Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   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.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Keep records of customers' charges and payments.
• Compile and analyse credit information gathered by investigation.
• Obtain information about potential creditors from banks, credit bureaus, and other credit services, and provide reciprocal information if requested.
• Interview credit applicants by telephone or in person to obtain personal and financial data needed to complete credit report.
• Evaluate customers' computerised credit records and payment histories to decide whether to approve new credit, based on predetermined standards.
• File sales slips in customers' ledgers for billing purposes.
• Receive charge slips or credit applications by mail, or receive information from salespeople or merchants by telephone.
• Mail charge statements to customers.
• Examine city directories and public records to verify residence property ownership, bankruptcies, liens, arrest record, or unpaid taxes of applicants.
• Relay credit report information to subscribers by mail or by telephone.

Further Information

• Credit Controller- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Credit Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]

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.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Employers will expect you to have confidence in dealing with difficult situations, numbers, and using spreadsheets and computerised accounts packages. Previous experience of office administration or customer service is often required. 

The Credit Management Institute of Ireland     is the professional body for the Credit Industry. Membership level is open to those employed in this sector, depending on experience in the business.

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: accounts, financial, business, office administration.

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, accountancy.

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 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, finance, commerce, accounting.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater Salary Survey / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln

Last Updated: February, 2024

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 (2024).

Financial administration roles accounted for the largest occupation in this group. Employment growth was above average although employment levels in 2023 recovered from a dip in 2022. Approximately a third of persons employed were in the financial sector, with the remainder spread across most other sectors including professional activities and wholesale & retail. Almost three quarters of those employed in these roles were female, and 60% held third-level qualifications.

The high volume of recent job hires, far exceeding employment growth, indicates that job churn is a feature of this occupation. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified roles including credit control, accounts payable/receivable and customer care (in insurance and banking) as difficult-to-fill. Skills identified in the Skills for Growth data included IT, communication, organisational, payroll, problem solving and report writing. For such a large occupation, and with a high level of job churn, demand for these roles is likely to continue in the short to medium term.

• Irish Institute of Credit Management

  • Chartered Institute of Credit Management, The Water Mill, Station Road, South Luffenham, OAKHAM LE15 8NB
  • +44 (0)1780 722900
  • [email protected]
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