What Does a Career in Consumer Finance Look Like?

Unlocking Opportunities with Sunset Finance

In today's dynamic job market, a career in consumer finance presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. As individuals seek stable and rewarding professions, the consumer finance industry offers a range of roles that contribute to financial well-being. Let's explore what a career in consumer finance looks like and how Sunset Finance stands out as an employer of choice in this field.

Understanding the Landscape of Consumer Finance Careers

Consumer finance involves providing financial services to individuals, helping them manage their personal finances, obtain loans, and build credit. Careers in this industry span various roles, including customer service representatives, loan officers, financial advisors, and branch managers.

Why Choose a Career in Consumer Finance?

• Impactful Work: Consumer finance professionals directly impact individuals' lives by assisting them in achieving financial goals, securing loans, and building creditworthiness.

• Diverse Opportunities: The industry offers diverse career paths, allowing individuals to specialize in customer service, management, or administrative roles.

• Continuous Learning: With evolving financial landscapes, consumer finance professionals engage in continuous learning, staying updated on industry changes and regulations.

• Career Progression: Many start in entry-level positions and progress into managerial roles, creating a clear career trajectory for those seeking advancement.

Sunset Finance: Nurturing Careers in Consumer Finance

Sunset Finance is committed to providing a nurturing environment for its employees. We spoke with Lindsey Bland, a seasoned professional at Sunset Finance, to gain insights into the company culture and what makes Sunset Finance an ideal workplace for those considering a career in consumer finance.

1. What initially drew you to a career in consumer finance, and how has your journey been so far?

• Better Hours: The hours were much better than those I worked before starting at Sunset Finance in 2006.

• Opportunity: There were so many opportunities for growth within the company. Upper Management was always straightforward and honest regarding growth within the company prior to any promotions. I was told when in management, “If you do not desire to advance to management, then this may not be for you.” It wasn’t presented negatively, but in a way that made me think and reflect on what I wanted. I also felt valued because upper management desired me to advance so I could make more money and grow more as an employee and individual. 

• People: I am a people person, and I cannot imagine not working with people daily. Sunset Finance's mission statement or motto is “In the business of helping people.” 

2. Can you share insights into the skill sets that Sunset Finance values in employees aspiring to take on roles in loan processing or customer service?

• First and most importantly, Sunset Finance values employees who have the “IT” factor. What I mean by this is that they have attributes that cannot be taught. Mr. Fletcher always said, “If you take care of the company, the company will take care of you.” In my 17 years with Sunset Finance, I have never experienced any situation where this was not true 100%!

• A more “textbook” answer would be motivated, driven, eager, growth-minded, self-control, self-disciplined, open-minded to change, computer skills (basic typing, data entry, emails, etc.), urgent, dedicated, not looking for greener pastures, adaptable, confident, great communication skills, etc.

3. How does Sunset Finance support the professional growth and development of its employees?

• Employees are constantly encouraged to advance to management.

• Supervisors visit branches frequently, complete training, and hold Branch Managers accountable to ensure they effectively develop their employees. 

• Sunset University provides modules that employees complete to assist them in learning policies and procedures. 

• Weekly Operational Manual Meetings.

• Quarterly Meetings/Training etc. After tax season, I will complete virtual monthly training sessions for undermanagement and new managers. 

• Webinars/Seminars: Branch Managers attend Fred Pryor Seminars. 

4. In your opinion, what sets Sunset Finance apart as an employer in the consumer finance industry?

The work environment, without a doubt! I have stayed here for over 17 years because I know that I can get my job done yet still be who I am as a person. I don’t have to adjust who I am as a person to fit any kind of “image” that Upper Management feels represents the company. They want people, not robots, because our interaction with clients is very professional yet personable. We really do everything we can to make our clients feel comfortable in our branches when borrowing money, filing their taxes, or dealing with any financial hardship that has caused them to struggle to pay not only their loan with us but other financial obligations.

5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in consumer finance, especially with Sunset Finance?

You either love it or hate it; there is no in-between. This is what I tell every candidate who doesn’t have experience in the small consumer finance industry. It takes very driven and dedicated individuals to excel and do what we do for decades upon decades, all the way up until retirement. You must be ready to show up and show out every single day! You must have a sincere love for people and dealing with the public. Just like any job/career, you will have bad days, but if you are resilient, don’t give up, and apply the direction and guidance of Managers and Supervisors, you will have more good than bad and will not only make a great living financially but will also create great memories with coworkers and our clients! 

6. What career growth opportunities does Sunset Finance offer for individuals starting in entry-level positions within the consumer finance industry?

• Branch Management: CSR or Assistant Managers have the opportunity to train and take over their own branch location one day. Assistant Managers and CSRs are equal positions and only have different titles due to the different roles within the branch, therefore you do not have to be an Assistant Manager to be promoted to Branch Management.

