Opportunities for Finance Graduates
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 Finance Graduates

 

Applications for this competition have now closed.


The Role

An Administrative Officer (Finance Policy) may be involved in assessing and advising on national and international financial developments and providing policy advice designed to support the Government’s social and economic policy objectives. An AO may be required to advise and brief senior management and Ministers on financial and business policies and contribute to the drafting, and passage through the Oireachtas, of legislation concerning financial issues.

An AO may also be involved in monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of individual financial institutions and providing support and advice on their area of responsibilities including: preparation of financial models, risk analysis and developing appropriate methodologies.



The Department of Finance

A key Department recruiting at this grade is the Department of Finance whose mission is to lead in the achievement of the Government’s economic, fiscal and financial policy goals, having regard to the commitments set out in the Programme for Government.

The Department’s goals are set out in its Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 and are as follows:

  • Balanced, sustainable economic growth
  • Sound Public Finances
  • Well regulated, sustainable banking and financial sector
  • International leadership in economic, fiscal and financial decision making
  • Promoting environmentally sustainable economic progress

The Department plays a key role in developing policy responses to a range of economic and geopolitical challenges that face the State. AOs can expect to be employed in a range of roles across the economic and policy Divisions in the Department. This spans areas from Banking and International Financial Services, Tax Policy, Economic Analysis and Planning and consideration of economic impacts of key societal issues such as climate change, housing and health. The Department has a significant focus on EU and International Affairs and will play a key role in Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union in 2026, with associated opportunities to represent Ireland on the EU and international stage.


Please note that while the majority of vacancies that arise for this stream will be for the Department of Finance, vacancies may also arise in other Government Departments throughout the lifetime of the competition.



Responsibilities

The main areas of responsibilities for an Administrative Officer (Finance Policy) may include:

  • assessing and advising Ministers and senior management on financial developments, including strategic developments in International Financial Services, financial stability and regulatory issues
  • preparation of advice and briefing for senior management and Ministers on financial and business topics arising in a national, EU, or global context
  • the development and implementation of legislation and strategies at EU/Euro area level and internationally in relation to economic, fiscal and financial policy formulation and preparation for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026
  • contributing to the development of tax policy and its implementation domestically via the Budget process, including the preparation of pre-budget submissions for the Minister for Finance and the drafting and preparation of legislation
  • supporting the Minister for Finance and senior management in the delivery of the Budget and Finance Bill
  • developing and implementing national and EU/International policy and legislation in relation to the financial services sector
  • Government accounting (policy & standards etc), internal financial control, Management Information Systems
  • assisting in preparation of financial models, valuation materials and risk research and analysis
  • development and monitoring of execution of organisational strategy and divisional business plans.


Essential Requirements

Applicants for this position must, on or before the closing date of Thursday 13th March 2025:

  • (i) hold a first or second class primary honours degree (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Taxation or another financial discipline.
    • OR
  • (ii) hold a first or second class primary honours degree in any discipline (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) and a first or second class higher diploma (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Taxation or another financial discipline.
    • OR
  • (iii) hold a Master’s degree or Post Graduate Diploma (at Level 9 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Taxation or another financial discipline.
    • OR
  • (iv) be qualified as an Accountant or Tax Advisor and be a member of a recognised body of accountants OR Tax Advisors, or be entitled to such membership (having attained a standard in the final examination that is acceptable to publicjobs as meeting the needs of the competition).
    • AND
  • (v) successfully demonstrate the required capabilities for this role. It is expected that from the outset, those newly recruited will be able to make a substantive contribution to the work of the Civil Service. While training is to a significant extent ‘on the job’, induction and training courses in specific skills and areas of work will be provided to assist you to become familiar with the public sector.


IMPORTANT: Please see Appendix 1 for more information on the Capability Framework and preparation guidelines.

Please note, to be eligible for this stream, you must have completed a significant number of modules in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Taxation or another financial discipline in your qualification i.e. at least an average of 50% of your course modules across your qualification(s).

NOTE: Qualifications/eligibility may not be confirmed until the final stage of the process, therefore, those candidates who do not possess the essential requirements, by Thursday, 13th March 2025, and proceed with their application are putting themselves to unnecessary effort/expense and will not be offered a position from this competition.





Hear from our colleagues in the Department of Finance

Geraldine

Geraldine
International Finance Division

I am an Administrative Officer in the International Finance Division at the Department of Finance. My role is to represent Ireland’s operational and financial interests and priorities in multilateral development banks and ensure that governance and shareholding responsibilities are met.

I manage the relationships with the banks, other member states, departments and with external stakeholders. This can involve travelling overseas so flexibility is important. Generally my work varies greatly, is extremely interesting and no day is the same. My work tasks range from development project evaluation, policy analysis, formulation, and engaging with the other stakeholders at meetings and conferences.

