We are delighted to announce that Caroline Frawley has been promoted to Senior Associate with Barden.
Caroline will work continue to work directly with the team to support mid-senior accounting professionals in Cork and Munster.
‘Making a move from a career in Finance into talent advisory and recruitment was one of the biggest (and best) decisions I have made in my career to date. I haven’t moved too far from the Finance world, and it has been extremely rewarding being able to leverage my own experience and knowledge to help and advise Finance professionals to navigate their careers. I’m lucky to work for a business where employee recognition is a priority and I’m excited to see what the next phase in Barden will bring.’ – Caroline Frawley | Senior Associate | Barden.
“We were so delighted when Caroline Frawley joined the Barden team in 2021. Her seamless integration into the team, combined with her finance knowledge and approachable manner, makes her such a fantastic colleague to work with. We are delighted to announce her appointment to Senior Associate.” – Jonathan Olden | Managing Partner | Barden
Well done Caroline from all your Barden buddies!
A little bit about Caroline…
Caroline Frawley ACA is a Senior Associate in the Mid-Senior Accountants division of Barden’s talent advisory and recruitment firm in Munster.
Caroline is a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years post qualification experience in finance functions across a number of organisations both in Ireland and Australia. Her extensive professional journey has equipped Caroline with a depth of knowledge about different areas of finance, cultivated through hands-on experience and diverse challenges.
At Barden, Caroline leverages her wealth of experience to offer invaluable insights and guidance to individuals she connects with. Her deep understanding of finance enables her to provide tailored advice, empowering candidates and clients alike to make informed decisions to help them realise their professional ambitions.
Contact Caroline at caroline.frawley@barden.ie or via LinkedIn.
May has been a whirlwind of activity for the Barden team! From the CAI Leadership Summit to TechFest, our team continues to forge connections with industry leaders and stay ahead of the curve on the latest trends that impact their talent communities.
Here, our team share their insights and learnings from the events:
May 9th – CAI Leadership Summit
Several of the Barden team had a fantastic day at the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leadership Summit. Some of the wisdom imparted from the impressive lineup of speakers included:
📝James McSporran emphasised nurturing cross-generational relationships for continuous learning and growth.
✨Brendan McGurgan spoke about evolving as a leader and his quote “Purpose without vision is huge potential unrealised” really resonated with our team.
⏳Emma McEvoy championed trusting your intuition and avoiding sharing ideas prematurely, concluding that “Nothing ruins a good idea like telling the wrong person!”.
The day concluded with an inspiring entrepreneur spotlight on Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee, who shared an honest and open account about the challenges, realities, and successes of starting & growing a business.
May 9th – Women in Tax in Ireland
Siobhan Sexton and Aideen Murphy attended The Women in Tax in Ireland event at The Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. Both reflected on the event as being “insightful, motivating, and empowering”. Caroline Reidy’s talk on building winning teams resonated, highlighting the power of vision, asking the right questions, and seizing opportunities.
May 10th – PwC IMAGE Media Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
We are incredibly proud of our Managing Partner Elaine Brady who was awarded 1st Runner Up in the ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’ category at the annual PwC IMAGE Media Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Read the full story here>>>
May 14th – TechFest 2024
How did our Barden Technology team sum up their experience of the Tech Industry Alliance TechFest in Cork?
“A tremendous event – provocative, eye-opening, and inspirational!”
Some particular highlights included:
💡Sarah Porter from Inspired Minds discussed her insights into the good and the not-so-good of the potential of AI. She spoke about how there should be more press on the incredible things that are happening right now as a balance to all the negativity.
🌍Future Planet’s CEO’s, Donal Daly, highlighted empowering businesses to be environmentally responsible. This was further emphasised by the successful green transformation at Astellas Pharma, presented by Eamonn Foley. If a large pharmaceutical company can achieve this, all workplaces, big or small, can implement measures for a more sustainable future.
✨Nikki Bradley, an adaptive adventurer and one of Ireland’s leading female motivational speakers, shared her personal story. Her ability to overcome challenges and leverage her positive mindset to seek the edges of human capabilities left our team inspired.
