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.

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.

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 

Financial Services Union

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.

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

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 (2024)       

Employment growth was below average for this occupation over the five-year period, with employment declining by 2,200 between 2022 and 2023. The professional activities sector accounted for the largest share of employment at 44%, with industry and the financial activities sectors combined accounting for a further 28%. Over half (54%) of those employed were female with most working full-time.

The number of employment permits issued fell by 320 between 2022 and 2023 but remained higher than previous years; half of the permits issued related to auditing roles, with the remainder for other accountants (financial, tax, fund) and tax consultants. This occupation accounted for 2.5% of all online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023. The Recruitment Agency Survey and Skills for Growth data identified difficult-to-fill vacancies for part- or newly-qualified accountants and qualified financial accountants (including those with management experience, communication skills, IT skills and those with experience (5 years+).

Demand is likely to be strong due to replacement demand alone for such a large occupation. Upskilling/reskilling will be required for many of those currently employed to adapt to changing skills profiles as a result of digitalisation/AI, climate change (e.g. understanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices/criteria), corporate sustainability reporting (under CSRD), and changing regulation (e.g. Brexit).

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

  • Stephen Street Upper, Dublin 8, D08 DR9P
  • (0)1 4755908
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Banking and Payments Federation Ireland

  • Nassau House, Nassau St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 671 5311
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Northern Trust

  • Georges Court, 54 - 62 Townsend St, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 R156
  • (01) 542 2000
  • Click Here