Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
•   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.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

• Consumer debt collection nowadays makes up the majority of the workload of a debt collector. This involves collecting money from members of the public who have not paid debts such as mail order catalogue repayments or credit card bills.  

• In the case of personal debt, a debt collector contacts the debtor in writing or by telephone to ask for the debt to be settled. They may, at this stage, listen to the reasons for non-payment and offer appropriate advice based on the debtor's circumstances. For example, alternative methods of payment might be suggested. Debt collectors always try to reach a settlement with the debtor that is also acceptable to the creditor.  

• A field debt collector visits the customer's home if payment is not received. Only as a last resort does a debt collector start legal proceedings. At this stage a bailiff may be employed by a creditor to seise a debtor's goods or assets.  

• In commercial debt collection large amounts of money can be owed. A debt collector contacts the company by letter or telephone. If there is no response they threaten legal action and if the company still does not pay, legal proceedings start.  

• Debt collectors can specialise in international work. Foreign debt collection companies and legal professionals may be contracted to assist with this. Other debt collectors may specialise as trace agents looking for debtors who have vanished. Debt collectors may also serve and summons High Court writs.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Record information about financial status of customers and status of collection efforts.
• Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visits to solicit payment.
• Locate and monitor overdue accounts, using computers and a variety of automated systems.
• Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers' financial situations.
• Advise customers of necessary actions and strategies for debt repayment.
• Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts.
• Persuade customers to pay amounts due on credit accounts, damage claims, or nonpayable checks, or to return merchandise.
• Confer with customers by telephone or in person to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, service, or credit contracts.
• Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.
• Trace delinquent customers to new addresses by inquiring at post offices, telephone companies, credit bureaus, or through the questioning of neighbors.

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.

 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.

Each of the big banking institutions have specific entry requirements. Candidates should check with the individual banks & financial companies for particular non-grad or graduate opportunities. A combination of previous job performance, experience, completion of in-company training courses and part-time study contributes to development in finance & banking.

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, administration, customer service, accounts, 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, finance, 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 Apprenticeships.

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, math, 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, compliance, banking, financial advice, fintech.

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.

The Institute of Bankers: is the professional body for people in the banking and financial services sector. It provides qualification programmes for its members. It has established a joint programme with University College Dublin, leading to the Degree of Bachelor of Financial Services.

The 30% club Ireland: Promoting Diversity in Finance careers.

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)* €26k - €50k

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

Data Source(s):
Azon / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln / Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Collector; salespersons and credit agents; Debt; rent and other cash collectors; Roundspersons and van salespersons; Market and street traders; and assistants Merchandisers; and window dressers; Sales related occupations n.e.c.; Sales supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

There was a large fall in employment levels between 2021 and 2022, declining by over 9.000 persons. Employment for this occupation is across a number of roles (e.g. sales supervisors, window dressers, street traders and debt collectors). A shift in business models, particularly to online selling, may reduce the demand for in-person sales related activities (e.g. van sales persons or window dressers) in the coming years.

• Irish Institute of Credit Management

  • Chartered Institute of Credit Management, The Water Mill, Station Road, South Luffenham, OAKHAM LE15 8NB
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