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.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   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.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
• Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
• Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
• Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
• Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
• Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
• Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
• Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Further Information

• Private Practice Accountant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Public Finance Accountant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax Inspector- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax officer/inspector- from: GradIreland
• Trainee Tax Consultant (Video)- from: Deloitte

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.

The most relevant degree subjects include business, finance, accounting and management.

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: 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, Finance.

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, maths & statistics, accounts & finance, law and taxation.

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, accounting, financial advice, taxation.

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.

The Institute of Taxation in Ireland relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in Taxation Consultancy. The Institute of Taxation in Ireland provides a choice of options. It is also possible to enter the profession as a qualified accountant or solicitor and register directly for the Institute of Taxation in Ireland professional examinations. Certain exemptions are available in these circumstances.

The relevant professional bodies are:

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

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.  

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

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 - €85k

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

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Sigmar / CPL /Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Collins McNicolas/ Clark/ 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).

• Irish Tax Institute

  • South Block, Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2
  • (01) 663 1700
  • Click Here

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

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

• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

  • 5th Floor, Block E, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Rd., Dublin 2
  • (01) 643 0400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

  • 9 Leeson Park, Dublin 6
  • (01) 447 5678
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here