Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

A Business Analyst analyses business using appropriate methods, with clients and users of the system. They design and redesign business processes using automation and technologies where appropriate, plan for business testing of the system, and the implementation and conversion to the new system.  
 
Business Analysts are also involved in reviewing the operation of the new system, and are responsible for the quality assurance aspect, ensuring that the original concepts and design intentions are fulfilled.  
 
A Senior Business Analyst may lead a team of business analysts and assure the quality of their work, interacting regularly with systems analysts on the technical design and testing of the computer elements of the business process.  
 
Business Analysts provide advice on improving the organisations efficiency and effectiveness, and provides ways on how to reorganise the company in order to achieve this goal. They also consult with managers and other professionals, such as those in IT, accounts, environmental management, quality management, marketing and human resources.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Document findings of study and prepare recommendations for implementation of new systems, procedures, or organisational changes.
• Interview personnel and conduct on-site observation to ascertain unit functions, work performed, and methods, equipment, and personnel used.
• Analyse data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
• Plan study of work problems and procedures, such as organisational change, communications, information flow, integrated production methods, inventory control, or cost analysis.
• Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.
• Gather and organise information on problems or procedures.
• Prepare manuals and train workers in use of new forms, reports, procedures or equipment, according to organisational policy.
• Review forms and reports and confer with management and users about format, distribution, and purpose, identifying problems and improvements.
• Develop and implement records management program for filing, protection, and retrieval of records, and assure compliance with program.
• Design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes of forms and reports.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 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.

 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.

Most entrants to this career are typically educated to a minimum degree standard in a business/IT related area and many have undertaken some post-graduate training e.g a bachelor’s degree in business administration, followed by an MBA business degree.

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

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, project, 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, psychology.

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: Lean Sigma Management, 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 management, commerce, psychology.

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: agile business analysis, business administration, business management, business, executive coaching.

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.

Financial Services Union

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.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

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

Data Source(s):
Osborne / Clark / Lincoln / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

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.

• Irish Business & Employers Confederation (IBEC)

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME)

  • 17 Kildare St, Dublin 2,
  • (01) 662 2755
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Enterprise Ireland

  • The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
  • (01) 727 2000
  • Click Here

• Business Analyst Association of Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4.
  • (01) 2377788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here