🔓The Diversity & Inclusion panel discussion, which our very own Ed Heffernan was a part of, examined the need to change our working ecosystem, and not the individual, to create a more equitable environment for all.
15th May – Dublin Chamber, Dublin 2050
Kate & Dave attended Dublin Chamber’s “The Future of Work” briefing. An expert panel shared their fascinating insights on talent retention, integrating AI, and navigating remote working opportunities and challenges.
A prominent topic of discussion emerged: the evolving power dynamic between employers and employees regarding remote work.
The tight labour market currently favours employees seeking flexibility in location and schedule. While some employers maintain in-office requirements, the trend suggests employees may hold the upper hand in negotiations.
Beyond this issue, Kate & Dave gathered Key Insights that can help you, your team, and organisation successfully evolve in an ever-changing work environment:
📌 AI in Action: Stop talking, start doing! Organisations need to experiment with AI to understand its impact.
📌 Building the Future Workforce: Invest in developing your employees’ meta-competencies like resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence to navigate the changing landscape.
📌 Growth Mindset Matters: Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth to thrive in the future of work.
15th May – Barden Brekkie
🍞 Toast-ing our team with Barden Brekkie! 😁
Barden Brekkie is a long-standing tradition that is still going strong. Coffee, good food, laughs, and chats add fuel to our morning – There really is no better way to kick off the day! Niall & Brian decided to rock the sunglasses look inside – our future is just that bright?!… 😎 😄
24th May – Tech FoundHer
Catherine thoroughly enjoyed the TechFoundHer event which spotlighted investment opportunities for female-founded tech companies in Ireland. The event featured insightful panel discussions and a screening of ‘Show Her the Money’.
Some of Catherine’s key takeaways included:
🔸Know Your ‘Why’ and Higher Purpose: Understanding your mission is crucial for driving your startup forward.
🔸 Master Your 30-Second Elevator Pitch: A compelling and concise pitch is essential for capturing interest quickly.
🔸Leverage Your Network and Relationships: Many opportunities arise from the connections you already have. Keep building and nurturing your network.
🔸Mutual Support is Key: Today’s founders can become tomorrow’s investors. Supporting one another is essential for long-term success.
29th May – IOB
Elaine and Jennifer were delighted to be guest speakers at the IOB Careers and Connections evening.
🔎Elaine shared her insights into the current recruitment landscape, with a focus on the broader economy and its impact on recruitment trends in Ireland, especially in banking and financial services. She also discussed the external economic forces, both domestic and international, affecting employment, and the increasing importance of DE&I and ESG policies in recruitment.
📱Jennifer Brennan followed with an engaging presentation on how to build your online presence and professional brand, highlighting the importance of this especially when it comes to your career.
Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room, however mastering your professional brand can be a challenge! Jennifer shared her top tips and key insights to help those attending to create and develop their professional brand.
What a month!
We have had incredible opportunities to engage with thought leaders, gain new insights, be inspired, and inspire one another. We look forward to continuing this momentum into June and beyond.
Watch this space!…
We are delighted to announce that Marissa Maher has been promoted to Associate Director with Barden.
A core part of Marissa’s role is working directly with recently qualified accounting professionals supporting them in identifying and taking the best next step in their career. In particular, Marissa supports those in Cork and the wider Munster market.
“I have enjoyed every moment of my time in Barden so far and feel proud to have been part of Barden’s growth story over the past six years. That said, I am particularly excited for the future as we continue to strengthen our current offerings but also expand into new areas. In addition to continuing to work in the Finance space, I am delighted to have taken on a new challenge in that I am working closely with Cliodhna O’Brien as we continue to develop the Supply Chain & Procurement practice here in Barden. I feel fortunate to be working with such a tremendous team and I am particularly excited for this next chapter ahead with Barden.” – Marissa Maher | Associate Director | Barden.
