Careers at The Debt Advisor

Location: Bennett Jones Limited and The Debt Advisor Limited (Manchester office)
Reports to: The Head of Compliance
Department: Compliance
Employment Type: Full-time

Scope of Work

The Group Compliance Officer is responsible for managing and undertaking the compliance functions of a consumer debt management business, which holds FCA permissions to undertake debt counselling and debt adjusting, and a consumer Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) business regulated by the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA). This role involves ensuring both businesses adhere to relevant regulatory frameworks, including FCA guidelines and the IPA Volume Practitioner Regulation Scheme.

The Group Compliance Officer will ensure the effective creation and implementation of compliance plans, monitor compliance issues, and report directly to the Head of Compliance on compliance matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Leadership and Management

• Develop, review, and update the Compliance Plans for both the consumer debt management and IVA businesses in line with FCA guidelines and IPA regulations
• Implement the Compliance Plans.
• Provide guidance, training, and performance management to ensure effective implementation of the compliance plans.
• Foster a culture of compliance across the group, ensuring all employees understand and adhere to regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Adherence and Monitoring

• Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA regulations for debt counselling and debt
  adjusting activities, and IPA regulations for the IVA business.
• Monitor regulatory developments, assess their impact on the business, and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments to identify potential areas of vulnerability and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare detailed compliance reports for the Head of Compliance, highlighting compliance issues, severity, and recommended actions.
• Communicate complex regulatory requirements and updates to the Head of Compliance and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, managing relationships and communications with the FCA, IPA, and other relevant authorities.

Compliance Plans Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of compliance plans across the group, ensuring they are integrated into daily operations.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, providing support and guidance as necessary.
• Ensure the timely and accurate completion of all required regulatory filings and submissions.

Incident Management and Resolution

• Investigate and manage compliance breaches or incidents, ensuring timely resolution and implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain a robust incident reporting process to ensure all compliance issues are promptly reported and addressed.
• Review and analyse compliance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Training and Development

• Develop and implement a compliance training program for staff across the group to ensure ongoing awareness and understanding of regulatory obligations.
• Ensure all staff are kept up to date with the latest regulatory changes and internal compliance policies.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes and controls, ensuring they remain effective and efficient.\
• Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes, providing compliance insights and guidance to support business objectives.
• Promote innovation in compliance practices, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance the compliance function.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related
  field preferred. A master’s degree or professional certification in compliance (e.g., ICA, CRCM) is preferred.
• Experience: Demonstrate relevant experience in compliance management within the
  financial services industry, preferably in debt management or insolvency.
• Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of FCA regulations related to debt counselling and
  debt adjusting, as well as the IPA Volume Practitioner Regulation Scheme.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and apply them to business operations.
  • Proficiency in compliance management software and tools.

Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholds high standards of honesty and integrity, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in monitoring compliance and preparing reports.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate regulatory changes and develop strategies to maintain compliance.
• Decision-Making: Strong decision-making skills, particularly in managing compliance risks and incidents.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance across the group.

This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations for the role of Group Compliance Manager. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of regulatory compliance in the financial services sector, and demonstrate the ability to lead compliance teams and ensuring adherence to complex regulatory frameworks.

To apply – please contact Elaine Kibble or call 07517109632

Department: The Debt Advisor.
Responsible to: Insolvency Case Manager.
Hours of work: 35 hours per week.
Main Purpose: As an Insolvency Administrator, you’ll be in the driver’s seat, steering both Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and corporate insolvency (CVLs, MVLs, Admins) processes. This is an opportunity to manage complex cases from start to finish.

The Debt Advisor is a rapid growing business with a firm foothold in the Corporate, IVA and Debt Management market. We are looking to expand the Corporate team to reach even more prospective consumers, and continue to do what we do best; by helping people find the most appropriate solution for their financial needs. The Debt Advisor is regulated by the FCA, and ensures that the highest possible standards of service are provided throughout.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Ready to take on challenges, solve problems, and make an impact? We’re looking for a motivated Insolvency Administrator to join our team. If you’re passionate about
helping people and businesses navigate complex situations, this role is for you! At The Debt Advisor, we handle various insolvency cases with care, empathy, professionalism, and the drive to make a difference.

• Complex IVA Management: From drafting the initial IVA proposal to managing client relationships, you’ll ensure cases run smoothly, meet statutory requirements, and deliver the best outcomes for everyone involved.
• Corporate Insolvency: You will be involved in the management of corporate cases (CVL’s, MVL’s, Administrations) from cradle to grave, including the investigations into directors’ conduct. No experience is needed, we happily guide you through these processes. Curiosity and eagerness to learn are however required.

Key Performance Indicators of the role

• Attend 100% of training.
• Work with your Case Manager to ensure a good conversion of cases, and second to non customer service.
• Score 80% on internal audits.

KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Annual staff performance development reviews (PDR) will be held and professional development plans created to encourage progression within the business

Key Competence Requirements

You don’t need formal qualifications—but experience with IVA’s is key. We’re looking for someone who thrives on solving problems and takes pride in getting the details right. Experience:

• 2+ years in complex IVA administration
• Corporate insolvency experience is most welcome but not required

Skills That’ll Make You Stand Out:

• Attention to Detail: You’re meticulous when it comes to preparing and reviewing documents.
• Communication Pro: Strong verbal and written communication skills, ready to talk to clients, creditors, and your team. Time Management: You can juggle multiple cases and deadlines like a pro.
• Problem Solver: You have a knack for handling creditor claims and resolving client issues efficiently.
• Tech Savvy: You are a fast learner when it comes to new software. We use Puritie, Purehub and Turnkey IPS, so we’re looking for someone who can quickly adapt to and master new systems with ease.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Growth Opportunities: We’re all about helping you grow. Whether it’s enhancing your skills or moving up in your career, we’ve got your back.
• Collaborative Culture: You’ll be part of a supportive team consisting of an IP with 40 years’ experience and a corporate insolvency case manager, that’s always ready to help, share knowledge, and celebrate success.
• Making a Real Difference: We are a growing business and aim to improve continuously. We have a change control process in place and pride ourselves in implementing change quickly and efficiently. Any feedback and input is valued – this isn’t just something we say – ample examples of this can be provided.

Are you ready to take on the challenge and make a difference? Apply now to join a forward-thinking team where your skills will shine, and your work will matter.

To apply – please contact: elaine.kibble@thedebtadvisor.co.uk Or Call: 07517109632

Company Descriptions

The Debt Advisor Ltd & Bennett Jones Limited, based in Manchester city centre, offer innovative advice and solutions to relieve consumer and business debt. Recognized for the quality of advice and service, our experienced and caring team understands how stressful debt issues can be. We are authorized and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority & Insolvency Practitioners Association to provide advice on debt solutions and debt consolidation. Both businesses are long established with a proven track record in the financial services industry and boast a team of circa 90 experienced and skilled employees.

Role Description

This is a part-time hybrid role for a Management Accountant across two group companies. The Management Accountant will be responsible for financial statements, accruals, and performing analytical tasks using their finance and accounting skills. The role is located in Manchester, with flexibility for some remote work.

Qualifications/Skills

• Preparing Statutory Financial Accounts and liaison with external accountants
• Knowledge of working with PowerBI (PBI) or similar tools
• Strong Financial forecasting and modelling (currently Excel) in a medium-sized business
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience in creating Management accounts in small and medium-sized companies.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Sage0
• Part or fully CIMA-qualified

Industry: Financial Services

Employment Type: Part-time (15-20 hours per week flexible)

Salary: Negotiable on experience

To apply – please contact Elaine Kibble  (elaine.kibble@thedebtadvisor.co.uk)  or call 07517109632

• Department: Post-Appointment
• Responsible to: IVA Supervision Manager
• Hours of work: 35 hours per week
• Main Purpose: Cover a range of duties across the Post-Appointment Team
• Salary: £21,000 to £24,000 (dependent upon experience)

The Debt Advisor is a rapid growing business with a firm foothold in the IVA and Debt Management market. We are looking to expand the team to reach even more prospective consumers and continue to do what we do best; by helping people find the most appropriate solution for their financial needs. The Debt Advisor is regulated by the FCA and ensures that the highest possible standards of service are provided throughout.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct Income and Expenditure case reviews when required
• Draft statutory notices and issue reports to creditors and debtors as per the statutory requirements
• Communicating with clients via phone/SMS/email ensuring all conversations follow GDPR regulations
• Handle all aspects of IVA administration post approval
• Draft, convene and chair variation meetings when required
• Assist with case distributions as and when required
• Liaise with Distributions officer to arrange final distributions
• Deal with all aspects of property restrictions
• Manage and action specific modifications\
• Monitor increased liabilities on all cases
• Deal with all aspects of property restrictions/month 54 reviews
• Any such duties that may be required by the business
• Discuss any changes to payments required with clients
• Process card payments and set up recurring payments
• Update creditor details
• Chase outstanding claims and evidence from creditors
• Assist the pre-appointment with administration duties as required
• Involvement with companywide projects as appropriate

Key Performance Indicators of the role

• Variation proposal drafted within 48 hours of the case being agreed as viable
• Ensure customer emails are responded to withing 48 hours
• Annual Reports drafted within 30 days of due date
• Termination reports drafted within 2 working days of being referred and identified as ready to draft
• Completion reports drafted within 2 working days of being identified as ready to draft
• Score 90% on call audits
• Score 90% on internal audits
• Attend 90% of training
• Complete 36 hours of CPD per year

KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Annual staff performance development reviews (PDR) will be held and professional development plans created to encourage progression within the business

Key Competence Requirements

• Experience in the debt management industry (ideally 12 months)
• Ability to work with all levels of staff, and with the utmost professionalism
• Excellent organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Effective time management skills

KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis Annual staff performance development reviews (PDR) will be held and professional development plans created to encourage progression within the business

Key Competence Requirements

• Ability to work with all levels of staff
• Professionalism
• Excellent organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Effective time management skills

What are the benefits?

