Working Life

• Deal with clients and investors on a daily basis placing trades
• Managing & supporting client queries 
• Mentoring junior traders
• Managing deadlines, prioritising tasks to deliver quality service to clients
• Working with new people on projects

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Advise clients on aspects of capitalisation, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
• Analyse financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies.
• Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
• Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or public relations experts.
• Collaborate with investment bankers to attract new corporate clients.
• Conduct financial analyses related to investments in green construction or green retrofitting projects.
• Confer with clients to restructure debt, refinance debt, or raise new debt.
• Create client presentations of plan details.
• Determine the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.

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.

 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.

 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.

The Transfer Analyst agent role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many investment analysts start their careers as customer service staff and then progress. 

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

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 admin, customer service, 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 management, sales, marketing, commerce, accounting.

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: Accounting, Finance, Sales.

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, 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.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Qualified Financial Advisers 

On-the-job training continuous professional development is complemented by study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification. Three levels of examination measure a candidate's ability to apply the fundamental knowledge of investment principles at a professional level.

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.

• International Financial Services Skillnet Network 
• Irish Banking & Payments federation 
• 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.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €75k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ CPL/Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Excel/ Sigmar/ Clark/

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Credit controllers; Book-keepers; payroll managers; wages clerks; Bank and post office clerks; Finance officers; Financial administrative occupations n.e.c.; Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants.

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

Financial administration roles accounted for the largest occupation in this group. Employment declined marginally between 2021 and 2022, although the annual average employment growth rate over the five-year period was slightly above the national average. Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. Almost three quarters of those employed in these roles were female, and 62% held third-level qualifications.

Approximately two-fifths of persons employed were in the financial sector, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. The number of online job adverts grew strongly (nearly 12%) in 2022 driven entirely by increases for book-keepers/payroll managers etc. Difficult-to-fill vacancies (noted in the Recruitment Agency Survey and the Skills for Growth data) related to accounts administration (payable/receivable) staff, fund accountants, and credit controllers (some with languages) and payroll administration; skills in particular demand included digital skills and knowledge of accounting systems. For such a large occupation, and with a high level of job churn, demand for these roles is likely to continue in the short to medium term.

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

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

• Northern Trust

  • Georges Court, 54 - 62 Townsend St, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 R156
  • (01) 542 2000
  • Click Here

• Banking and Payments Federation Ireland

  • Nassau House, Nassau St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 671 5311
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here