This year the ‘Barden 25 Swims of Christmas’ was in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. As well as raising much deserved funds for a worthy charity, Barden also wanted to raise awareness and spread the love…
Our Barden family can be a competitive bunch and this year we set ourselves the challenge to raise €10,000 in total. We were truly blown away by the generosity and support received this year, raising a whopping €6,100 which was then matched by Barden bringing the total amount of money raised to €12,000!
Barden also donated €100 for every brave client that took a dip in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and tagged us on LinkedIn.
In wind, rain, hail, snow and not to mention minus degree weather, every day in the lead up to Christmas at least one of the Barden team (or the wider Barden community) took on this freezing challenge in order to raise funds in the icy Irish sea. Not forgetting the lucky ones who took a dip in Dubai, Portugal and Mexico!
Making A Real Difference…
Last week we were honoured to gather together in Cork to meet with Eilin Ni Mhurchu, who has been a Liaison Nurse Manager with the Jack and Jill Foundation for over 18 years. We presented the cheque for €12,000 to Eilin on behalf of all the Barden family and those who donated.
Eilin kindly shared her experiences from working with the charity as well as her insight on the work that the Jack and Jill Foundation do, highlighting the vital role that the funds raised would play in helping the foundation to continue its important work. The charity helps to alleviate the stress and financial burden that can come with caring for a child with a serious illness, allowing families to focus on what is most important – their child’s health and well-being.
Hearing Eilin’s stories about the Jack and Jill Foundation and the incredible work and care they provide really put things into perspective and reminded us all why we do the Barden 25 Swims of Christmas, so here’s to many more!
See you all in December.
Barden’s Accounting & Tax practice is proud to announce the appointment of Ornaith Giblin FCA as Consultant with our team in Dublin.
Ornaith has come on board to support Barden on a variety of different initiatives and will play a key role in supporting clients within the Leinster region. Her knowledge and expertise are perfectly positioned to align with her peers here in Barden.
“I’m so proud to be joining the Barden team and to have the opportunity to work closely with Elaine, Ed and the rest of the team within the accounting and tax practice. I know and have worked with Elaine and Ed for over a decade. I have witnessed first-hand their values and ethos and this has always resonated with me. I love working with people and getting to know them. I believe my broad range of experience from working in different environments as a Chartered Accountant will help me guide and advise others on their career paths. I am so thrilled to join such a dynamic and forward thinking company.” – Ornaith Giblin FCA | Consultant | Barden
Ornaith is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Prior to completing her professional qualifications she completed a degree in Accounting and Finance and a Masters in Accounting with DCU. Prior to joining Barden, Ornaith qualified with KPMG in 2006 where she progressed to the role of senior manager, and subsequently held a number of key roles with Ardagh Group over a period of 14 years, culminating in her role as Finance Director for their Irish business.
“Ornaith has been a friend of Barden’s for many years, having worked with us at different stages of her career, on both sides of the hiring table. Over that time we have built deep trust and respect for each other and an appreciation for the value strong recruitment partners can bring. Someone like Ornaith entering the world of accounting recruitment in Leinster is a hugely positive thing and brings us one step closer in Barden to professionalising our industry. I’m so excited to see the impact that Ornaith will make in the accounting community as she continues to hone her new profession.” – Elaine Brady | Managing Partner | Barden
“Delighted to welcome Ornaith to Barden and I’m excited about the prospect of working with her to shape the future of our Accounting & Tax Recruitment Practice in Ireland. It’s both a testament to Ornaith, and to the evolution of the recruitment profession nationally, that we’ve decided to work together to change what people expect from recruitment.” – Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner | Barden
Welcome to Barden Ornaith!
Sarah Barry ACA is a Partner with Barden’s International practice. She is an expert in international careers and specialises in the recruitment of accounting, finance and legal professionals across the world. Sarah is a graduate of University College Cork, holding a BA in Economics, and an MBS in Business Studies. She then went on to complete her Chartered Accountants Ireland qualification working with KPMG.
We recently caught up with Sarah to learn a little bit more about her…
Where are you from?
I’m from Cork originally but spent a lot of my childhood in Dublin. Since college I’ve spent time living in Australia, New Zealand and currently live in sunny California!
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I studied Economics as an undergrad at UCC and went on to do a Masters in Business Economics also at UCC.
