Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 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.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
• Report to management about asset utilisation and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
• Collect and analyse data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
• Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
• Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
• Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
• Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
• Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
• Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Prepare, examine, or analyse accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

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.

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, Finance services Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 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.  

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: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €50k

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

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

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).

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

  • Chartered Accountants House, 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 637 7200
  • 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