• Associate Managers (aka Manager in waiting): For Assistant Managers or CSRs who are flexible and are willing to travel and/or relocate for a Branch Management opportunity, the Associate Manager position is available. The top objective of an Associate Manager is to prepare and be ready to take over the next opportunity to become a Branch Manager; however, they may be assigned different “missions” depending on what branch they travel to. This gives them an opportunity to show Upper Management what they are made of by meeting objectives set by the District Supervisor or VPO.

7. How does Sunset Finance foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture?

By being very positive and honest. As I mentioned, you must love people to do what we do. This doesn’t just apply to clients, this also applies to employees. The employees who work for us are very diverse and unique, yet have the same objective. To help people earn the most money humanly possible in the least amount of time humanly possible. Sunset has always made it known that they want us to work to live, not live to work, and how important a work/home life balance is for all employees. 

8. What kind of individuals thrive in a consumer finance career, particularly at Sunset Finance?

• Extroverted, confident, bold, outspoken, and strong individuals. 

• Despite what the “typical” Sunset Employee is that “thrives,” you do not have to be extroverted to obtain greatness and success at Sunset! Those attributes make it easier, however I have had several individuals who were introverted, lacked confidence yet received development from either myself or their branch manager and they truly grew not just as an employee but also as an individual. 

• In a nutshell, individuals, regardless of personality type, who are receptive and driven and apply what is shown to them always thrive, but honestly, these individuals thrive no matter what industry they are in. 

9. What roles exist within Sunset Finance that might be less commonly known but are crucial to the smooth functioning of the company?

• Accounts Payable: Currently Ashton Collins’ role. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is always responsive, diligent and I have never concerned myself with if I asked Aston to handle something for me if it would be handled. Plus if it weren’t for Aston and Bryce Dornon, bonuses, payroll, bill pay etc. wouldn’t happen and that would not be very smooth for us. 

• Business Analysis: Currently, Lesley Day’s role is to tip my hat to Lesley every day as often as I can. If it weren’t for Lesley, as supervisors, we could easily overlook something, but Lesley is like the eyes in the back of our head reviewing transactions, issues, etc., and making us aware if something just doesn’t look right. She has also made the signature card process so much easier with her banking experience and by dealing with other issues involving transactions. If it weren’t for Lesley, it would be utter chaos daily! 

• Auditing and Compliance Manager: Currently, Greg Brown’s role is that of a Honestly, I feel that Greg’s title should be Home Office Manager (if that is even a role at the moment LOL) because he does fantastic with the Auditing and Compliance Department but also does so much more! 

• All of the roles at our Home Office make life at Sunset flow so much better! Sunset also partners with other businesses for HR, tax software, benefits, etc., since we aren’t too proud to admit that we are experts at tax preparation and small loans and not in HR, software, benefits, etc. 

10. How does Sunset Finance contribute to the communities it serves, and how does that impact employees at Sunset Finance?

Our biggest contribution to the community is providing educational information about how to budget, read a credit report, build credit history, or even understand FICO score. Sunset Finance has made it possible for those who did not know how they were going to provide for their families necessities or wants (especially during the Holiday season) because they just didn’t have the extra cash and no savings due to living paycheck-to-paycheck through our Loan and Tax services. 

I have experienced so many individuals who never thought there was a way to rebuild their credit reach out to me with pure excitement, stating that they are buying their own home or securing a great interest rate on a vehicle without any down payment or thanking us for being there when they didn’t have anyone to turn to. It impacts employees by showing them that Sunset Finance has more purpose than just profit. Ultimately, we work to earn money to pay our bills and provide for our families, but at Sunset, that is just part of it. Seeing individuals in our communities thrive financially when they never thought it was possible or walking in upset due to the burdens and stress of this life yet leaving with a smile and hope is priceless. No amount of money in the world could ever amount to how helping individuals in our community has been so rewarding on a personal level. 

Knowing that I was a part of helping someone achieve a financial goal or just being able to pay for rent, buy groceries, pay for their light bill, give their children gifts, etc., has been the most rewarding experience of the past 17 years of my life as a Sunset Finance employee. My supervisor at the time was the one who taught me what our purpose was and what our contribution to the community was, and now, as my VPO, they still stand strong on this purpose.

Join Sunset Finance - Where Careers Flourish

A career in consumer finance is not just about numbers; it's about empowering individuals on their financial journeys. Sunset Finance, with its commitment to employee growth, community impact, and a positive workplace culture, is an ideal choice for those looking to build a rewarding career in consumer finance.

Ready to embark on a fulfilling journey? Explore career opportunities at Sunset Finance and be a part of a team that values your contribution to financial empowerment. Your career in consumer finance begins here!