After college I joined KPMG in Dublin where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant. After qualifying I moved into industry working as a Financial Accountant for a large Multinational before making the move into recruitment.
I joined Barden in 2017 as the new Cork office was being established. It was an exciting time to join the Cork business in start-up phase and to play a role in Barden’s growth story in Cork.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
On a personal level – my two kids. They keep me on my toes.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
The people. People at Barden really care about the impact they are having on other people’s lives. Everyone is passionate about the area of the business they work in and most have also trained or qualified in that area.
What’s your role in Barden?
I joined the business as a finance market specialist and spent a number of years supporting the newly qualified accounting market & the senior finance market in Cork.
This year we started Barden’s International practice, my current role Involves advising Irish qualified finance & legal professionals who wish to explore working abroad.
What’s the favourite part of your role?
Barden thinks about recruitment in a very different way. We put people first, transactions second. I love the consultative approach we adopt.
Of course when someone lands their dream role and you have been part of that process it genuinely feels great.
What are your top tips for anyone looking for a new opportunity?
Consult with someone who knows the specialist market. Take your time to gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. Don’t rush. Listen to your gut.
What three words best describe you?
Honest, organised and resilient.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Right now, we are enjoying all that California has to offer. Next on my list Is an RV trip to see the National Parks.
And finally, what do you think other people should know about Barden?
We love to chat. Even if you don’t have plans to move roles right now, or are considering a move within your own organisation, we are happy to advise and help plan your future career with you.
Need help achieving your ambitions?
Are you a finance or legal professional looking for help in achieving your ambitions? If so, get in touch with Sarah Barry today who would be more than happy to meet you for a virtual coffee and chat to help you navigate your professional future.
Barden are delighted to have been chosen by the leadership team in Flutter Entertainment plc to create a world class team to support a significant global transformation programme.
A little bit of background: Flutter are embarking on an ambitious multi-year global finance transformation programme driven by their US listing. As they look to enhance their global finance environment, Flutter needs to make it sustainable for the rapidly growing organisation to comply with US accounting and reporting rules and regulations. As a result of the US listing, they are required to be SEC & SOX compliant in 2025 and are hence embarking on a transformation programme will span across multiple finance and technology pillars. One of these critically important pillars is ‘Internal Controls over Financial Reporting” (ICFR) which includes a number of different project teams:
- IT Controls including ERP elements
- Business/ Internal Controls both at a group level and within the operating businesses
- Technology Enablement and Automation Transformation — modernisation initiatives for both business and IT controls, driven by technology enablement and automation (such as a GRC application).
This transformation programme will span across all facets of the business including data, systems, people, organisation design and global process owners. This is a key programme of work for Flutter and presents an exciting opportunity for talent looking to be a part of something exceptional.
What opportunities are there for talented individuals that have the drive and ambition to be a part of this transformation: The ICFR pillar represents a significant programme of work for Flutter Group and divisions, whilst they set out to deliver the following key elements:
- Transformation of the ICFR annual cycle.
- Transformation of how ICFR are designed, implemented and operated, across the global organisation.
- ICFR support for the wider transformation being delivered through the finance transformation programme, which cover data, systems, people, organisation design, and global process owners.
- Project management and oversight for the implementation of deficiency remediation, for the purposes of SOX 404 (a) and (b) reporting.
As a result, Flutter are looking to hire in talent across the 3 pillars outlined above to drive the ICFR deliverables over the next 3 years and beyond.
Barden are currently working with the Flutter leadership team to support the following appointments in Q4 2024:
- Head of Technology & Automation (leading all Tech systems transformation activities)
- Snr Manager / Manager of Technology & Automation (supporting the Head of and leading delivery of multiple group and business unit level system implementations and enhancements
- Head of Business Controls/Financial Transformation ( with a strong focus on SOX and experience in SOX implementation)
- Snr Manager/Manager of Business Controls Transformation (supporting individual projects with a SOX lens)
- Head of IT Controls Transformation (IT Audit/Advisory lead with strong SOX Controls orientation)
- Snr Manager/Manager of IT Controls Transformation (Supporting IT controls transformation at a systems level)
While these are all leadership roles they all will have a hands on element as the team works in partnership to achieve SEC & SOX compliance by end 2025.
These roles can be based out of Dublin, London or Leeds and will follow the relevant hybrid working policy and require occasional travel between offices.
