Market Insights 2024: Accounting & Finance

The accounting and finance sector in Ireland is experiencing a period of exceptional growth, fueled by a robust economy, increased FDI, and a growing international services industry. This expansion has led to a significant increase in demand for skilled professionals, creating a competitive job market in 2024.

According to the Irish Accounting & Finance Skills Report 2023, the sector is projected to grow by 5% over the next five years, with a particular focus on areas like financial technology (FinTech), sustainability, and risk management. This growth is expected to drive employment opportunities, with an estimated 10,000 new jobs to be created in the sector by 2028.

Competitive Salaries and Benefits Packages

The strong demand for accounting and finance professionals has resulted in competitive salary increases in recent years. You can view the full breakdown of these salaries here.

In addition to competitive salaries, employers in the sector are offering a range of attractive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. These benefits may include:

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Providing confidential counselling and support services to employees.
• Wellness programs: Employers are investing in employee well-being through programs like gym memberships, health screenings and stress management workshops.
• Flexible working arrangements: Employers are offering a range of flexible working options, from remote work and flexible hours to compressed workweeks, to meet the diverse needs of their employees and promote work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities: Continuous learning and career advancement are supported through training programs and mentorship initiatives.
• Parental leave policies: Offering generous parental leave policies to support employees in balancing work and family life.

To attract top talent in this competitive market, employers need to go beyond traditional recruitment methods. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Clearly define your ideal candidate: Having a clear understanding of the skills, experience, and qualifications you require will help you target the right candidates.
• Showcase your employer brand: Highlight your company culture, values, and unique selling points as an employer to attract high-calibre candidates.
• Invest in Employee Development: Prioritise employee development programs to demonstrate your commitment to their growth and career advancement. This will help you attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market.

A Hybrid Approach

The finance sector, like many others, has been significantly impacted by the shift towards remote and hybrid work arrangements. While traditional financial institutions may have once been resistant to remote work, the pandemic forced them to adapt and embrace new ways of working.

A study conducted by McKinsey & Company found that 70% of finance professionals believe that their companies will continue to offer some form of remote work flexibility. This trend is likely to persist, as it offers several benefits to both employers and employees in the finance sector.

Attract Top Accounting & Finance Talent with Collins McNicholas

In today's competitive market, finding the perfect fit for your accounting and finance team can be a challenge. At Collins McNicholas, we bridge the gap by connecting you with pre-qualified professionals who align with your specific needs.

Why Choose Collins McNicholas as Your Recruitment Partner?

• Targeted Talent Acquisition: Our experienced recruiters leverage cutting-edge strategies to attract the best accounting and finance professionals, giving you access to a pre-qualified pool of top candidates.
• Industry expertise: Our recruiters have a deep understanding of the accounting and finance sector, allowing them to identify the best candidates for your specific roles.
• Commitment to quality: We are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring that you are satisfied with our work.

Ready to build a high-performing accounting and finance team?

Visit our website to learn more about our recruitment services and how we can help you find the top talent to drive your business forward.