I joined the Department of Finance in 2019, having upskilled and returned to the workforce after taking time out to focus on my family. I was attracted by the broad social, economic and political context of the work and importantly, as someone returning to the workforce, felt that the role offered me an opportunity to use my previous skills, abilities and experiences to make a meaningful contribution.

Read More About Geraldine

 

Maitiú

Maitiú
Banking Division

I have been working in the Banking Division of the Department of Finance since October 2023. Spending the past year and a half in Financial Consumer Protection policy I’ve worked on legislation, engaged with the Central Bank on the Consumer Protection Code and researched European consumer protection policy.

A typical day in the role varies, from drafting legislation, preparing briefings, writing speeches, researching policy and responding to Parliamentary Questions you have a wide range of tasks as an AO.

As a recent graduate with a background in Economics, the opportunity to apply my knowledge to public policy was the main incentive when applying for the role. I also knew that the Civil Service offered interesting and rewarding career opportunities.

I would definitely recommend a career in the public sector, your work is rewarding and interesting and you are surrounded by intelligent, engaged colleagues who create a collaborative and social workplace.

Read More About Maitiú

 

Sebastian

Sebastian
Risk Section

The role is multi-faceted with a variety of responsibilities. Our main responsibility is of Risk Management which involves the continued upkeep, improvement and oversight of the department’s Risk Register. This in turn involves working with people from various sections within the Department, along with conducting our own horizon scanning - the continuous observation of data and the latest news of happenings going on in the world, economic or otherwise, in order to be aware of what may happen in the future, and planning accordingly. Other aspects of the role include representing the Department on inter-departmental committees and groups and producing a daily market report.

I was in-between jobs and wanted a new challenge. Working in DFIN was an opportunity that excited me as I knew there would be so much that I could learn from any role I was allocated within the department, furthering my expertise in various areas. This combined with the flexibility to switch roles down the line, and the opportunity to have support in any further studies were big factors in attracting me to apply for a role within the Department.

Read More About Sebastian

 

Cillian

Cillian
Economic Division

I have been working as an Administrative Officer Economist in the Economic Division of the Department of Finance for 5 months. The main focus of my role is on the economic analysis of tax policy. This includes a focus on the role and evaluation of tax expenditures as well as assessing the impact of both domestic and international tax changes on the economy. The role involves the application of economic data and quantitative methodologies to inform fiscal policy.

After my time in college, I felt that a role in the Irish Government Economic & Evaluation Service (IGEES) would suit my strengths and interests in economics and current affairs.

I would recommend a career in the public sector. There is great opportunity for progression in your career and there is an ability to work in different departments or divisions within departments. The colleagues I work with were also very supportive when I started my new role.

My time in the department has been engaging and those I work with have been helpful in settling in and progressing in my role.

Read More About Cillian

 

Meet Donal

Donal
International Finance Division

I work in a team that facilitates Ireland’s relationships with European Multilateral Development Banks, such as the EIB, the EBRD and the CEB, all of which Ireland is a shareholder. My role involves preparing advice to the Minister on issues that arise in the Banks, including investments, governance and staffing issues. As part of the role, I often attend meetings around the world on Ireland’s behalf.

The main reasons I wanted to apply to work in the Department of Finance would have to be the ability to help out the population of Ireland with problems that we face on a daily basis in any way I can and also to interact with the issues we see mentioned in the news and current affairs. Being able to help the public with these issues was a huge reason for me applying.

I would absolutely recommend a career in the public service. I really value the ability to take on issues that the public and government have on a daily basis for the benefit of no private entity but for the taxpayer.

The people you work with are massively knowledgeable, helpful and professional in their work. And the managers are skilled in their management of people, tasks and potentially high-stress environments. From a brief stint I had in the private sector, the difference in public sector managers vs. private sector managers to effectively manage people is stark.

Read More About Donal

 

Meet Gemma

Gemma
Sanctions Unit

I began working for the Department of Finance in September 2023. I am an administrative officer in the Sanctions Unit in the International Finance Division of the Department.

My role is to support the policy development relating to the implementation of sanctions domestically. I support the Minister in the performance of his functions at EU level by providing ongoing briefings. As well as feeding into negotiations on sanctions packages at EU level to ensure Irelands position is considered. Along with a variety of other tasks associated with the role.

I would recommend a career in the public sector. I have the opportunity to work on ongoing policy developments, which I find fulfilling. As well as this, there are an array of supports and training opportunities.

I would definitely recommend any recent graduates apply. I have been given countless opportunities for further development and have a high level of job satisfaction

Read More About Gemma