The Work

The duties of EU Financial Management/Accounting assistants include using specific IT tools (such as the integrated system of accounts) to help with:

• The implementation of accounting and financial systems

• Keeping financial and/or budget accounts

• Designing, drawing up and implementing Financial Regulation procedures

• Drawing up budget estimates and annual reports / accounts

• Costing accounts and presenting financial statements

• Planning and managing public procurement procedures

• Carrying out financial and operational management of contracts or subsidies

• Participating in cash management and/or imprest accounts and bank reconciliation

• Monitoring financial and budget procedures

• Supervising accounting methods and the financial management of revenue.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Post leaving cert pathways to begin career development can be explored via PLC Course finder, careers in the EU will require qualification at level 6-9 from higher level CAO college search

For Careers in the EU Financial Management /Accounting Assistants must have:

• A good command of at least 2 European languages (one of which must be English, French or German)
• either:
  - post-secondary education in finance or accounting and at least 3 years' professional experience in the field,
• or:
  - secondary education and at least 6 years' professional experience in finance or accounting.

The requirements for contract staff may vary. Via EURES & Europa.eu mobility portal prospective candidates can explore options of employment and get support to explore roles via EURES advisers 

In general, to apply for an assistant competition, you must have completed (at least) secondary school.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €31k - €50k

Basic monthly permanent official salaries range from around €2,300 per month for a newly recruited Assistant-Secretary (AST/SC 1) official, €4500 for an entry level graduate administrator grade (AD 5) and up to €16,000 per month for a limited number of top level Administrators (AD 16) at Director-General level. Each grade is broken up into five seniority steps with corresponding salary increases. Basic salaries are adjusted annually in line with inflation and purchasing power in the EU countries.

Data Source(s):
European Union & EPSO

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Emloyment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, with employment declining marginally between 2021 and 2022. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to fund and account managers. The data provides no evidence of issues in relation to this occupation.

• EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

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• European Movement Ireland

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• European Parliament Information Office in Ireland

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