“Since joining Barden in the very early days, Marissa has played such a huge part in the overall success of Barden. We are incredibly lucky to have someone like Marissa in Barden. She continually sets & maintains high standards and leads by example, helping the team and developing new areas. We congratulate Marissa on her promotion and really look forward to supporting her with her future plans.” – Jonathan Olden | Managing Partner | Barden Dublin.
Well done Marissa from all your Barden buddies!
A little bit about Marissa…
Marissa Maher is an Associate Director in the Accounting & Supply Chain division of Barden’s talent advisory and recruitment firm in Munster.
After completing a BComm at UCC and an MBS Strategic Management and Planning at UCD, Marissa spent the next eight years developing her career in financial services, working with banking and asset management firms while acquiring her QFA qualification. Despite her success in the FS industry, Marissa held a passion for a more people-centric career path. This drive led her to attain her CIPD Certificate in Human Resource Management, and during a working holiday in Australia, she gained her first experience of working in recruitment.
Marissa joined Barden in December 2017, allowing her to leverage her professional experiences in a role where she could make a tangible difference in people’s lives. After working on accounting appointments for several years, Marissa expanded her focus in 2023 and took on a key role within the business to develop Barden’s Supply Chain & Procurement practice.
Contact Marissa at marissa.maher@barden.ie or via LinkedIn.
We are incredibly proud of our Managing Partner Elaine Brady who was awarded 1st Runner Up in the ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’ category at the annual PwC IMAGE Media Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
The May 10th ceremony celebrated the incredible achievements of women in Irish business, from founders of SMEs to leaders in Ireland’s biggest companies. The Awards were hosted by Melanie Morris, IMAGE Media’s Group Contributing Editor, and Richard Chambers, News Correspondent at Virgin Media Television. Attendees were treated to an evening of food, drinks, fun, and a musical performance by the illustrious Irish singer Imelda May.
Elaine reflected on the evening, saying:
“With over 900 businesswomen from all walks of life in the room, it was a hugely inspiring event that shows the push and drive for Female Representation at the top is real, and happening… Events like this show the next generation that anything is possible #CantSeeCantBe.”
Our Managing Partner, Ed Heffernan, who co-founded Barden with Elaine in 2014, perfectly summed up our collective thoughts:
“Elaine has been an unstoppable force for change in the recruitment profession since the founding of Barden in 2014. Nearly 10 years on her ambition, energy, and pace should be an example to everyone out there of what you can achieve if you put your mind into it. Inspiring!”
Jodie Meehan is as an Associate with Barden’s Business Support Practice, and is based in our office in Cork. She is an expert in talent advisory and recruitment practice and works directly with a variety of professionals and clients in all aspects of business support and operational finance.
Jodie joined the Barden team in November 2023. We sat down with her recently to find out a little bit more about her…
Where are you from?
I am from Cork (and obviously very proud of it).
Where did you study?
I studied Government in University College Cork.
What did you enjoy most about your time studying?
My favourite thing about studying was being on campus and meeting friends for catch-ups all the time!.
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
I was 16 and I worked in a local Chinese restaurant – I would always go to my friends houses after work with free food so I was very popular.
Where did you work before joining Barden?
I worked in a Legal Cost Accountancy firm as a Trainee Legal Cost Accountant.
What made you decide to move into the world of recruitment?
Once I felt ready to move, I started to explore the idea of recruitment. I would consider myself quite a social person and I love a challenge. After speaking to a few people about their own career in recruitment, I decided that it was the best next step for me.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
I applied for a few different roles, but very early on Barden stood out. Cole gave me so much advice and I could tell they really wanted the right person to join the team, every conversation was so positive and I just knew from talking to Cole, Sarah, Elaine and Ed that Barden was different.
What’s the best thing about working here?
There are so many! I would have to say the main thing is the atmosphere, everyone is so happy to help and will drop what they are doing to answer a question or give advice and considering I am new to recruitment I find that so valuable.
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
How energetic everyone is! It is so motivating to be around such a high energy group of people.
What does your role in Barden involve?
I am still learning the ropes, but my role is varied, I get to talk to people every day, source talent, liaise with clients and at the moment I am learning so much from my colleagues around me.
What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?