• Company pension
• Frequent social events
• Causal dress
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Private medical insurance
• Hybrid working available once probation completed
• Monday to Friday

To apply – please contact: elaine.kibble@thedebtadvisor.co.uk
Or Call: 07517109632

• Department: The Debt Advisor
• Responsible to: Debt Management Team Leader
• Hours of work: 35 hours per week
• Main Purpose: To support the Debt Management Team Leader to maintain an existing book of Debt Management Clients across the key functions of Financial Review, Credit Control, Customer Service and Creditor Liaison. Previous experience of at least one of these areas is essential.

The Debt Advisor is a rapid growing business with a firm foothold in the IVA and Debt Management market. We are looking to expand the team to reach even more prospective consumers, and continue to do what we do best; by helping people find the most appropriate solution for their financial needs. The Debt Advisor is regulated by the FCA, and ensures that the highest possible standards of service are provided throughout.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Completing annual and ad-hoc income and expenditure reviews
• Liaising with clients regarding any changes to payments as required.
• Maintaining and updating client payment schedules
• Communicating with clients via phone/SMS/email ensuring all conversations follow GDPR regulations
  and business policies
• Liaising with the team leader and management team
• Updating CRM platforms.
• Complying with all business policies and procedures
• Any such duties that may be required by the business
• Performing tasks and duties with the following regulatory requirements and policies in mind:
  o FCA (financial conduct authority)
  o CD (consumer duty)
  o CASS (client asset sourcebook)
  o TCF (treating customer fairly)

Key Performance Indicators of the role

• 90% of payments collected on the cases reviewed per month
• Score 90% on call audits
• Score 80% on internal audits
• Attend 100% of training

KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Annual staff performance development reviews (PDR) will be held and professional development plans created to encourage progression within the business

Key Competence Requirements

• Experience in the debt management industry (ideally 12 months)
• Ability to work with all levels of staff, and with the utmost professionalism
• Excellent organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Effective time management skills

To apply – please contact: elaine.kibble@thedebtadvisor.co.uk
Or Call: 07517109632

• Department: The Debt Advisor
• Responsible to: Head of Operations
• Hours of work: 35 hours per week
• Main Purpose: To provide whole of market advice to prospective consumers

The Debt Advisor is a rapid growing business with a firm foothold in the IVA and Debt Management market. We are looking to expand the team to reach even more prospective consumers, and continue to do what we do best; by helping people find the most appropriate solution for their financial needs. The Debt Advisor is regulated by the FCA, and ensures that the highest possible standards of service are provided throughout.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Being the first point of contact for any customer that reaches out to us for financial help. An initial advice call involves finding out about the individual’s circumstances to include their income and expenditure and creditor details. You will be required to assess the information provided and identify the best solution to help clear their debts as soon as possible. You will be expected to have a good working knowledge of all potential debt solutions including IVA, Bankruptcy, Debt Management, budgeting as well as debt consolidation i.e. remortgaging/secured loans and unsecured loans. (Training will also be provided)
• You will use our client management system to record and update the appropriate details securely.
• You will also follow scripted guidance to ensure that The Debt Advisor brand, ethos and brand approach
  is carried consistently across our Business and all processes.
• You will be required to follow a contact strategy for any prospective consumers, our dialler system facilitates this. You will be required to note our client management system effectively, accurately and in a timely manner. You will need to maintain a large workload and push forward with case
  progression.
• You will also be responsible for requesting and chasing up supporting documentation such as bank statements, pay slips etc. Also ensuring that any customer moving on to the next stage of financial help, whether it be an alternative team within The Debt Advisor, or being signposted elsewhere, they receive a smooth and secure handover.
• You will be expected to keep to guidelines aimed at maintaining quality; taking into account any feedback provided from quality monitoring assessments completed on your calls. These will be completed on a weekly basis.

Key Performance Indicators of the role

• 90% of payments collected on newly onboarded consumers
• Score 90% on call audits
• Score 80% on internal audits
• Attend 100% of training

KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Annual staff performance development reviews (PDR) will be held and
professional development plans created to encourage progression within the business

Key Competence Requirements

• Experience in working in an FCA advice/environment (ideally 12 months)
• Ability to work with all levels of staff, and with the utmost professionalism
• Excellent organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Effective time management skills

To apply – please contact: elaine.kibble@thedebtadvisor.co.uk
Or Call: 07517109632