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.

The Work

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.

There are many pathways into a career in accounts & administration. 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.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & Office Admin, Customer service, Accounts Technician in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, and Accounting courses around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Financial services, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Financial advice NFQ level 9

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €60k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Although financial administration roles have seen a below average growth over the five year period, they remain the largest occupation in this group.

Two thirds of employment relates to the financial, professional activities and wholesale and retail sectors combined. Almost three quarters of those employed in these roles were female, two-thirds held third-level qualifications and one fifth were working part-time.

With very little employment growth but a relatively high level of recent job hires, replacement demand appears to be the main source of job opportunities for these roles. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy posts related to accounts assistants/administrators, bookkeepers, payroll and finance/pension administrators.

Difficult-to-fill vacancies mentioned in the Recruitment Agency Survey and Skills for Growth data pointed to issues in sourcing candidates with skills and knowledge in credit control, accounts, payroll, customer care, compliance skills, import/export & trade knowledge, and digital skills. Given the size of this occupation and the high level of turnover, demand is expected to persist in the short to medium term.

• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

  • 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 649 8100
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