Be proactive and ask for help! – It’s scary but when the right opportunity comes along you won’t regret it.
What three words best describe you?
Energetic, ambitious, and honest.
Who is your role model, and why?
I can’t think of one person, but I really respect and admire people who put themselves out there and take risks and luckily enough I get to see a lot that in Barden.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
In college I did a sleep out on campus in aid of Simon – I was a member of the Simon Society in college and helped organise the event we a substantial amount of money for a great cause.
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
What is for you, won’t pass you!.
Glass half full or half empty?
Half full always!.
What’s your favourite song?
Lonely Island – Amble but that’s at the moment, it changes all the time!.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Argentina or Fiji – they are on my bucket list and hopefully one day.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
Wonder Woman obviously – no explanation needed!.
Need help achieving your ambitions?
Are you a Business Support professional looking for help in achieving your ambitions? If so get in touch with Jodie at jodie.meehan@barden.ie, who is ready with lots of CV, LinkedIn, interview and career advice along with cutting edge market insights. Simple.
We’re delighted to announce that Laura Fitzpatrick has been promoted to Associate with Barden, Ireland’s leading talent advisory and recruitment firm.
‘I am delighted to step up to role of Associate here in Barden. I started as a Graduate in August 2022 and since then I have learned so much about the industry and I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and companies. Working daily alongside people who are so passionate and invested in changing people’s lives is remarkable. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me here at Barden.’ – Laura Fitzpatrick | Associate | Barden
A core part of Laura’s role is working directly with part qualified accounting and operational finance professionals, to support them in taking the very best next steps for their careers. In particular Laura supports those in Cork and the wider Munster market.
‘Since joining in 2022 Laura has been instrumental in helping to reshape our Operational Finance team and has taken the lead in supporting part qualified accountants in the broader Munster area. Part qualified accountants are the future of the accounting profession so having someone of Laura’s calibre, ability, and emotional intelligence looking after such an important group of people is very important to us in Barden. Congrats Laura and here’s to what 2024 and beyond will bring.” – Jonathan Olden | Managing Partner | Barden Munster
‘It’s hard to believe it’s been a year and a half since Laura joined us on the team here in Barden. She slotted in incredibly well from the get-go and it is safe to say she has gone from strength to strength during this time. Her enthusiasm and professionalism are second to none. Laura is an absolute pleasure to work with and we are truly delighted to announce her well-deserved promotion to Associate.’ – Marissa Maher | Team Lead | Barden Munster
Well done Laura from all your Barden buddies.
A little bit about Laura…
Laura Fitzpatrick is a Graduate Associate with Barden, she hails from Cork and has a Masters in Organisational Psychology. Laura is part of the Operational Finance team in Cork and is an expert in part qualified accounting and operational finance careers.
Contact Laura at laura.fitzpatrick@barden.ie or via LinkedIn.
We’re delighted to announce that Cole Carroll has been promoted to Associate Director with Barden.
“Cole joined the Barden business over 4 years ago and in that time, she has become vital to the successful running of Barden Leinster day to day. She leads and develops next generation talent, contributes to the strategic direction and growth of the business, and overall, passionately cares about the human beings around her, and the impact we can make on people’s lives. As a result, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Cole Carroll as Associate Director – the future of Barden is very safe with people like Cole rising through the ranks!” – Elaine Brady | Managing Partner | Barden Leinster.
A core part of Cole’s role is leading our team that works with, and directly supports, part-qualified accounting and operational finance talent across Leinster. In addition, Cole and her team also deliver on important strategic assignments, on an exclusive basis, for key clients across Leinster.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Barden journey since joining 4 years ago and am very proud of the businesses growth before and during that time. However, I couldn’t be more excited for the future as we navigate the evolving landscape of the Talent Advisory and Recruitment profession in Ireland. As the saying goes, ‘You are the sum of the 5 people you spend most of your time with’ and am delighted to spend my time with the Barden team and our wider community. Very much looking forward to the road ahead and taking on this new opportunity.” – Cole Carroll | Associate Director | Barden
In addition to the above, in her new role, Cole will take on a broader leadership role in our growing Dublin and Leinster practice and will continue to support and deliver on the key strategic initiatives, both internally and externally, that are central to the evolution of our firm nationally.
