Working Life

Investment analysts study the performance of companies and industries so they can make recommendations as to where profitable investments can be made.  
 
There are analysts who work for stockbrokers and analysts employed by investment firms. These two main types are often known as the 'sell side' and the 'buy side' respectively. Stockbroker analysts closely examine a company's annual reports and financial statements to find information on numbers of employees, output, sise of profits and turnover. These figures are compared with other companies to assess the outlook for that company's business.  
 
Analysts may visit companies to help decide whether they are worth investing in. They must take into account external factors such as oil prices, political changes or wage settlements. Having gathered and assessed this information, an analyst produces an evaluation of the company's share price and compares this with the value determined by the market.  
 
Both stockbroker analysts and institutional analysts write reports giving details of their findings and recommendations. They may also compile forecasts of the economy as a whole, and of specific industries, to give background detail for their work.  
 
Investment analysts may undertake a considerable amount of travel, depending on their area of responsibility.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Advise clients on aspects of capitalisation, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
• Analyse financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies.
• Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
• Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or public relations experts.
• Collaborate with investment bankers to attract new corporate clients.
• Conduct financial analyses related to investments in green construction or green retrofitting projects.
• Confer with clients to restructure debt, refinance debt, or raise new debt.
• Create client presentations of plan details.
• Determine the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.

Further Information

• Corporate Finance (Video)- from: Deloitte
• Investment Analyst- 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.

 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.

 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.

If you are interested in a career in financial services, you have many options to build your knowledge and skills. You can learn from different sources and experiences in the financial sector. For example, financial advisers can come from various backgrounds and qualifications in financial services.

Some Independent Financial Advisers are qualified accountants & financial services.

• Transition from NFQ level 6-8 program with level 2.2, entry based on interview
• Mature applicants considered on application

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, 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, 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, Sales.

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 and 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.

To qualify as an accountant, you need to register with one of the appropriate professional bodies. You then combine on-the-job training with part-time study and written examinations.  

The relevant bodies are:  

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants  
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland  
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  

If you want to register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempt from some written examinations.

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 - €100k

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

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

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants and business analysts, Business and financial project management professionals.

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

Employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment declined marginally between 2022 and 2023. Employment was spread across a number of sectors, primarily professional activities, industry, financial activities and ICT. This occupation had the largest number of employment permits issued across all financial occupations, although the numbers issued fell by almost 900 since 2022; permits issued were primarily for analysts and consultancy roles in the financial activities and ICT sectors.

Employer data from Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills noted issues sourcing business process managers, project managers, those with data analytics and leadership skills and sector specific experience (e.g. life sciences, ICT). Project management skills are increasingly mentioned in relation to the skills profile for other roles (e.g. ICT, engineers, etc) rather than just as a standalone role.

Although demand is evident for specific skills in this occupation, no shortages have been identified.

• Irish Stock Exchange

  • 28 Anglesea Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 617 4200
  • Click Here

• Chartered Financial Analysts Society Ireland (CFA)

  • PO Box 11111 Glenageary, Co Dublin.
  • 087 6392159
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

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

• FINANCIAL PLANNING STANDARDS BOARD IRELAND DAC

  • FPSB Ireland DAC 185a Kimmage Road West Dublin 12
  • 01 4550150
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here