Graduate Recruitment Guide

Graduate Recruitment Guide

 

The Funds Sector:

In the last few years the Funds Industry in Dublin has grown rapidly and has resulted in more choices and opportunities than ever before for graduates.  The Dublin market is now recognised as a Centre for Excellence in the provision of Accounting and Administrative services to various fund types.  As a result, there is now a vast array of companies ranging from the global pedigree names to the independent operators that have openings for graduates to join their organisations, providing an excellent career path and also a chance to specialise in an area in which they have a genuine interest.  The main focus of the Dublin Industry is the administration of Funds.  Today, the Investment Funds Industry in Dublin directly employs over 4,000 people and this number is expected to grow extensively within the next five years.  Of these over 90% are under 30 years of age.

 

Careers Prospects:

Within the Funds Industry there are a number of different career opportunities for enthusiastic and bright individuals. 

 

The careers related to the administration of investment funds include:

Fund Accounting/Administration/Valuations

Shareholder services/Transfer Agency

Custody

Trustee and compliance

Client Administration/ Client Services

 

Salary & Benefits: Salaries are offered in line with educational qualifications and experience and are reviewed at least annually to ensure they remain competitive.  As well as attractive salaries, most companies offer some or all of the below benefits:

• Bonus
• Share option schemes
• Club subscriptions
• Preferential personal loans
• Travel Incentives
• Health cover
• Pension schemes
• Educational support
• Mortgage Subsidies

Graduate salaries tend to range from €23,000 to €26,000 but those with relevant financial services experience can command higher salaries.  This level is often reviewed after a probation period which is usually 6 months or reviewed on annual basis.

One of the advantages of the funds area is that there is a defined career path and hard work and commitment is rewarded with career progression and therefore an increased salary level. There is also an opportunity for further education while in these roles such as ACCA.

Contact Details

Maeve O'Meara

Recruitment Consultant

The IFSC Panel

Ph: 01 637 7014

maeve@thepanel.com

 

The Accountancy Sector

           

For both Part-Qualified and Junior Accountants the market continues to grow among both financial services and industry clients. Junior accounts positions entail general level accounting duties and prove to be crucial start off points to experience different practices, industries and sectors. The general acquired certificate for a junior accountant is (IATI) The Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland – see the website under useful links. Part-qualified Accountants with 3 to 5 exams remaining are proving to be very popular and in many instances are filling positions that have historically been held with newly qualified accountants.

 

Career Prospects:

Graduates normally start off work as an Accounts clerk assisting Senior Accountants. Their duties involve Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and Bookkeeping.

Clerks then move to an Assistant role where they are given more responsibility. Individuals generally then continue for the ACCA / CIMA exams or specialize in a particular area such as:

- Credit Control Manager

- Senior Accounts Payable Manager

- Credit Analyst

- Senior Bookkeeper

- Payroll specialist

 

Usually after 1-2 years, part-qualified accountants will have worked in enough areas to choose a more specialised role:

For those studying ACCA:

Financial accountant

Company accountant

Financial controller

Auditor

 

Those who choose the CIMA route:

Management accountant

Commercial accountant

Business analyst

Finance analyst

Cost accountant/ budget accountant

Salary & Benefits:

Base salary for a graduate, carrying exemptions from ACCA or CIMA who has registered to continue the exams start at about €20,000. For those who have accounts work experience, this moves up to around €25,000. Those who are the final stages of exams, and have at least 3-4 years experience, usually earn €38k-€42k.

 

For Junior Accountants salary expectations at Graduate levels range between €22-€25K. After 1-2 years experience salaries will rise up to €25-€30K. Those with at least 3-4 years experience behind them usually earn €30-€35K. For a Senior Credit control Manager or Accounts Payable Manager expectations would be €40-€45K.

 

Most companies will offer a standard benefits package which will include:

• Exam support and exam leave (inc. payment of course fees, and exemption fees, and at least 2 days off per exam).
• VHI/BUPA
• Pension Schemes
• Annual review with bonus
• VHI/BUPA
• Club subscriptions
• Travel Incentives

Contact details:

Richard Ruth

Recruitment Consultant

The Accountants Panel

Ph: 661 4771

richard@thepanel.com