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Also Known As
- Finance Manager, Investment Funds
- Fund Manager, Investment
Introduction
Investment fund managers work in the financial sector managing equity funds, currency or property on behalf of clients looking for the best return on their investment. Employers include insurance companies, unit and investment trusts and pension fund managers.
Work Activities
Investment fund managers manage equity and fixed income funds, currency or property on behalf of clients who are looking for the greatest possible return on their investment.
Clients may include insurance policy holders, investors in insurance companies, holders of unit and investment trusts and contributors to pension funds. The amounts of money involved can be quite considerable and the responsibility is great as poor investments can lose clients' money.
The work involves developing and implementing effective fund investment policies and strategies. There is usually also an element of client service. Fund managers need to maintain a broad knowledge of the relevant investment markets.
There are also likely to be some staff management responsibilities.
Personal Qualities and Skills
As an investment fund manager you should understand world business and financial affairs and be capable of evaluating complex financial information. You should have good judgement and decision-making skills, with financial knowledge and business experience. At all times, fund managers must be aware of trends and current activity in the financial market.
Investment fund managers must liaise effectively with clients and other organisations. This is a very image conscious occupation, as much of the work is based on confidence in individuals and the institutions they represent. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for writing reports and negotiating with clients.
For many posts you would need supervisory skills for managing teams of people.
Pay and Opportunities
Competition is intense in this field. Investments firms are based in Dublin. Insurance companies, investment banks and stock broking firms can provide employment. Experienced managers can be self employed with opportunities to work abroad. Salaries vary from EUR30k to EUR60k per year depending on prevailing economic conditions. With experience this can go from EUR70k to EUR90k per year. Higher earners can make much more than this. Bonuses and performance related pay are also factors.
Entry Routes and Training
To become an investment fund manager you would generally need extensive financial management experience. Most start their career as an investment analyst or as a trainee fund manager, progressing to fund manager within two or three years. Training is mainly on-the-job supplemented by short courses. There are a number of courses offered by the universities that provide a basis for a career in the financial services.
Qualifications
Investment fund managers usually need relevant experience in, for example accountancy, banking, economics or insurance, or a relevant degree .
Please see http://www.cao.ie/courses.php for information on course qualifications.
Application for admission to undergraduate courses must be made in accordance with the regulations and procedures and timetable described in the CAO Handbook.
The Handbook is confined to giving information on how to apply for admission to the relevant institutions. Applicants should not attempt to complete the application form
without first referring to the information literature on courses, which is available from the institutions to which application is to be made.
You should check with the individual Institutions' prospectuses for specific entry requirements and course details.
Adult Opportunities
Mature applicants need relevant professional experience in accountancy, economics, banking, broking or insurance, usually with a relevant degree . A background working in investment as, for example, a researcher or analyst can be useful. Other financial management experience is also an advantage.
Experience or knowledge of particular industrial and business sectors is an advantage. Foreign language skills can also be helpful.
Postgraduate courses in investment can be taken, usually following a numerate or other business related degree.
Further Information
Contact your local FÁS office for Career Guidance, planning and support that will help you make informed decisions about the best career direction for you
Further Reading
Resources
- AGCAS: Financial Services
CSU
- AGCAS: City Markets
CSU
- AGCAS: Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial Work
CSU
- GTI: City and Finance Careers
GTI Specialist Publishers Ltd
- Guide to Careers in Finance
Hobsons Publishing plc
Jobs Ireland
FÁS Courses
Labour Market Information
Qualifax: Ireland’s National Learners’ Database
Contacts
Glossary
degree
A qualification awarded by a university or college of higher education, following a course of study. A degree usually takes three years full-time to complete.
Postgraduate
A higher education course or research study, undertaken by a student who has already completed a first degree. Also used to describe a student who has a first degree and is studying for a more advanced qualification.
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