Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

The Work

Investment fund managers manage equity and fixed income funds, currency or property on behalf of clients who are looking for the greatest possible return on their investment.  
 
Clients may include insurance policy holders, investors in insurance companies, holders of unit and investment trusts and contributors to pension funds. The amounts of money involved can be quite considerable and the responsibility is great as poor investments can lose clients' money.  
 
The work involves developing and implementing effective fund investment policies and strategies. There is usually also an element of client service. Fund managers need to maintain a broad knowledge of the relevant investment markets.  
 
There are also likely to be some staff management responsibilities. 

• Manage investment funds to maximise return on client investments.
• Select specific investments or investment mixes for purchase by an investment fund.
• Analyse acquisitions to ensure conformance with strategic goals or regulatory requirements.
• Select or direct the execution of trades.
• Develop or implement fund investment policies or strategies.
• Develop or direct development of offering documents or marketing materials.
• Evaluate the potential of new product developments or market opportunities, according to factors such as business plans, technologies, or market potential.
• Identify group or individual target investors for a specific fund.
• Meet with investors to determine investment goals or to discuss investment strategies.
• Monitor regulatory or tax law changes to ensure fund compliance or to capitalise on development opportunities.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Manage investment funds to maximise return on client investments.
• Select specific investments or investment mixes for purchase by an investment fund.
• Monitor financial or operational performance of individual investments to ensure portfolios meet risk goals.
• Select or direct the execution of trades.
• Develop or implement fund investment policies or strategies.
• Perform or evaluate research, such as detailed company or industry analyses, to inform financial forecasting, decision making, or valuation.
• Present investment information, such as product risks, fees, or fund performance statistics.
• Develop, implement, or monitor security valuation policies.
• Meet with investors to determine investment goals or to discuss investment strategies.
• Attend investment briefings or consult financial media to stay abreast of relevant investment markets.

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

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.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

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.

This is a senior role which requires significant knowledge and experience. Many Investment consultants start their careers as sales or customer service staff and then progress. Any other experience in the relevant industry will also be beneficial.

The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Likewise an engineering mindset. Although a degree may sometimes be required, experience and track record are often as important to an employer.

Training & Development Pathways

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, and Accounting at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Finance, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

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

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Financial advice NFQ level 9

Professional Organisations Training or networking events:

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Irish Banking & Payments federation 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €130k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKInley / Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Indeed/ Salary Expert/ Payscale

Last Updated: August, 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.

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

  • Stephen Street Upper, Dublin 8, D08 DR9P
  • (0)1 4755908
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Mercer Investments

  • Charlotte House Charlemont St
  • 01 603 9700
  • Click Here