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:

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.

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.

The Investment Analyst role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many Analyst 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 Admin, Customer service, Sales 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, Finance, and Sales NFQ levels 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, 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: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €145k

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

Data Source(s):
CPL / Sigmar / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Azon/ Brightwater

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 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.

• National Treasury Management Agency

  • Treasury Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, D01 A9T8
  • 01 238 4000
  • Click Here

• 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