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.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
• Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
• Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
• Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
• Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
• Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
• Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
• Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Further Information

• Tax Accountant - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax Accountant - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax Accountant - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax Accountant - from: GradIreland
• Tax Accountant - from: Deloitte

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.

The most relevant degree subjects include Business, Finance, Accounting, and Management. 

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: Certified Accountancy Pathway, Accounting Technician 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, Apprenticeships NFQ levels 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance, Law and Taxation available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.  

Postgraduate Study Options Business, Accounting, Financial advice, Taxation NFQ level 9

The Institute of Taxation in Ireland relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in Taxation Consultancy. The Institute of Taxation in Ireland provides a choice of options. It is also possible to enter the profession as a qualified accountant or solicitor and register directly for the Institute of Taxation in Ireland professional examinations. Certain exemptions are available in these circumstances.

The relevant professional bodies are:

• Chartered Accountants Ireland
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  (CIMI) 
• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  (CPA) 
• Accounting Technicians Ireland

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.  

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €85k

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

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

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).

• Irish Tax Institute

  • South Block, Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2
  • (01) 663 1700
  • Click Here

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

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

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

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