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.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   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.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Working Life

• Proactive relationship management of a large portfolio of existing Project Finance Customers
• Assist with the identification and implementation of a remedial strategy for the close management of any problematic or higher risk accounts
• Development and maintenance of strong working relationships internally and externally including participation in customer meetings
• Regular review of legal and operational documentation

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
• Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
• Recruit staff members.
• Prepare operational or risk reports for management analysis.
• Evaluate data pertaining to costs to plan budgets.
• Oversee training programmes.
• Examine, evaluate, or process loan applications.
• Approve, reject, or coordinate the approval or rejection of lines of credit or commercial, real estate, or personal loans.
• Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
• Prepare financial or regulatory reports required by laws, regulations, or boards of directors.

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.

 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.

 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.

The Associate Director 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 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)* €50k - €100k

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

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

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Financial managers; directors Financial institution; managers and directors.

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

Employment has grown annually for this occupation since 2019, resulting in an above average annual growth rate over the five-year period. Between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was little growth in employment for the financial institution managers, with most of the growth relating to other financial managers/directors. Four-fifths of employment is concentrated in the financial activities sector. Although small in number, online job adverts grew by 7% in 2022.

Spotlight on Skills data points to a continuing demand for a range of financial related skills, including financial management, acumen, analysis and forecasting. Skills for financial managers, and in particular financial institution managers, are evolving with the changing nature of the financial sector, e.g. the impact of automation and digitalisation, the move to online banking and the transition to sustainable finance, with upskilling/reskilling likely to be a key requirement to meet future demand.

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

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

• Barclays Bank Ireland

  • 1 Molesworth Pl, Dublin, D02 WE52
  • (01) 618 2600
  • Click Here

• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

  • 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 649 8100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here