“Cole has been a breath of fresh air for us since her very first day in Barden. Her calm manner, smarts, work ethic and drive are second to none and her level of passion for what we do, and her caring for others is something very special. A true servant leader, Cole is the very definition of taking her job seriously, but not herself. Cole has raised the bar for us in so many ways over the past 4 years and her appointment to Associate Director is a surprise to nobody. I’m hugely ambitious for Cole and what we can achieve together over the coming years!” – Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner | Barden Ireland
Well done Cole, from all your Barden buddies.
A little bit about Cole…
Cole Carroll is an Associate Director with Barden Talent Advisory and Recruitment. She supports the part-qualified accountants, operational finance talent and key appointments across Dublin and Leinster.
Originally from Kildare, she is now rooted in the Northside of Dublin! Cole started her studies with the Institute of Technology Carlow and completed a BA (Hons) Sports Management Degree. She then transferred to complete her final year in Trinity University Dublin while on a rugby scholarship.
Cole Is an experienced recruitment professional and has worked as a Talent Advisor for several years across multiple areas including part-qualified accountants, accounts payable, accounts receivable (up to Senior Manager levels), payroll, credit control, accounts assistants administration/support at all levels and tactically Important assignments for key clients on an exclusive basis.
Cole is currently undertaking an executive MBA with Trinity College Dublin and Is looking forward to bringing her learning into play for all stakeholders In Barden.
Contact Cole at cole.carroll@barden.ie or via LinkedIn.
The demand for qualified accountants is predicted to reach 10% above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to talent advisory and recruitment firm Barden. They also expect an increase in the supply of accounting talent in the 2–3-year PQE range in the coming 18 months, which should alleviate some of the pressure on companies trying to hire at this level.
Commenting Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster said
“Demand for talent is strong locally, and compounding this, the past two years have seen over a 30% increase in newly qualified accountant talent moving internationally after qualifying. An injection of highly qualified talent in the coming months will come as a relief to those hiring. The first five years PQE are a pivotal time for accounting professionals – those that are career orientated should expect to move role, internally or externally, between 2-3 times during this formative period. It’s a competitive space.
“Our data shows us that PQE level and salary level are becoming increasingly disconnected after the 3-year PQE mark – many more variables come into play, and it is no longer about PQE but about the ability to create value for a business outside of the accounting function.”
Chartered Accountants Ireland and Barden have today announced a renewed three-year strategic partnership building and expanding on an existing strong partnership between the two organisations. The partnership is focused on three programmes, the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI), Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and Young Professionals, which have a particularly strong focus on the Institute’s strategic priority of engaging the next generation of students and members. The partnership will build opportunities for connectivity, engagement and belonging in the chartered community.
Commenting Sinead Donovan, President Chartered Accountants Ireland said
“This partnership comes at a time when people skills are becoming increasingly important within the accounting profession, and equally the role that accountants play and the value they create is much wider. For those working in business, many more are having an impact in operational and leadership roles, and in emerging areas such as data analytics and ESG functions. Increasingly Chartered Accountants are using their qualifications to create value outside of the accounting function.
“As a body, it is incumbent on us to ensure that our members are equipped for the expanding remit of our profession. Recruitment data shows that 64% of career opportunity come from your direct network – those you trained with, and those you have worked with, so the importance and direct impact on business growth of the Chartered Accountants member networks cannot be overstated.”
Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster continued
“This strategic partnership between Barden and Chartered Accountants Ireland is the culmination of over a decade of engagement between our two organisations – partnerships of this significance and scale don’t just happen overnight. We’re delighted to have built the trust to now support Chartered members from their training through to qualification and through their formative PQE years. Helping people make informed decisions about their future, and enabling those decisions, is what we are all about in Barden; this partnership enables us to be there along each critical step with members as they chart the unknown waters of the future of work.”
