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类似标题

认可财务顾问、注册消费者信贷和住房顾问、注册信贷和住房顾问、注册信贷顾问、注册信贷顾问、信贷顾问、财务健康顾问、住房顾问、个人理财顾问

工作描述

When someone doesn’t have the money they need to purchase something, they often turn to a credit card or take a loan instead. Both are types of credit, but they work a bit differently. 

A loan, as the financial app FI explains, is a “lump sum of money borrowed for a specific purpose and repaid in fixed installments with interest.” On the other hand, credit (or a “line of credit”) is “a pre-approved amount of money that can be borrowed and repaid repeatedly within a set credit limit.”

Together, these types of credit make up the financial backbone of our economy. Credit supports everything from buying a new pair of jeans to paying for a car or house. Thus, credit is a very powerful tool that helps people and organizations obtain things when they don’t have the necessary amount of cash to pay upfront. 

Credit represents trust. A lender has to believe the person or organization they give credit to will be able to pay the money back. Misused, credit can lead to financial problems and a negative reputation that hurts the borrower’s credit score. When that happens, their interest rates can go up, making it even harder to pay back the debt! 

This is where Credit Counselors come in to help clients via debt repayment plans and budgeting strategies, so they can rebuild their credit and regain control over their finances!

职业生涯的回报
  • Empowering clients to escape debt and get their finances on track
  • Helping clients avoid bankruptcy 
  • Assisting lenders with recoupment of funds they gave to borrowers 
  • Improving the financial health and stability of businesses 
标题
2022年就业
29,090
2032年预计就业人数
30,049
内幕消息
工作职责

工作日程

  • Credit Counselors work full-time jobs, typically during normal business hours, though they may meet with clients after hours, as needed. Occasional travel may be necessary.

典型职责

  • Schedule consultations with individuals seeking advice on credit management 
  • Review and assess clients’ financial information, such as income, assets, property values, tax payments, and debts
  • Collaborate with financial analysts and property appraisers, as needed
  • Evaluate external risks affecting clients’ financial stability
  • Utilize financial analysis software to organize and interpret clients’ financial data and provide comprehensive credit counseling
  • Explain to clients their financial positions and risk factors in clear terms
  • Advise clients on budgeting, saving, credit decisions, measures for managing and consolidating debts, and strategies for credit improvement
  • Update clients on changes relevant to their credit status and financial plans (such as college funding, paying medical bills, moving, or retiring)
  • Engage in discussions with business owners and/or organizational leaders to align credit counseling practices with overarching goals and priorities
  • Explain how to manage tax debt
  • Provide financial literacy and consumer assistance resources
  • Help clients prevent and recover from identity theft

额外责任

  • Perform regularly scheduled assessments of clients’ credit accounts to ensure ongoing financial health and stability
  • Participate in professional development and training sessions to stay current with industry standards and practices
  • Assist clients with unique circumstances, such as military deployments, medical crises, or unemployment 
  • Develop and update credit counseling policies and procedures to be in line with the industry guidelines
工作中需要的技能

软技能

  • 分析性的
  • 沟通技巧
  • 客户服务 
  • 果断的
  • 注重细节
  • 独立的 
  • 诚信 
  • 循序渐进 
  • 目标
  • 有组织的
  • 病人 
  • 解决问题

技术技能

  • 信用评估和贷款管理软件
  • 客户关系管理软件
  • 财务建模和分析技能
  • 风险评估和管理原则
  • 电子表格
不同类型的组织
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Community development financial institutions
  • Consumer credit companies
  • Credit unions
  • Debt settlement companies
  • Educational institutions (for student financial counseling)
  • 政府机构
  • Independent financial advising firms
  • Law firms specializing in bankruptcy or financial law
  • Mortgage companies
  • Non-profit credit counseling agencies
  • Online financial advisory services
  • Real estate agencies (for housing-related credit counseling)
期望与牺牲

With the rise of easy credit access and the complexities of modern financial products, the risk of falling into debt has skyrocketed. That’s why the work of Credit Counselors is more essential than ever. They serve as educators and advocates, raising the financial literacy of their clients who can then make better decisions. 

Credit Counselors are invaluable allies in the journey to financial stability and freedom! They help resolve immediate credit issues and lay a crucial foundation for long-term financial wellness. But that means expectations run high, and they have to be extremely diligent because their clients’ livelihoods may depend on their advice. 

当前趋势

Rising consumer debt is a major trend, particularly credit card balances and student loans. The ease of access to credit cards and the escalating costs of higher education have contributed to this uptick. What’s more, the allure of “buy now, pay later” services is tempting consumers to spend beyond their means. 

