings, pensions, mortgages and insurance products. Like Raphael, you could also start as a financial service administrator or customer service adviser in a bank and work your way up.

What to expect if you want to be a financial adviser

• Financial adviser average salary: £23,500 to £45,000 per year
• Financial adviser typical working hours: 35 to 38 hours per week

What qualifications do I need to be a financial adviser?

You could get into this role via a university course, an apprenticeship, or working towards this role. For a degree or higher or degree apprenticeship, you'll usually need A-levels, or equivalent. Alternatives to A-levels include taking a T-level in Finance or Accounting (Level 3, England-only, from Sept 2022), which is equivalent to three A-levels. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept. To work as a financial adviser, you'll need to be registered as an 'approved person' by the .

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

Find out more on the Prospects website about the role of a .

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
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