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.

The Work

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.

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.

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.  

Training & Development pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & Officce Admin,  Supervisory Management in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Banking & Insurance, Financial services & Insurance, E-Business & insurance, and Accounting & Insurance at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Insurance, Financial services Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business/ International Busienss, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Financial advice, Data & Insurance, Risk management & Insurance NFQ level 9

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.

Insurance Institute of Ireland The representative body for the CII in Ireland offers additional Irish law and practice focussed programs alongside their Associateship & Apprenticeship.

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* 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).

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.

• Insurance Institute of Ireland

  • Insurance Centre, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 E7E8
  • (01) 645 6600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Insurance Ireland

  • Insurance Centre, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 E7E8
  • (01) 676 1820
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• LIA

  • LIA House, 183 Kimmage Road West, Dublin 12
  • 01 - 456 3890
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here