Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Sarah Tenanty, Finance Operations
Sarah Tenanty Is the Financial Operations Lead for Zurich General Insurance in Ireland. Sarah entered the world of work after completing year one of a Level 8 Accounting and Finance degree at Dundalk Institute of Technology. She has completed her Professional Diploma in Insurance and is currently studying for her Management Diploma in Insurance.
Videos on the Web
- Financial Analyst- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Investment analysts study the performance of companies and industries so they can make recommendations as to where profitable investments can be made.
There are analysts who work for stockbrokers and analysts employed by investment firms. These two main types are often known as the 'sell side' and the 'buy side' respectively. Stockbroker analysts closely examine a company's annual reports and financial statements to find information on numbers of employees, output, sise of profits and turnover. These figures are compared with other companies to assess the outlook for that company's business.
Analysts may visit companies to help decide whether they are worth investing in. They must take into account external factors such as oil prices, political changes or wage settlements. Having gathered and assessed this information, an analyst produces an evaluation of the company's share price and compares this with the value determined by the market.
Both stockbroker analysts and institutional analysts write reports giving details of their findings and recommendations. They may also compile forecasts of the economy as a whole, and of specific industries, to give background detail for their work.
Investment analysts may undertake a considerable amount of travel, depending on their area of responsibility.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Advise clients on aspects of capitalisation, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
- Analyse financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies.
- Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
- Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or public relations experts.
- Collaborate with investment bankers to attract new corporate clients.
- Conduct financial analyses related to investments in green construction or green retrofitting projects.
- Confer with clients to restructure debt, refinance debt, or raise new debt.
- Create client presentations of plan details.
- Determine the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.
- Develop and maintain client relationships.
Further Information
- Corporate Finance (Video)- from: Deloitte
- Investment Analyst- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Financial Analyst
It is important that you have good numeric skills. A candidate should be confident and have strong organisational skills. Good communication skills are essential for explaining findings to clients, stockbrokers and investment managers and for producing clear, concise reports.
You will need analytical ability to extract relevant information from a mass of detail.
Interests - Financial Analyst
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.
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.
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.
Entry / Progression - Financial Analyst
If you are interested in a career in financial services, you have many options to build your knowledge and skills. You can learn from different sources and experiences in the financial sector. For example, financial advisers can come from various backgrounds and qualifications in financial services.
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
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, customer service, 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, 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, Finance, 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 and 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, 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.
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
The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity
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 - Financial Analyst
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €100k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Lincoln / Excel
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Financial Analyst
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants; Business analysts; Business and financial project management professionals.
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.
Useful Contacts - Financial Analyst
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Irish Stock Exchange
- 28 Anglesea Street, Dublin 2
- (01) 617 4200
- Click Here
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Chartered Financial Analysts Society Ireland (CFA)
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Chartered Accountants Ireland
- Chartered Accountants House, 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
- (01) 637 7200
- Click Here
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FINANCIAL PLANNING STANDARDS BOARD IRELAND DAC
- FPSB Ireland DAC 185a Kimmage Road West Dublin 12
- 01 4550150
- [email protected]
- Click Here