Meanwhile, online lending and fintech firms are reshaping small business financing, challenging traditional banks by offering faster, more flexible credit solutions tailored for the small business hustle. With so much credit floating around, more people need the services of Credit Counselors who can help them manage debt and spend wisely. 

需要的教育和培训
  • Credit Counselors typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting, or business
  • Entry-level positions in credit management or collections are common starting points, leading to promotions and specialization in credit counseling
  • Credit Counselors can work in a wide range of industries, so having specialized industry knowledge is beneficial. This can be gained through a college minor, a certificate, or even ad hoc classes
  • On-the-job training is provided by employers, along with additional courses to enhance skills
  • Completing a Certified Credit Counselor certification from the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors may enhance one’s qualifications and professional credibility. 
  • Other education and training options include:
  1. American Bankers Association’s certifications and courses 
  2. American College of Financial Services’ Chartered Financial Consultant
  3. Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education’s Accredited Financial Counselor 
  4. 注册管理会计师
  5. Certified Public Accountant 
  6. International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators’ Certified Debt Arbitrator
  7. National Association of Certified Student Loan Professionals’s Certified Student Loan Professional
  8. National Association of Personal Financial Advisors’ Certified Financial Planner
在大学中需要注意的事项
  • 学生应选择开设会计、金融或商业专业的院校
  • Look for programs that feature applicable courses in personal finance, debt management, budgeting, bankruptcy counseling, financial education, and various debt types like credit cards, mortgages, and student loans
  • See which programs have internships and opportunities to gain practical experience
  • Compare the costs of tuition and other fees. Review your options for scholarships and financial aid
  • 看看该专业是否与雇用毕业生的公司有合作关系! 
  • 注意校友的毕业和就业统计数据 
高中和大学里的事情
  • 高中生应选修商业、会计、金融、数学、英语、通信、信息技术、统计、演讲或辩论等课程
  • 拥有银行和信贷管理经验会很有帮助。寻找兼职工作,积累相关工作经验 
  • 通过学校或自己申请相关的实习机会
  • Read magazines and online articles related to personal finance, debt management, budgeting, bankruptcy, and various debt types like credit cards, mortgages, and student loans
  • Consider doing ad hoc courses via Coursera or other sites to learn more about credit
  • Request an informational interview with a working Credit Counselor at a credit counseling agency or financial institutions
  • Consider additional courses or certifications in financial planning or counseling
  • Network with professionals in the field through informational interviews or job shadowing
  • Learn about government programs and policies related to consumer credit and debt relief
典型线路图
信用顾问路线图
如何找到你的第一份工作
  • 查看Indeed.comLinkedInGlassdoorMonsterCareerBuilderSimplyHiredZipRecruiter等招聘门户网站
  • Utilize job portals like Indeed.com, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and others for credit counseling positions. Take note of keywords and use them in your resume
  • Expect entry-level roles if you're new to the field
  • Leverage connections made during internships or educational programs. Use your network to get job tips! 
  • Ask your instructors, former supervisors, and/or coworkers if they’re willing to serve as personal references (but don’t give out their personal contact information without permission)
  • Check out Credit Counselor resume examples and sample interview questions
  • Do mock interviews with your school’s career center or friends
  • 面试时着装得体,表现出你对该领域的热情和了解 
如何爬梯子
  • Focus on your main job first, but let your supervisor know you’re interested in career progression and ask for their advice
  • Let them know you are willing to undergo extra training or take classes as needed to become a greater asset to the employer
  • Completing certifications or becoming a Certified Public Accountant should enhance your qualifications
  • Earning a graduate degree may help to qualify for advancement
  • Ensure clients feel taken care of and respected. Explain loan and credit information in a way that is clear and logical   
  • Resolve client issues quickly and ensure the best outcomes for everyone, including lenders! 
  • Stay informed about changes in credit laws, debt management strategies, and financial planning
  • Volunteer to take on extra duties or responsibilities 
  • Be proficient in financial analysis tools and customer relationship management software
  • 对于那些在小型机构工作的人来说,您可能需要申请到更大的机构工作,以获得更高的薪水或实现更大的职业目标
B计划

Credit Counselors often work with clients facing financial stress, which can be emotionally challenging for the counselors, too! Overexposure to such situations may, in time, lead to burnout and fatigue. If you’re curious about related career options, consider the below similar occupations: 

  • 会计和审计员    
  • Bankruptcy Advisor
  • 预算分析师    
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Debt Settlement Specialist
  • 财务分析师    
  • Financial Planner
  • 保险销售代理    
  • 贷款干事    
  • 个人财务顾问

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