Source: Chartered Accountants Ireland
The demand for qualified accountants is predicted to reach 10% above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to talent advisory and recruitment firm Barden. They also expect an increase in the supply of accounting talent in the 2–3-year PQE range in the coming 18 months, which should alleviate some of the pressure on companies trying to hire at this level.
Commenting Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster said
“Demand for talent is strong locally, and compounding this, the past two years have seen over a 30% increase in newly qualified accountant talent moving internationally after qualifying. An injection of highly qualified talent in the coming months will come as a relief to those hiring. The first five years PQE are a pivotal time for accounting professionals – those that are career orientated should expect to move role, internally or externally, between 2-3 times during this formative period. It’s a competitive space.
“Our data shows us that PQE level and salary level are becoming increasingly disconnected after the 3-year PQE mark – many more variables come into play, and it is no longer about PQE but about the ability to create value for a business outside of the accounting function.”
Chartered Accountants Ireland and Barden have today announced a renewed three-year strategic partnership building and expanding on an existing strong partnership between the two organisations. The partnership is focused on three programmes, the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI), Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and Young Professionals, which have a particularly strong focus on the Institute’s strategic priority of engaging the next generation of students and members. The partnership will build opportunities for connectivity, engagement and belonging in the chartered community.
Commenting Sinead Donovan, President Chartered Accountants Ireland said
“This partnership comes at a time when people skills are becoming increasingly important within the accounting profession, and equally the role that accountants play and the value they create is much wider. For those working in business, many more are having an impact in operational and leadership roles, and in emerging areas such as data analytics and ESG functions. Increasingly Chartered Accountants are using their qualifications to create value outside of the accounting function.
“As a body, it is incumbent on us to ensure that our members are equipped for the expanding remit of our profession. Recruitment data shows that 64% of career opportunity come from your direct network – those you trained with, and those you have worked with, so the importance and direct impact on business growth of the Chartered Accountants member networks cannot be overstated.”
Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster continued
“This strategic partnership between Barden and Chartered Accountants Ireland is the culmination of over a decade of engagement between our two organisations – partnerships of this significance and scale don’t just happen overnight. We’re delighted to have built the trust to now support Chartered members from their training through to qualification and through their formative PQE years. Helping people make informed decisions about their future, and enabling those decisions, is what we are all about in Barden; this partnership enables us to be there along each critical step with members as they chart the unknown waters of the future of work.”
Source: Chartered Accountants Ireland
“I’m very excited to join Barden and to work closely with Ed, Johnny and the wider Technology team. There is an opportunity here to elevate the Technology Practice and to offer not only our current clients but also future clients a best-in-class service when looking to scale their technology teams with new talent. I’m delighted to be here and excited to see what the future holds for the Technology Practice at Barden” – Dan Hoctor | Business Lead | Barden Ireland
Dan is a Waterford Institute of Technology and Edinburgh Napier University graduate in Quantity Surveying. He also holds a Sales Development diploma from UCD. Having worked in recruitment for over 10 years focusing on Technology recruitment, specifically data analytics and database roles, Dan will no doubt slot seamlessly into Barden’s Technology Practice.
Dan has come on board as Business Lead with our Technology Practice, and will support Barden on a variety of different initiatives playing a key role in supporting clients within his space. His knowledge and expertise are perfectly positioned to align with his peers here in Barden.
“Delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dan – his experience in Technology talent advisory and recruitment is unparalleled, and his knowledge and understanding are second to none. His sense of humour, easy manner, work ethic and deep expertise makes for a natural complement to our Technology Practice nationally and I’m hugely ambitious for what we can achieve together in 2024 and beyond! Welcome to Barden Dan!’’ – Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner | Barden Munster
“I am delighted that Dan has decided to join the Barden team. Everyone at Barden has really enjoyed meeting Dan. His style, expertise and the obvious pride he takes in his work makes him a very natural fit for Barden. We look forward to supporting Dan and our national Technology Practice in the years ahead. Welcome Dan…we look forward to creating something very special with you.’’ – Jonathan Olden | Managing Partner | Barden Munster
Welcome to Barden Dan!
