Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Investment Fund Manager- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- 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.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- 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.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- 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.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
Investment fund managers manage equity and fixed income funds, currency or property on behalf of clients who are looking for the greatest possible return on their investment.
Clients may include insurance policy holders, investors in insurance companies, holders of unit and investment trusts and contributors to pension funds. The amounts of money involved can be quite considerable and the responsibility is great as poor investments can lose clients' money.
The work involves developing and implementing effective fund investment policies and strategies. There is usually also an element of client service. Fund managers need to maintain a broad knowledge of the relevant investment markets.
There are also likely to be some staff management responsibilities.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Manage investment funds to maximise return on client investments.
- Select specific investments or investment mixes for purchase by an investment fund.
- Monitor financial or operational performance of individual investments to ensure portfolios meet risk goals.
- Select or direct the execution of trades.
- Develop or implement fund investment policies or strategies.
- Perform or evaluate research, such as detailed company or industry analyses, to inform financial forecasting, decision making, or valuation.
- Present investment information, such as product risks, fees, or fund performance statistics.
- Develop, implement, or monitor security valuation policies.
- Meet with investors to determine investment goals or to discuss investment strategies.
- Attend investment briefings or consult financial media to stay abreast of relevant investment markets.
Qualities - Investment Fund Manager
As an investment fund manager you should understand world business and financial affairs and be capable of evaluating complex financial information. You should have good judgement and decision-making skills, with financial knowledge and business experience. At all times, fund managers must be aware of trends and current activity in the financial market.
Investment fund managers must liaise effectively with clients and other organisations. This is a very image conscious occupation, as much of the work is based on confidence in individuals and the institutions they represent. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for writing reports and negotiating with clients.
For many posts you would need supervisory skills for managing teams of people.
Interests - Investment Fund 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.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Investment Fund Manager
To become an investment fund manager you would generally need extensive financial management experience. Most start their career as an investment analyst or as a trainee fund manager, progressing to fund manager within two or three years. Training is mainly on-the-job supplemented by short courses. There are a number of courses offered by the universities that provide a basis for a career in the financial services.
Further education can help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.
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, accounts technician, 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, Lean Sigma Management.
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, 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
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 - Investment Fund Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €150k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
CPL/ Sigmar / Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley/ Azon
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Investment Fund Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Financial accounts managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Emloyment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, with employment declining marginally between 2021 and 2022. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to fund and account managers. The data provides no evidence of issues in relation to this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Investment Fund Manager
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FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)
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Banking and Payments Federation Ireland