If you are a Finance or Technology Transformation professional that has experience in delivering group level projects and are looking for your next challenge then this is something to get curious about.
Business Controls/IT Controls: Drop Catherine Drysdale (catherine.drysdale@barden.ie) a line and Catherine will take things from there.
Technology & Automation: Drop Ed Heffernan (ed.heffernan@barden.ie) a line and Ed will talk things from there.
Simple.
Cork is set to become the fastest growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, bringing boundless new opportunities to the Cork community, and in particular the businesses and professionals around us.
The recent publication of ‘Our City, Our Future – Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028’ is a key step in creating this ‘new Cork’ and in achieving a sustainable future for the city.
But what’s happening on the ground, and what are we seeing with those businesses and professionals we work with on a daily basis?
We caught up with Jonathan Olden, Managing Partner with Barden Cork, who shares some of his thoughts on the Cork market right now…
“We have all heard the soundbites surrounding Global growth prospects. However, I believe in Cork we must look at the opportunities in front of us and what we can control. What we are seeing on the ground is a myriad of start-ups doing well and hiring, having gone through the first two to three years of proving the concept and securing funding .”
“Larger multinational businesses seem to be migrating functions and creating a lot more roles in Cork. Some of this hiring is driven by new business offerings being run out of Ireland for the first time. In some instances, it is a result of a lack of quality talent in other jurisdictions where the outsourcing model has not been as successful as first thought for the higher value add positions. A more recent trend over the last 12 months has seen business leaders in Cork having very good success bringing US roles to Cork where there has been a combination of rising salaries stateside and the concept of working remotely has proved to be a more workable solution.”
“Accounting, fund services, tech, manufacturing, pharma, retail, legal and IT professionals continue to be in strong demand. Investment and expansion news is now a daily feature with the likes of…
- Proposed transport elements in Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), specifically Bus Connects.
- DHL’s new €11m Express Hub investment in Blarney Business Park.
- Stryker’s continued investment in Carrigtwohill.
- Irish Distillers €250m investment plan for new distillery in Midleton.
- NetApp creating 300 jobs at Cork’s South Docks.
- Forescout opening its European Operations Centre in Cork City…
to name a few. These are all positive and progressive signs for the Cork market.” Let’s continue doing the right things.
Jonathan Olden is Managing Partner of Barden Cork. Reach out to Jonathan for further insights on the Cork market and to see how he, and his team, can help you build and retain truly world class teams.
We are delighted to partner once again with the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society for the Annual Salary Survey.
The survey was issued recently to Leinster Society members and this year includes questions relating to the impact of the pandemic on the future of work, as well as understanding further how employers are preparing for Gender Pay Gap reporting.
This is our 5th year partnering with the Society to bring you Ireland’s definitive salary guide to making the best choice when it comes to your career, your teams and your business. The Salary Survey tracks career satisfaction, progression, non-monetary compensation and technology changes within the accounting sector, making it essential information for all accounting professionals, hiring managers and employers.
The findings from the survey will be released on Wednesday 7th September 2022 at an in-person launch event taking place at 6.30pm at The Dean Hotel, Dublin 2.
This year we’re also delighted to be joined by Guest Speaker, former rugby international player Alan Quinlan
Since retiring from an extended playing career for both Munster and Ireland, Alan has forged a very successful career as a media analyst, MC and Journalist. In addition, his speaking work on the Motivational, Leadership and Wellness circuit has seen him quickly develop into one of the most sought after speakers both in Ireland and the UK. We are really excited to have him on board!
On the night Alan will also be joined by Ann-Marie Costello, Chairperson, Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden.
The event is free of charge and promises to be one not to be missed, with drinks and nibbles and a chance to network with fellow professionals. To book your place click here.
*Pictured at the launch are (L-R) Ann-Marie Costello, Chairperson, Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Dublin.
Delighted to have had the chance to partner with Chartered Accountants Ireland on this critical publication. For those of you out there that work with us here in Barden – thank you. It is your support that enables us to in turn support the next generation of accountants with initiatives just like this! #teamwork
For anyone facing into the FAE exams this guide, from Chartered Accountants Ireland, is an indispensable guide and most definitely worth checking out.
The guide features a multitude of exclusive articles, interviews and advice from authors, examiners, and educators, and has been designed specifically with FAE students in mind to help you get the edge you need to get ahead in your exams.
