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Are you unsure about your next step? We have outlined the most common questions and scenarios newly qualified accountants face. Wherever you are in your journey, Barden is here to guide you.
1. Should I Stay in Practice?
a) Yes, I think I will stay in practice.
- Am I in the right department for my career ambitions?
- Am I in the right firm?
- I don’t want to be a partner in the firm, but I like my job – should I stay longer?
- What steps do I need to take if I want to be a partner?
→ Talk to Barden
b) No, it’s time for a change.
I will just move to industry… It’s all the same out there, right?
- Would I be better suited to an SME or a large Irish company?
- Should I join a multinational? They’re all very similar, right?
- What is the start-up scene like? Is working in a start-up a smart early career move?
- What other options do I have – public, semi-state?
→ Talk to Barden
c) I’m out of here – you’ll find me in Dubai, Canada, or Australia!
- Are there trusted recruiters internationally whom I should connect with?
- What type of role abroad would set me up for success when I eventually return to Ireland?
- Are there specific industries I can gain experience in overseas that will enhance my long-term career prospects in Ireland?
→ Talk to Barden
2. Industry Type Is Irrelevant. I’m an Accountant, Numbers Are Numbers!
- Are some industries more dominant than others in Cork, with more opportunities?
- Are there industries where career movement is more flexible?
- Which industries pay the best?
- I’m great with a computer – should I go into Tech?
→ Talk to Barden
3. All Accountant Roles Are the Same, Right?
- Is a Financial Accountant the same as a Management Accountant?
- What does a Commercial/FP&A or Business Partnering job actually involve?
- What is Business Partnering anyway? Is it the right career for me?
- I am considering a career in Internal Audit, Treasury, or Forensic Accounting; these career routes are easier to pursue than others, right?
- I want to be a Finance Director… but what does that role even entail?
→ Talk to Barden
4. Anything I’m Missing?
- Is FP&A in an SME or large Irish company the same as in a multinational?
- What types of companies allow for internal mobility to help me develop my skillset?
- Should I focus on AI, Transformation, or Sustainability to future-proof my career?
- Will someone hire me for an FP&A role if I have no FP&A experience?
- How do I make loads of money as quickly as possible?
- Where can I get my work-life balance right?
- Is my hiring manager the most important factor in my next move?
- I don’t have a long-term career plan – what should I do?
→ That’s right, talk to Barden
Why Talk to Barden?
Barden is where recently qualified accountants go before they start looking for their next job. You’ll be meeting Ireland’s most experienced financial recruitment and talent advisory team – many of whom are themselves accounting and tax qualified.
Your future is too important to leave to chance. Take control, get informed, and plan your professional journey with Barden.
Get in touch:
✉️ hello@barden.ie – we will arrange a time that suits you to start planning your professional future. Simple.