Jump Back
Kate Flanagan, Partner | Tax with Barden recently caught up with the team in Business Plus to discuss the market for tax professionals in Ireland and some of the trends that have emerged in the Tax Jobs Economy in 2025. Below is an excerpt of Kate’s interview.
What trends have you observed this year in relation to the recruitment of tax professionals?
The demand for tax professionals in Ireland remains strong, driven by the fast-evolving tax landscape, particularly in the international arena. This year, there has been notable growth in the domestic tax sector, with professionals specialising in business taxes and private client services highly sought after across professional services firms.
Specialist tax roles, particularly in areas like transfer pricing, R&D tax credits, and international tax compliance, are in high demand. Firms are actively seeking professionals with deep expertise in these niche areas to navigate complex regulatory environments and provide strategic value to clients
There is a growing emphasis on practical experience over technical competencies which aligns with the evolving demands of the tax profession. Firms and companies are valuing hands-on experience in areas like digital tax technologies and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Partner-Level Appointments: At the senior leadership level, there has been a notable increase in partner-level appointments within tax divisions. These strategic hires are often driven by the need to expand service offerings and respond to evolving client needs. The influx of private equity investment into Ireland’s professional services sector has further accelerated this trend, as firms seek experienced leaders to drive growth and innovation.
While demand for tax professionals remains strong, the past two quarters have seen a noticeable slowdown in the creation of new roles particularly within the multinational sector– largely influenced by the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. The uncertainty surrounding global trade has led many companies to pause or delay investment and recruitment decisions.
In summary, the recruitment of tax professionals in Ireland in 2025 is characterized by a competitive talent market, a focus on specialized skills, and strategic leadership appointments. Whilst sentiment may remain cautious and uncertainty certainty still in the air…we’re beginning to see a more optimistic tone emerging as we move into the final quarter of 2025..
Where are the best employment opportunities for tax professionals at the moment?
The big 4 firms and mid tier firms are offering the most options for tax professionals at the moment. As we’ve seen a rise in PE backed firms in the professional services market in Ireland, this had led to significant increase in hiring budgets to support these ambitious growth plans. New positions and even whole new teams have been created so it really is a gamechanger in terms of the types of opportunities being created. It’s also notable that many of these opportunities exist outside Dublin and encouraging to see regional teams expand right across the country.
Meanwhile, the more established Big 4 and top 10 firms continue to offer excellent opportunities across all tax specialisms and across all levels to keep up with the pace of change within the tax landscape.
Are there any particular aspects of specialising in tax that are appealing for your candidates? (compared to other specialisms)
Yes there are many reasons why tax is appealing:
- Constantly Evolving – Tax is dynamic, with frequent legislative and regulatory changes, this ensures work is intellectually stimulating. Professionals who enjoy continuous learning and staying ahead of new developments find this very rewarding.
- Strategic Business Impact – Tax specialists play a crucial role in shaping business decisions Many are drawn to the opportunity to add real strategic value, not just report on numbers.
- Career Progression & Recognition – Tax careers tend to offer clear career paths, with opportunities to specialise and progress to leadership roles such as Head of Tax or Partner.
- Balance of Technical and People Skills – Professionals enjoy that tax work isn’t purely technical — it requires strong communication, advisory, and relationship management skills, allowing them to blend analytical thinking with interpersonal work.
- Stability & Demand – With ongoing global tax reform and regulatory complexity, there is consistent demand for skilled tax professionals, providing job security and long-term career relevance.
Can you tell me about Barden, any interesting developments in the past year, and what differentiates you in terms of recruitment in this area?
Barden is a partner-led talent advisory and recruitment firm. Our tax team comprises recruitment specialists who are tax qualified and have spent a number of years working in tax before moving to recruitment.
As a result, our tax team is where tax professionals go to in Ireland before they start looking for a job and where leaders go before they start looking for tax talent.
In Barden, we understand that each professional, team, role, and requirement is unique.
Our approach is people first, supported by real-time data insights.
Anything else employers or candidates should be aware of in relation to talent development, career path or recruitment of tax professionals?
While tax is a highly technical field, professionals are often most drawn to the people they work with and the overall culture of an organisation—whether as a tax advisor in a professional services firm or in-house within a corporate group.
Financial rewards and benefits are important, of course, but how a person feels about the organisation can be the deciding factor in attracting top talent. Companies can do the following to attract the right talent:
- Leverage Technology in Recruitment – Employers should highlight tech adoption (e.g., tax automation software, analytics platforms) to appeal to digitally savvy candidates.
- Emphasize Work-Life Balance and Flexibility – Flexible working arrangements are no longer optional for top talent. Employers offering hybrid or remote options, as well as well-being initiatives, can attract a broader pool of candidates.
- Focus on Diversity and Inclusion – Firms prioritizing diversity in recruitment are seeing better engagement and retention. Candidates are increasingly sensitive to inclusive culture, especially in senior-level roles.
From a candidate’s perspective, get curious about your own career journey. Even if you’re not actively looking to move roles, make it a habit to regularly take stock of your career path—focus on your growth, not anyone else’s. Invest in strengthening your tech skills, because digital savviness isn’t going anywhere. Stay visible: participate in networking events, engage with peers, and put yourself out there—regardless of whether you’re planning your next move or simply exploring opportunities.
Anything in the Budget you’d like to comment on in the above context?
The budget every year proposes significant changes that could impact businesses, from global tax rules to SME supports – all creating greater demand for tax expertise across several areas of specialism. This year was no different and included amendments to the participation exemption for foreign dividends, enhancements to the R&D tax credit regime, Pillar Two updates, capital allowances clarifications and real estate changes. A more practical roadmap for e-invoicing will keep VAT professionals busy and the extension of the Special Assignee Relief programme (SARP) which should make Ireland more attractive to international professionals will likely increase demand for tax experts specialising in expatriate tax planning and compliance.
Read the full article here >>>or connect with Kate at kate.flanagan@Barden.ie