Budget adviser

Budget advisers tell individuals or organisations how to apply for credit and manage debt. They may develop plans and budgets, or provide mortgage, bankruptcy or financial aid advice.

Also known as

personal budget adviser, budget coach, financial mentor, financial accounting plan officer, finance adviser, senior adviser budget

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to be accurate, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$61.1K-$156.1K 61118

Typical tasks

  • Develop financial plans with clients
  • Assess the finances of clients
  • Help clients to manage debts
  • Teach clients about budgeting
  • Interview clients about finances
  • Give advice about mortgage repayments
  • Calculate debt repayments
  • Prepare financial documents

Outlook

Demand for budgeting and financial mentoring services in New Zealand is increasing, partly due to cost-of-living pressures and financial stress across households. The wider financial services sector is also evolving with digital tools, regulation changes, and a stronger focus on financial wellbeing and trust. Globally, there is growing focus on financial literacy and supporting people to manage money confidently.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial ideas clearly
  • Empathy and a non-judgemental approach with clients
  • Good understanding of budgeting and debt management
  • Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality
  • Problem-solving skills for complex financial situations
  • Organisation skills to manage client plans and follow-ups

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.