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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• 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.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

There are numerous jobs available in stockbroking firms, all of which require different skill sets.  
 
Stockbrokers:  
Stockbrokers buy and sell stocks and shares (collectively known as securities) on behalf of clients, and give advice on financial matters. Generally stockbrokers are referred to as those individuals who work on the dealing desk.  
 
These dealers have access to the latest share prices through online quotation systems that inform the broker of the buyers and sellers in particular stocks. Dealers also have access to other essential financial information such as news services that provide them with real time information on markets and individual companies.  
 
Deals can be undertaken through the online dealing system. Negotiations for the sale and purchase of securities can also be carried out by telephone.  
 
Dealers can act on an execution only basis, i.e. buying and selling shares in accordance with specific instructions given by the client or in an advisory capacity helping individuals and larger institutions make decisions in relation to their investments.  
 
Private Client Executives :  
Private client executives deal with individual customers advising them on their investments in shares, as well as unit trusts, pension schemes and other financial instruments.  
 
Their services may also extend to managing portfolios of securities for clients either in an advisory capacity or on a discretionary basis. This work involves the regular review of portfolios to check the performance of portfolios and the recommendation of changes as appropriate.  
 
Corporate Finance :  
Most large firms also have a corporate finance division that acts in an advisory capacity to private and public companies on financial matters as well as the type of securities they should issue and the most appropriate time to try to raise capital.  
 
Research Analysts :  
As their name suggests, the research analyst conducts research on companies and markets and provides comments and advice based on their findings. Research can be sourced from numerous areas including information from the financial press, online publications, company road shows and statements, and opinions and forecasts of other investment or economic analysts.  
 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
• Monitor markets or positions.
• Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
• Keep accurate records of transactions.
• Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
• Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
• Report all positions or trading results.
• Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
• Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
• Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.

Further Information

• Stockbroker - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Stockbroker - from: GradIreland

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.

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.

This role which requires significant knowledge and experience. Many Brokers start their careers as sales or customer service staff and then progress. 

The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Increasingly also a engineering mindset. Although a degree may sometimes be required, experience and track record are also 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, Management courses around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

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

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

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance courses 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 

In addition those who work in an advisory capacity must be approved and registered by the Irish Stock Exchange that has absolute discretion in deciding whether a candidate should be admitted. Candidates have to make written application in a manner prescribed, giving answers to certain questions regarding their personal circumstances. This application must be supported by the stockbroking firm that the individual is working for.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €130k

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

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

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.

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