We in Barden are delighted to partner with Chartered Accountants Ireland to bring you this guide.
To download your copy of the guide see https://lnkd.in/ezKNhCbg
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce with University College Cork (UCC) in 2017 Jane Olden joined the Barden team in Cork where she worked as office assistant. Following this she joined a global recruitment firm and gained excellent experience as a recruitment consultant. In 2020 Jane joined another global recruitment firm as an Information Technology Recruitment Consultant, furthering broadening her experience and expertise in recruitment.
In 2021 Jane returned to Barden to take up her role as Associate with Barden’s IT Practice. In her new role Jane works with Barden’s IT practice to support the IT community in Ireland, whether that is working directly with clients enabling them to build and develop world class teams, or directly with IT professional when it comes to navigating their professional careers.
We caught up with Jane recently to learn a little bit more about her.
Where are you from?
I’m from Cork.
Where did you study?
I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and French In University College Cork (UCC).
What did you enjoy most about your time studying?
It had to be my Erasmus year in Rennes, France. Freedom, travel, friends…what more could you ask for?
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
I worked as a “Saturday Girl” in a Hairdressers at 16, sweeping floors, washing hair, and washing towels. I loved meeting the clients and getting all the hairdressing tips from the staff. There were lots of funny stories too!!
Where did you work before joining Barden?
Before joining Barden I worked in two different recruitment agencies, the latter being Morgan McKinley, where I was part of the IT Recruitment Team.
What made you decide to move into the world of recruitment?
During college I worked part-time for Barden formatting CVs. Instinctively, I knew recruitment was a perfect fit for me.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
Having worked in other recruitment agencies I could see that Barden did things differently and I wanted to be a part of that.
What’s the best thing about working here?
The best thing about working with Barden is the culture. Barden allows me the freedom to provide a genuine service with the focus on people. Because of this I go to sleep every night knowing that I do right by everyone who trusts me to help them on the career path.
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
At Barden there is a healthy mix of business and pleasure. I’ve always enjoyed coming to work here.
What does your role in Barden involve?
My role is to fully get to know the people I’m collaborating with, to find them the perfect fit in alignment with their goals and values.
What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?
List what’s important to you and keep it central when considering changing roles.
What three words best describe you?
Approachable, practical, committed.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
My greatest achievement so far is surviving childhood in a very busy household with six siblings! Unless you’ve experienced the reality yourself, you’ll never understand what a momentous achievement it is!
Have you a favourite saying or quote?
What you focus on grows.
Glass half full or half empty?
Glass half full.
What’s your moment of the day?
My favourite moment of the day is my Pilates class.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
New York. It’s on the horizon.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
Spiderman, my nephew would never forgive me if I picked anyone else.
Need help achieving your ambitions?
Are you an IT professional looking for help in achieving your ambitions? If so get in touch with Jane at jane.olden@barden.ie, who is ready with lots of CV, LinkedIn, interview and career advice along with cutting edge market insights.
Michelle Geary is a Support Specialist with the Barden. She joined the team in Cork in November 2021 and works with and supports the Barden recruitment team across the various expert areas including accounting and tax, financial services, IT and legal. Her core activities will include support administration and operation for the consultant and leadership teams.
Before joining Barden Michelle worked as complex manager and duty manager with Press Up Hospitality Group, and Assistant Manager with 3Arena. In 2010 she completed a BA Arts in Politics and History with University College Cork.
We recently sat down with Michelle to learn a little bit more about her.
Where are you from?
Midleton, Cork
Where did you study?
I did a BA Arts in Politics and History in University College Cork (UCC).
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
My first paying job was when I was 15 and I worked as a receptionist in an Opticians at the weekends. Although my parents previously had their own business so we were put to work in some capacity many years before that!
Where did you work before joining Barden?
Having moved from Dublin back to Cork in 2020, I started working with Press Up Hospitality Group, between the opening of The Dean Cork and the Captain Americas complex in the city. Previous to that I had worked with 3Arena as an Assistant Manager in the Private Members Clubs.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
I had been looking at a change in career since summer 2020, like a lot of people I had re-evaluated many things on the back of the pandemic and wanted to move away from hospitality but utilise my skills with the right company. Making the right move was key to me and when I came across Barden’s job ad online it really stood out to me as something different. This was only cemented further when I met Ed, Elaine and Jonathan and how they spoke about Barden the company, but also the team. It was clear from the outset that Barden strives to do things differently whilst effortlessly maintaining the human factor in all areas which was a refreshing experience.
