Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• 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.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• 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.

The Work

Typical tasks might include:

• Assisting in the productions of daily, weekly and monthly Net Asset Values (NAVs).
• Issue NAVs accurately and within defined timeframes
• Deliver high quality service to customers by accurate, timely completion of all assigned tasks (which may be parts of larger processes) and requests for information.
• Own valuation process for assigned portfolios
• Escalating fund accounting issues and aged items to supervisors
• Perform tasks under supervision of defined processes or procedures and check for errors. Ensure procedures in relation to above tasks are adhered to
• Maintains the control of accounts and records in such areas as expenses, Inventory, Cost Accounting and Standard Setting
• Designs, modifies, installs, and/or maintains accounting systems to ensure an adequate recognition of financial transactions
• Responsible for the adherence to and communication of accounting and auditing policies and procedures and internal controls.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyse information.
• Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
• Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
• Code documents according to company procedures.
• Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
• Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
• Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
• Access computerised financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.

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.

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.

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.

The Associate accounts role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many associates start their careers in sales or customer service and then progress. 

The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Likewise also 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 & Office Admin, Accounting Technician available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

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

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Financial services Apprenticeships NFQ levels 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Accounts & Finance available around Ireland at 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 

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.

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €70k

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

Data Source(s):
Clark / Morgan McKinley / Azon/ Lincoln/ Osborne

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 occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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

Employment in this occupation has been growing annually since 2019, resulting in an above average annual employment growth rate. The professional activities sector accounted for the largest share of employment at 46%, with industry and the financial activities sectors combined accounting for a further 26%. There was a 4% increase in the number of online job adverts for this occupation in 2022 and a sharp rise in the number of employment permits issued from 336 in 2021 to almost 1,000 in 2022 (this was in line with a significant increase in total permits issued in this timeframe); most permits issued were for the financial sector in auditing roles.

The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with recruiting various accountancy roles (e.g. financial, tax, practice, insurance) in the financial sector. With such a large occupation, demand is likely to be strong for this role due to replacement demand alone. Upskilling/reskilling will be required for many of those currently employed to adapt to changing skills profiles as a result of digitalisation/AI, climate change (e.g. understanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices/criteria), and changing regulation (e.g. Brexit).

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

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

• Banking and Payments Federation Ireland

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

• Northern Trust

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