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.

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 no specific qualifications needed for the job of Accounts Assistant, although requirements will vary depending on the size of the company and nature of the business. In smaller organisations employers may provide on-the-job training, for accounts payable/ receiveable.

Employers will generally expect prospective employees to demonstrate quick thinking, a logical mind, and look for a good standard of Second level subjects such as Maths, Accountancy, Business and English, also IT skills Office Excel in particular.

Larger firms may also want to see an Entry Level qualification in accounting or a related subject. A qualification in bookkeeping or accounts preparation will act as a good grounding for the job and will usually enable accounts assistants to progress to higher salary levels. Training towards relevant qualifications offered by many employers through the job.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Accounting Technician in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses Accounting & Business, Accounting Technicians Ireland courses at NFQ levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Financial services, Insurance Apprenticeships NFQ levels 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

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

Professional Development

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

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.  

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €24k - €50k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/Osborne/ Brightwater / Lincoln/ Indeed/ Excel/ Clark

Last Updated: June, 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
  • [email protected]
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