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:

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.

There are many pathways to develop your skills & learning towards a career in Financial services. Financial advisers will develop their career from many pathways in Financial services. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

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

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Financial services, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Financial advice NFQ level 9

Some Independent Financial Advisers are qualified accountants & financial services.

-Transition from NFQ level 6-8 program with level 2.2, entry based on interview

-Mature applicants considered on application 

To qualify as an accountant, you need to register with one of the appropriate professional bodies. You then combine on-the-job training with part-time study and written examinations.  

Qualified financial Advisers 

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

The relevant bodies are:  

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants  
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland  
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  

If you want to register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempt from some written examinations.  

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Irish Banking & Payments federation 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €140k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

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

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).

The five-year annual average growth rate for this occupation was significantly above average, with strong growth observed between 2020 and 2021; employment grew by approximately 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Employment was spread across all sectors of the economy, with the largest share, at just over a fifth, for professional activities. Employment permits, primarily in the ICT sector, spanned a number of roles, including data analysts, account strategists and logistics specialists.

While the number of online job adverts (OVATE) remained almost unchanged in 2022 for this occupational group, there was a 6% increase in adverts for financial and accounting technicians (although the numbers involved are small).

Employers (Skills for Growth & Spotlight on Skills) have signalled difficulties in recruiting data analysts. Furthermore, data analysis skills were required in other difficult-to-fill job roles such as engineers, software developers, and lab analysts. Demand for data analytics skills is evident; however, rather than existing only as standalone roles, these skills are increasingly embedded in other occupations.

• Irish Funds Industry Association

  • Click Here

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

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

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

  • 9 Leeson Park, Dublin 6
  • (01) 447 5678
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

  • 5th Floor, Block E, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Rd., Dublin 2
  • (01) 643 0400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here