A&F Snapshot │ September 2024
Eolas Recruitment
Contract & Permanent, IT, Business & IT Change, A&F, Professional Services.
Welcome to the September edition of the Eolas Accountancy & Finance market snapshot. As we move into the final quarter of the year, the job market is beginning to pick up after the traditionally quieter summer months. However, there are still some significant challenges to keep an eye on as we approach year-end.
For those new to these updates, I’m Mark Donnelly, leading the A&F team at Eolas Recruitment. My goal is to share valuable insights to help job seekers and employers navigate the ever-changing finance landscape in Ireland.
Market Observations
1. Recruitment Shifting In-House: The New Normal?
A growing trend we can’t ignore is the rise of in-house recruitment teams. More businesses are looking to reduce costs and improve control over their hiring processes by bringing recruitment in-house. This is proving particularly popular in sectors like tech and financial services, where ongoing hiring needs can justify the investment.
While this presents cost benefits to employers, the downside is that many internal teams lack the same level of market reach as specialist agencies. For those of us on the agency side, it means we have to continue to differentiate ourselves with access to broader talent pools and industry expertise.
For candidates, it underscores the importance of building strong, direct connections with potential employers and keeping a close eye on in-house opportunities. But don’t forget the advantages of working with specialist recruiters who can connect you with roles that might not be publicly advertised.
2. Slower Job Flow at Senior Levels
Another noticeable trend is the slower flow of senior-level opportunities. While the demand for mid-level professionals has been steady, senior finance roles such as CFOs, Financial Controllers, and Heads of Finance have been fewer and more competitive.
This isn’t unusual for this time of year, as businesses often delay senior appointments until budgets are finalised. However, it does mean that professionals at the top end of the market need to be proactive. For those eyeing leadership roles, investing in niche skills like business transformation, strategic advisory, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) could give you a competitive edge.
3. A Strong Recovery for Mid-Level Roles
Despite the challenges at the senior end, mid-level roles have seen a noticeable recovery since the summer. Positions such as Financial Accountants, Finance Business Partners, and FP&A specialists are being actively recruited for as companies gear up for year-end reporting and forecasting.
Companies are focusing on securing talent that can drive efficiency, manage budgets, and provide insightful analysis to support decision-making during this period of economic uncertainty. For those in mid-level roles, it’s a good time to sharpen your analytical skills and stay updated on the latest financial technologies.
Emerging Trends to Watch
1. Automation and Digital Finance Skills in High Demand
As businesses look to streamline operations, automation and digital finance remain at the forefront of hiring needs. Professionals with expertise in AI, data analytics, and automation tools are increasingly valuable, especially in roles that involve financial forecasting, reporting, and operational improvements.
Automation doesn’t just apply to finance teams but is also reshaping broader business processes. For candidates, the ability to lead or contribute to these digital transformation initiatives can set you apart from the competition.
领英推荐
2. Increased Focus on ESG and Sustainability Reporting
Sustainability continues to be a growing area of importance for businesses, and finance professionals are at the heart of it. More companies are embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into their financial strategies, and professionals who understand how to report on these initiatives are increasingly in demand.
This is particularly relevant in Ireland, where regulations around sustainability reporting are tightening. If you’re looking to future-proof your career, gaining expertise in ESG could be a significant advantage.
3. Flexibility is Still Key
Work-life balance remains a crucial factor for both employers and employees. Hybrid working models are now standard in many companies, but the flexibility that candidates expect continues to evolve. Companies offering clear hybrid models and work-from-home policies are still finding it easier to attract top talent.
For employers who haven’t yet formalised flexible working arrangements, now might be the time to rethink your approach, as it can be a deal-breaker for many potential hires.
Skills in Demand
Salaries in 2024
The job market remains competitive, but salary trends have stayed relatively strong, particularly at the mid-level:
Looking Ahead
As we move towards the final quarter of the year, the Accountancy & Finance market in Ireland is poised for a busy close. Job seekers should focus on upskilling, particularly in automation, digital finance, and ESG, while employers may need to reconsider their strategies for attracting senior talent in a more competitive environment.
Thanks for reading this month’s snapshot. I’d love to hear your feedback—feel free to like, comment, or share your thoughts. Stay tuned for more updates as we head into the year-end push!
Lastly, I would appreciate if you could either like, comment, or share this post. Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and trends in the industry.
By Mark Donnelly, Senior Manager - Accountancy & Finance https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/markdonnellyeolas/