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.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Working Life

• Back up or modify applications and related data to provide for disaster recovery.
• Determine sources of web page or server problems, and take action to correct such problems.
• Review or update web page content or links in a timely manner, using appropriate tools.
• Monitor systems for intrusions or denial of service attacks, and report security breaches to appropriate personnel.
• Implement web site security measures, such as firewalls or message encryption.
• Administer internet/intranet infrastructure, including components such as web, file transfer protocol (FTP), news and mail servers.
• Collaborate with development teams to discuss, analyse, or resolve usability issues.
• Test backup or recovery plans regularly and resolve any problems.
• Monitor web developments through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
• Implement updates, upgrades, and patches in a timely manner to limit loss of service.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
• Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
• Recruit staff members.
• Prepare operational or risk reports for management analysis.
• Evaluate data pertaining to costs to plan budgets.
• Oversee training programmes.
• Examine, evaluate, or process loan applications.
• Approve, reject, or coordinate the approval or rejection of lines of credit or commercial, real estate, or personal loans.
• Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
• Prepare financial or regulatory reports required by laws, regulations, or boards of directors.

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 digital manager role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many managers start their careers in sales. marketing, content development, or customer service and then progress. 

The most relevant degree subjects include business, ICT, management and marketing. Likewise increasingly 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 admin, customer service, digital media 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, ICT, digital media.

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, ICT.

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: economics, accountancy, digital media marketing, ecommerce, computer science.

Courses of any financial subject may apply, but holders of economics, accountancy, digital media marketing, ecommerce, and computer science degrees may have an advantage. Courses are available at many universities.

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: business, commerce, finance, accounting, project management, web design 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

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)* €40k - €90k

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

Data Source(s):
Clark / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Azon/ Prosperity.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Financial accounts managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was above average for this occupation, largely related to an increase of 2,000 persons employed between 2022 and 2023. Employment was spread across a range of sectors including financial and professional activities, transport and storage and industry. The small number of employment permits issued in 2023 were mainly for account manager roles. The data provides no evidence of issues in relation to this occupation.

• 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

• AIB Bank Ireland

  • 10 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
  • (0)1 6600311
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here