Ireland is highly ranked within Europe’s financial sector, hosting over 500 global financial institutions. Moreover, providing financial services internationally, with close to 40,000 Irish people working in some sort of financial role.
Dublin is the hub of Ireland’s financial activity, with the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC) accommodating some of the world’s largest financial establishments.
Careers can range from working within International Banks, Fund Management, Insurance, or as an Investment Manager, Accountant or an Advisor to name a few.
Staying relevant and securing your ideal role within this competitive sector doesn’t have to be difficult, as help is on hand from Lorraine Shine, Recruitment Manager in Allen Recruitment, who has been working and recruiting in the Financial sector for 10 years.
So, first things first are your skills in demand?
Lorraine says…
Prior to the market downturn, the Finance sector was buoyant and I expect this to resume when market conditions improve. While there is demand across a broad range of finance roles, there is a strong demand for qualified accountants with 2 years plus industry experience and recently we are seeing a demand for finance and funds professionals with data analysis skills.
Other finance skills in demand include compliance and controls, financial planning & analysis, budgeting and forecasting.
Finance and IT seem to be merging somewhat in certain sectors with clients coming to us looking for finance profiles with advanced IT skills (sometimes even coding skills).
What are the 3 must have skills in the financial sector?
Lorraine says….
1.Process Improvement skills: Employers often look to see where prospective employees added value within previous roles. For finance professionals, process and systems improvement is a great way of demonstrating not only where they have added value but can also demonstrate initiative and ability to think outside the box.
2.Analytical and problem-solving skills: These are often assessed at interview stage through behavioral and situational questions.
3.Commercial Awareness: Finance professionals within many organisations these days are involved in or contribute to decisions that have a commercial impact on the business. They need to have a good understanding of all activities carried out by the organisation and have a good overall understanding of the industry that they work in, keeping up to date with market trends.
Is a Degree essential?
Lorraine says…
A solid educational background is important for roles in Finance – a degree is often a requirement for many organisations and for many accountancy roles either a part or full ACCA/ ACA/ CIMA qualification is needed. Additional qualifications are viewed very favourably.
Will your personality make a difference?
Lorraine says…
Finance was traditionally viewed as a “heads down” type of role. This is definitely no longer the case!
Finance professionals need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills and be able to engage with key stakeholders both inside and outside the organisation. I would say that personal attributes and soft skills are just as important as technical skills and experience.
Where can you find my next Finance role?
The companies that Allen Recruitment partner with currently have a number of Finance roles ranging from global multi-nationals to Irish owned organisations and high growth startups.
We have vacancies across Ireland and the UK with permanent, temporary and contract roles on offer. So, head to the opened jobs link below and let Allen Recruitment assist you in finding your dream Finance job!