What’s the best thing about working here?
The people.
What does your role in Barden involve?
My role is to support the rest of the team with their candidates and roles. The role is primarily admin focused so an average day for me can involve formatting CV’s, job spec’s along with sourcing and other adhoc duties.
What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?
Listen to your gut.
What three words best describe you?
Motivated, sincere, fun – at least I certainly like to think I am 🙂
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I helped establish a not for profit community centre for expats and like-minded locals when I lived In Switzerland. The Living In Luzern group had been very helpful to me when I originally moved and I got involved as I wanted give something back. I could never have imagined it would develop Into the scale of the centre but it was great fun albeit a mammoth project! It’s great to see where it is at today – although I’m long overdue a visit back!
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
Glass half full or half empty?
Glass half full 100%.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
South America – one that will need to be ticked off in the coming years.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle!” – wise words from the late Steve jobs and words that resonated with me, a Big-4 recently qualified accountant (ACA), 6 months ago.
Many of you may relate to my position – a newly qualified accountant and at a crossroads in your career? Reluctant to waste your qualification and all the long years of study – yet want to try something a little bit different? Then, listen to my story – my transition from Niall the Accountant, to Niall the Barden advisory recruiter.
Crossroads in my Career
Where do I start? My training contract in Deloitte. Like any fresh-faced graduate in their fledging practice career, I was eager to learn and broaden my skillset throughout my 3 years there. However, I soon realised that my favourite aspect of the job was liaising with clients and colleagues and not the spreadsheets and the numbers! So I wondered – is there any way that I can match my passion for people with my accounting qualification and thoroughly enjoy what I do?! Impossible, right? I was at a crossroads in my career but resigned myself to the fact that this was a fanciful dream and that the best advice would be to follow the well-worn, safe path of becoming a financial accountant in industry.
Exploring the Barden Option
Barden to the rescue – well, kind of! Barden had come highly recommended to me as an advisory recruiter and an expert in the accounting and finance field. So I contacted one of the Barden team, Siobhan Sexton (ACA), to give me a steer on financial accounting roles in industry. I was blown away by the professionalism, level of detail and genuine interest which Siobhan showed in me – so much so that it got me curious.
Could I see myself enjoying what Siobhan is doing in Barden? Yes. Was Siobhan a qualified accountant who moved into recruitment? Yes. Is this too good an opportunity not to explore? Yes. So, what did I do? I disregarded all of Siobhan’s excellent information and advice on financial accounting roles and asked her to give me a steer on recruitment in Barden instead!
A few more coffees with the leadership team in Barden and I was in! Finished my contract with Deloitte the last week of October 2021 and commenced my journey with Barden as a Recruiter the following week!
Reflection
So how has it been, you may ask? Over 6 months later, I could not be happier! It has been a complete rewiring of my brain moving from interpreting numbers to analysing people’s career situations and adding value to their lives through expert advice. It helps that I work the recently qualified market – I have been in your shoes and know what it feels like to be at that aforementioned crossroads in one’s accounting career.
I actually wake up looking forward to work every morning, which is unusual for most people I know! No more Sunday night fear! Every day is different but I centre myself in the fact that each day, I am helping people – whether that be advising on potential roles, the market, interview preparation tips, salary negotiation, handing in one’s notice and a plethora of other weird and wonderful requests.
Not only have I become a trusted advisor but a friend to many. One person even confided – “I need you like I need my hairdresser, solicitor, plumber, etc – I never realised the importance of a career advisor until now!”. Most newly qualified accountants make 2-3 career moves in their first 5 years out of practice. Fact. So it is nice to hear that the people that I have helped are happy to reach out whenever they are looking to move again or even just to shoot the breeze on the market.
I still have so much to learn. But the mentorship and training which I am getting here at Barden is top class and fun! The first 6 months flew by – I am excited for what the next 6 months will bring!
How to Join Barden
As a wise mentor once advised me – “Opportunities don’t happen – you create them!”
If curious about a career with Barden, get in touch with me at niall.okeeffe@barden.ie and I will be happy to provide a steer.
Just like Siobhan did for me. A little bit of reciprocation goes a long way. You may even get a new passion and career out of it! Easy.
