Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   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.
•   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.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

• Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
• File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
• Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues.
• Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
• Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorised enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
• Disseminate written policies and procedures related to compliance activities.
• Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure that compliance procedures are followed.
• Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues or dilemmas, or report irregularities.
• Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies, or procedures.
• Verify that all firm and regulatory policies and procedures have been documented, implemented, and communicated.
• Compliance / Risk / AML knowledge.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorised enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
• Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
• Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
• File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
• Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
• Consult with corporate attorneys as necessary to address difficult legal compliance issues.
• Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues.
• Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies, or procedures.
• Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues or dilemmas, or report irregularities.
• Verify that all regulatory policies and procedures have been documented, implemented, and communicated.

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.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The Regulatory Analyst role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many analysts may start their careers in sales or customer service and then progress. 

The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. 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, office admin, supervisory 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, law, compliance, data management, banking, 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, Financial Services, Insurance.

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, law, 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: business management, law, compliance, governance compliance, data protection, financial services advice.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

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
• Compliance Institute
• 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 - €135k

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

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL/ Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicholas/ Azon

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Barristers; judges; Solicitors; Legal professionals n.e.c.

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

Employment levels have declined annually since 2020 for this occupation, resulting in a negative growth rate for the five-year annual average. There were a small number of employment permits issued for legal counsel across a number of sectors including ICT and the financial sector. However, the professional, scientific and technical activities sector accounts for the majority of employment in this occupation.

• 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

• Citibank Europe (Ireland) plc

  • 1 North Wall Quay Dublin 1, Ireland
  • 01 622 2000
  • Click Here