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

The Accounts Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that the day to day operational team duties are processed in a timely manner and that all accounts receivable invoices are raised and sent out as required and any outstanding accounts are followed up. 

Work as an Accounts Team Leader will involve mentoring, coaching and developing team members including supporting them in workplace learning. 

The Accounts Team Leader develops and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders including branch staff and suppliers. Work will involve overseeing maintenance of asset register in collaboration with corporate services to achieve asset management objectives, verifying complex transactions and auditing income reports.

The Team Leader assists in systems testing for upgrades and future mergers and in compiling information for the annual budget. 

The Accounts Team Leader will identify and implement improvement of accounting processes. Employment opportunites can be found within the accounts department of companies and organisations as well as accounting firms and financial institutions.

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.

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.

New entrants to accountancy can either join following leaving cert, or as a university graduate. The graduate route has become the most common entry route, but the alternative accounting technician route remains popular.

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, accounting technician, 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: accounting, business, accounting technicians.

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, Insurance.

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

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.

Professional Development

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  (CIMI) 
• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  (CPA) 
• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.

Accountancy courses are available at universities and through a range of other centers throughout Ireland.

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)* €50k - €75k

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

Data Source(s):
CPL/. Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Azon/ Talent.com

Last Updated: April, 2023

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Credit controllers, Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks, Bank and post office clerks, Finance officers, Financial administrative occupations n.e.c., Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Although financial administration roles have seen a below average growth over the five year period, they remain the largest occupation in this group.

Two thirds of employment relates to the financial, professional activities and wholesale and retail sectors combined. Almost three quarters of those employed in these roles were female, two-thirds held third-level qualifications and one fifth were working part-time.

With very little employment growth but a relatively high level of recent job hires, replacement demand appears to be the main source of job opportunities for these roles. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy posts related to accounts assistants/administrators, bookkeepers, payroll and finance/pension administrators.

Difficult-to-fill vacancies mentioned in the Recruitment Agency Survey and Skills for Growth data pointed to issues in sourcing candidates with skills and knowledge in credit control, accounts, payroll, customer care, compliance skills, import/export & trade knowledge, and digital skills. Given the size of this occupation and the high level of turnover, demand is expected to persist in the short to medium term.

• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

  • 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 649 8100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

  • Chartered Accountants House, 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 637 7200
  • Click Here

• Irish Management Institute

  • Clonard, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16
  • 1800 22 33 88
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here