Plans, directs and co-ordinate activities of workers in bank/financial setting. Establish and maintain relationships with clients, oversees the flow of cash and financial instruments.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Bank / Financial Manager - from: Youtube Search
- Finance Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
Working Life
Bank managers work in either branch and retail management, or in some form of specialist banking service providing support to branches.
Managers working in branch banking must run the bank profitably and within targets set by head office. They try to find out the banking needs of personal and business customers and promote the wide range of services the bank offers. This may include, for example, providing an automatic payroll service for an employer, or giving advice on pension funds, investments, insurance and tax to individual customers.
Managers look at customers' requests for loans and overdrafts and decide on the conditions to attach to any loan facilities. Branch managers are also responsible for the day-to-day running of the branch, including personnel matters, training and monitoring work practices.
Managers working in specialist banking services work in a number of different areas. These include:
- Commercial and corporate banking
- Information technology
- Providing financial services.
Other managers may be based at regional or head offices dealing with trusts and investments, marketing, training or human resource management. At senior level, specialist managers assist in the formulation of policy and undertake economic research work.
Further Information
- Bank Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Banker, investment, corporate finance- from: GradIreland
- Retail banker- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Bank / Financial Manager
As a bank manager you'll need good communication and business skills and a methodical approach to problem solving. The ability to use and understand computers is important. You are likely to be given responsibility early on in your career.
Interests - Bank / Financial Manager
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.
Entry / Progression - Bank / Financial Manager
Each banking institution has specific entry requirements. In general preparation of your skills, experience, and qualification in financial services, customer service, and management.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, accounting technician, supervisory management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business, management, sales, marketing, commerce, banking, financial services, insurance, financial services, pre-apprenticeship, e-business studies, accounting.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Accounting, Financial Services, Sales.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, commerce, economics, maths, statistics, accounts, finance.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, regulatory and compliance, financial advice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
International Financial Services Skillnet Network
The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity
Irish Banking & Payments Federation
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Bank / Financial Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €42k - €88k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Sigmar/ Talent/ Osborne/ Clark
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Bank / Financial Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Financial managers; directors Financial institution; managers and directors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment has grown annually for this occupation since 2019, resulting in an above average annual growth rate over the five-year period. Between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was little growth in employment for the financial institution managers, with most of the growth relating to other financial managers/directors. Four-fifths of employment is concentrated in the financial activities sector. Although small in number, online job adverts grew by 7% in 2022.
Spotlight on Skills data points to a continuing demand for a range of financial related skills, including financial management, acumen, analysis and forecasting. Skills for financial managers, and in particular financial institution managers, are evolving with the changing nature of the financial sector, e.g. the impact of automation and digitalisation, the move to online banking and the transition to sustainable finance, with upskilling/reskilling likely to be a key requirement to meet future demand.
Useful Contacts - Bank / Financial Manager
-
Banking and Payments Federation Ireland
-
Institute of Bankers in Ireland
-
FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)
