Become A Financial Counsellor
MORE INFORMATION:
Become A Financial Counsellor
How to become a Financial Counsellor
To become a Financial Counsellor, the first step is to study the Diploma of Financial Counselling and complete the volunteer work placement component.
The Diploma of Financial Counselling comprises 17 units of study. It can be completed full time over one year or part-time over two years. A 220 hour structured work placement (volunteer) is a part of the course. Students are assisted by training providers to locate placement opportunities. Learn more about the Diploma and Workplacement opportunities on the Diploma training page.
To practice as a Financial Counsellor you must:
- hold the Diploma in Financial Counselling; and
- be eligible for membership of your state financial counselling association (in NSW it’s FCAN); and
- be employed by a financial counselling agency.
Financial Counsellors assist people in financial difficulty.
Financial Counsellors provide information, support and advocacy to help people deal with immediate financial problems and minimise the risk of future problems.
Financial Counsellors work in community organisations, and their services are free, confidential, independent and non-conflicted.
Financial Counsellors do not accept fees or commissions. Financial Counsellors are not financial planners or financial advisers, or work for debt agreement or debt management firms or companies that offer budget services.
First Nations Financial Counsellors.
FCAN encourages First Nations peoples to become Financial Counsellors. We acknowledge their commitment to assisting their communities to Close the Gap.
First Nations Financial Counsellors are supported through the FCAN Yarning Circle. For more information see the FCAN Yarning Circle page on this website.
FINANCIAL COUNSELLING IS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, INDEPENDENT AND NON-CONFLICTED.
HOW DO I BECOME A FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR?
To become a Financial Counsellor you will need the:
(a) Diploma of Financial Counselling qualification or be studying the Diploma; and
(b) as a part of the Diploma complete 220 hours Work Placement with a Financial Counselling Agency.
HOW DO I APPLY TO JOIN FCAN?
People wishing to join FCAN as a financial counsellor need to meet the qualification requirements and the FCAN ongoing membership obligations and requirements.
Or if you work in the sector you may be eligible to join as an Affiliate member.
Members are obliged to uphold the Code of Ethical Practice and FCAN Constitution. Members are also obliged to meet the requirements in the FCAN Membership Policy and FCAN Supervision Policy and Guidelines, and new members must agree to these also.
To join FCAN - complete the appropriate Membership Application Form, provide the supporting documents and pay the prescribed fee as outlined in the Membership Application Form.
Lodge your application and supporting documents with FCAN and your application is usually approved at the monthly Board Meeting.
FCAN Membership Categories and Application Forms:
Positions Vacant
We advertise Financial Counsellor Jobs and Positions Vacant in our weekly member e-newsletter. To be eligible to receive the e-newsletter you must be an FCAN member.
About working as a Financial Counsellor
- There are 300 Financial Counsellors working throughout NSW.
- Their work is very rewarding so turnover in the sector is not very high compared to other sectors and industries.
- Job prospects can be considerable or low depending on the location or region.
- Financial Counsellors are employed by charities and community organisations and their positions are funded through State and Federal Government grants or charitable donations.
- Financial Counsellors salaries are paid under the SCHADS award (starting generally at level 4 for new Associates and Level 5+ for Accredited members). Most employers offer generous salary packaging.