Accounting & finance recruitment trends in 2019

What is the outlook for the Irish accounting & finance job market in 2019? We look at the Robert Walters 2019 European Salary Survey and discuss recruitment trends and salary developments in Ireland

TRENDS IN PRACTICE

Tax consulting remained a core service offering for accounting firms as large companies continued to turn to them for tax compliance and advisory matters. There was an increase in the amount of international hires from 'Big 4's', with candidates from South Africa and Malaysia sought after to help decrease heavy work loads and increase staff retention.

An increase in industry options and new entrants on the back of Brexit will make for a two fold market for candidates looking for in-house finance roles and others seeking to move internally into more advisory focused positions. Staff retention will remain key within practice firms with focus on improving social culture in order to attract top graduates and millennials into training contracts.

TRENDS IN COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

The strengthened economy resulted in an influx of roles and subsequently a sector-wide candidate shortage and inflation in salaries. Hiring managers sought candidates who had a strong mix of both technical and commercial awareness, and who could step up to become a strong business partner to a variety of functions.

Those companies who did not move fast to increase salaries missed out on top talent in 2018. In 2019, companies will see a talent shortage at the two to three year PQE level, where accountants are at a place in their career to strongly add value to the company they are in.

TRENDS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

In 2018, there was an increased demand for accountancy professionals within the financial services sector. The war for talent was ongoing as hiring managers had to contend with a candidate shortage, and in some cases companies looked abroad to fill this hole.

We also saw a shift as companies focused more on skill sets and personality, rather than competency for the role. With the large pool of jobs available, candidates were eager to explore other potential opportunities. 

In general salaries increased across the board in 2018, with part-qualified accountants commanding anything up to €50k and newly-qualified from €55-60k.

OUR ACCOUNTING & FINANCE DIVISION

Our accounting & finance division partners with a broad range of clients from local institutions, large PLC’s, MNC’s down to SME’s and start up firms across financial services and industry.

We recruit a range of roles from entry level non-qualified finance roles through to executive level hiring in accounting, finance, audit, treasury and tax.

Contact us

To discuss any of your recruitment needs, please contact one of our experienced consultants on dublin@robertwalters.com or 01 633 4111.

See our latest accounting & finance jobs in Ireland here.