Most commonly reported Work Activities

• 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.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• 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.
• 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.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.

The Work

Independent financial advisers (IFAs) provide financial advice to suit the needs of their clients (ranging from individuals to large companies). They also make arrangements for that advice to be carried out if the client wishes. Clients may be seeking investment advice for the short, medium or long term.  
 
IFAs are known as independent because they advise on products from a range of companies; they are not 'tied' to dealing with only one company. The products that IFAs deal with are known broadly as personal investment products. These include things like mortgages, life insurance, pensions, savings accounts, protection policies (for example, income protection and personal health insurance) and stock market investment schemes. New products are being designed all the time, so IFAs need to keep up-to-date. Some IFAs specialise in one kind of product.  
 
When the IFA first meets a client they discuss the client's current situation and their financial needs. For example, a person may be self-employed and need to make financial plans to provide an income in case they are ill. Another may want to set up a health protection policy to cover their family for private medical care.  
 
The IFA then researches the financial market for appropriate products and recommends different options to the client. The client might then ask the IFA to act on the recommendations (for example by making arrangements for a policy to be set up) or to do further research.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
• Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
• Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
• Implement financial planning recommendations or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
• Analyse financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
• Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
• Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
• Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
• Investigate available investment opportunities to determine compatibility with client financial plans.
• Explain to clients the personal financial advisor's responsibilities and the types of services to be provided.

Further Information

• Business Adviser - from: N.C.S. [UK]

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.

Business & Financial advisers will develop their career from many pathways in Financial services. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Sales associate, 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 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

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

Professional Development 

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

Some Independent Advisers are qualified accountants & financial services.

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)* €35k - €90k

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

Data Source(s):
Payscale / Osborne / Morgan McKinley/ Clark

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 for this occupation was strong; this is in part related to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment levels have also been increasing annually since then. Over 700 new employment permits were issued in 2021 for roles including risk/business analysts and project managers.

The ICT sector accounted for over a third of permits issued, although the numbers employed in this occupation in the ICT sector are small. The number of advertised vacancies in the OVATE data increased by 39%, albeit from a small base. While no shortages are evident, the skills in demand as highlighted by the Spotlight on Skills data in the introduction above (e.g. relationship management, critical thinking etc) would be of relevance for these occupations.

• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

  • ICSA Irish Region, P.O. Box 7568, Foxrock, Dublin 18
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (IMCA)

  • 19 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 533 0814
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here