Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Associate Accountant- from: Youtube Search
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.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- 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.
Working Life
Typical tasks might include:
- Assisting in the productions of daily, weekly and monthly Net Asset Values (NAVs).
- Issue NAVs accurately and within defined timeframes
- Deliver high quality service to customers by accurate, timely completion of all assigned tasks (which may be parts of larger processes) and requests for information.
- Own valuation process for assigned portfolios
- Escalating fund accounting issues and aged items to supervisors
- Perform tasks under supervision of defined processes or procedures and check for errors. Ensure procedures in relation to above tasks are adhered to
- Maintains the control of accounts and records in such areas as expenses, Inventory, Cost Accounting and Standard Setting
- Designs, modifies, installs, and/or maintains accounting systems to ensure an adequate recognition of financial transactions
- Responsible for the adherence to and communication of accounting and auditing policies and procedures and internal controls.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyse information.
- Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
- Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
- Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
- Code documents according to company procedures.
- Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
- Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
- Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
- Access computerised financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.
Qualities - Associate Accountant
- Client service orientation
- Good attention to detail
- Demonstrates willingness to help others outside team
- Good prioritisation and multi-tasking skills
- Strong problem solving skills
- Organises own workload and establishes priorities
- Demonstrates good knowledge of standards and procedures required for own tasks
- Excellent PC skills especially MS Excel
View the Irish Financial Services Skills Framework for details on the technical and professional skills that support effective performance across roles and industries.
Interests - Associate Accountant
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.
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.
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.
Entry / Progression - Associate Accountant
The Associate Accountant's role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many associates start their careers in sales or customer service and then progress.
The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Likewise also an engineering mindset. Although a degree may sometimes be required, experience and track record are often as important to an employer.
Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.
View the Irish Financial Services Skills Framework for details on the technical and professional skills that support effective performance across roles and industries.
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, office admin, accounting technician.
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, Financial Services.
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, 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
Qualified financial Advisers
On-the-job training continuous professional development is complemented by study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification. Three levels of examination measure a candidate's ability to apply the fundamental knowledge of investment principles at a professional level.
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 - Associate Accountant
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €70k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Clark / Morgan McKinley / Azon/ Lincoln/ Osborne
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Associate Accountant
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chartered and certified accountants and taxation experts.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).
Accountants and tax experts are the second largest occupation in this grouping, with above average employment growth over the five-year period; this was particularly pronounced between 2023 and 2024, with an additional 9,700 persons employed.
Employment was spread across sectors but particularly in professional activities, financial and industry. This occupation had an above average share of women employed and a below average share of non-Irish citizens.
Most of the employment permits issued related to auditors in the financial sector. Despite the strong growth in employment, the share of OJAs for accountants (for the total business and financial group) has fallen since 2023.
Difficult-to-fill mentions (RAS and Skills for Growth) related to accountants, including cost accountants, across financial, tax, insurance, practice and the manufacturing sector, with both newly and part-qualified accountants in demand. In addition to accountancy-related skills, employers were seeking candidates with experience, especially in manufacturing, as well as digital (Excel) and organisational skills.
While demand is evident at present, artificial intelligence is likely to play a transformational role in the tasks associated with this occupation with some highlighting the likely decline in employment numbers for accountants in the long term. However, given such a large occupation, job opportunities will persist.
Useful Contacts - Associate Accountant
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FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)
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Banking and Payments Federation Ireland
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Northern Trust
- Georges Court, 54 - 62 Townsend St, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 R156
- (01) 542 2000
- Click Here
