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Salary Range
€30k - €65k
Career Zone

In Brief...

Claims experts who assess insurance claims for incidence of fraud.

Knowledge

  •   Law and Government Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  •   English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  •   Economics and Accounting Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  •   Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  •   Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge areas are ranked by their importance to this career

Skills

  •   Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  •   Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  •   Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  •   Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  •   Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Skills are ranked by their importance to this career

Work Environment

This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):

 
Types of Insurance
Insurance
 
How Insurance Works
Insurance
 
Claims, Underwriting and Direct Customer Support
Insurance
 
Insurance Assessors
Insurance

Videos on the Web

Most commonly reported Work Activities

  •   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  •   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  •   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  •   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  •   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  •   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  •   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  •   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
  •   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  •   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

 

Working Life

Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Analysts are claims experts who assess insurance claims for incidence of fraud. This role requires significant investigation skills, and involves the interrogation of internal and external data sources (including social media) and engagement wih external parties such as the Gardai, assessors and in some cases the legal community.

 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

  • Document all investigative activities.
  • Prepare written reports of investigation findings.
  • Analyse financial data to detect irregularities in areas such as billing trends, financial relationships, and regulatory compliance procedures.
  • Gather financial documents related to investigations.
  • Interview witnesses or suspects and take statements.
  • Review reports of suspected fraud to determine need for further investigation.
  • Conduct in-depth investigations of suspicious financial activity, such as suspected money-laundering efforts.
  • Lead, or participate in, fraud investigation teams.
  • Prepare evidence for presentation in court.
  • Coordinate investigative efforts with law enforcement officers and attorneys.

Qualities - Special Investigations Analyst

People in this role require significant investigation skills and communication skills.

Interests - Special Investigations Analyst

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

 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.

 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.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Entry / Progression - Special Investigations Analyst

Career progression in this job role is sometimes from trainee claims handler, to claims team leader, claims manager, and claims director. Though you may progress from other training & development pathways.

Insurance claims handlers may study for the professional examinations of the chartered insurance institute or the chartered institute of loss adjusters in their own time while working. Degree courses in insurance studies available throughout Ireland and some business studies degree courses offer options in insurance.  

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, office admin,  supervisory management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business banking, insurance, financial services and insurance, e-business and insurance, accounting and insurance.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Insurance, Financial Services.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, international business, commerce, economics, maths, statistics, accounts, finance.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, financial advice, data and insurance, risk management and insurance.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

For those who wish to progress into management roles, it is usually necessary to pass the Associateship examination of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The CII also offers training leading to an Insurance Foundation Certificate and a Diploma of Insurance Practice.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Insurance Institute of Ireland the representative body for the CII in Ireland offers additional Irish law and practice focused programs alongside their associateship & apprenticeship.

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Pay & Salary - Special Investigations Analyst

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

Labour Market Updates - Special Investigations Analyst

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Brokers; Insurance underwriters; Finance and investment analysts; Finance and investment advisers.  

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

Employment levels have grown annually since 2018, with particularly strong growth between 2021 and 2022 of an additional 5,500 persons. Almost all employment is concentrated in the financial activities sector. The share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 23%, was above the national average of 19% and was the highest share across the business/financial occupations.

The CSO Census data for 2022 shows that finance and investment analysts/advisers account for the largest share of employment in this group at over 70%, with insurance underwriters and brokers making up the remainder. Employment permits issued primarily related to various financial analyst roles in the financial sector. Although employment grew strongly in 2022, a 20% fall in online job adverts (particularly for finance/investment analysts) would signal that this growth rate may slow.

Useful Contacts - Special Investigations Analyst

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