Barden are working with a leading Irish business, to identify an Accounts Payable Team Lead to join their high calibre finance function. Working in a rapidly growing industry, this role provides the opportunity to progress your career as you work closely alongside senior finance leaders in the business.
ABOUT THE ROLE
- Lead, motivate and develop the Accounts Payable team, setting clear expectations, conducting performance reviews and supporting ongoing training and development.
- Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable function, including invoice processing, approvals, payments, reconciliations, audits and compliance with internal controls.
- Oversee timely and accurate completion of month-end activities, including supplier statement reconciliations, creditor ledger reviews and AP-related bank reconciliations.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, procurement teams, project teams and the wider finance function to ensure efficient query resolution and smooth payment cycles.
- Provide hands-on operational support during peak periods, complex issue resolution and staff absences, while supporting cross-training and team resilience.
- Drive continuous improvement by monitoring AP KPIs, identifying automation opportunities and implementing process enhancements to improve accuracy, efficiency and supplier experience.
ABOUT THE PERSON
- Minimum 2 years working leading an accounts payable function;
- Previous experience of people management, building relationships and interacting with all levels within the organisation;
- System implementation experience a bonus but not required;
- Strong Excel skills with Microsoft Dynamics experience;
- A strong team player who is good at working with people at all levels with excellent verbal and communication skills.
Barden has been engaged by a well-established and highly successful Irish business to identify an ambitious Finance Business Partner to join their Finance team. It is a multifaceted position, with a strong emphasis on strategic analysis and business partnering.
The ideal person will possess a high energy, positive attitude with strong analytical skills. There will regular exposure to senior leaders and this will suit someone who has a natural skill in translating Finance data into meaningful insights for the business.
This opportunity has a lot to offer, working with an exceptional Head of FP&A in a progressive organization where flexibility is promoted with a strong precedent for progression opportunities.
For more details about this exciting opportunity, please contact me (caroline.frawley@barden.ie) or Denis Galvin (denis.galvin@barden.ie).
ABOUT THE ROLE
• Take a lead role in the forecasting and budgeting setting process
• Serve as a key business partner to senior divisional finance leaders, to ensure timely and accurate reporting
• Perform detailed financial analysis with the ability to provide meaningful insights to business stakeholders
• Review and challenge divisional budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic plans
• Contribution to the establishment of a continuous improvement culture
• Engage in ad-hoc projects as required by the wider business
ABOUT THE PERSON
• Qualified accountant, with 5+ years PQE
• Possess excellent analytical skills
• Ability to influence across all levels
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in Excel and systems
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills, functioning as a strong team player
• Express a desire to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
If you’re an accounting professional eager to pivot into a career in corporate finance, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and with good reason. Corporate finance offers exposure to high-value deals, strategic decision-making, and strong career progression opportunities. However, it’s essential to note that this is a competitive space, and making the transition from a traditional accounting or audit background isn’t always straightforward.
Corporate finance teams in industry, boutiques and private equity firms are quite lean. As a result, the majority of these firms require professionals to have some prior corporate finance knowledge and experience before joining.
The good news? With a strategic approach and a bit of patience, this move can become more achievable.
If you’re currently working in a practice firm that has a corporate finance division, this is usually the most straightforward route. Internal transfers are more realistic because the firm already knows your work ethic, technical competence, and ability to deliver. Even if you don’t have direct experience in deals or transactions, your reputation and internal referrals can go a long way in helping the firm take a chance on you.
Express interest early. Even if no positions are currently available, staying on the relevant manager’s radar for future openings can help you get considered when the right opportunity arises.
If you are in a practice firm that doesn’t offer corporate finance services or isn’t hiring in that area, look outward. Consider applying to other firms within the Top 10, as they may be hiring for their corporate finance teams.
This might require you to take a lateral move or even a slight step back in title, but it’s a strategic investment in your long-term goal. Once you gain 12–18 months of experience in corporate finance within a practice setting, you will have relevant experience that will allow you to make the move into corporate finance in industry.
In corporate finance, client size and deal complexity matter. Firms hiring for corporate finance roles typically seek professionals who have worked with clients of similar size or within similar sectors.
For example, many corporate finance transactions involve large companies or complex group structures. As a result, professionals from Big 4 firms often have an edge, having dealt with similar-scale clients. If you trained in a smaller or mid-tier firm, this doesn’t count you out, but you may need to make an interim move.
Consider:
- Moving into a larger practice firm to build relevant client exposure.
- Transitioning into an accounting or finance role in a large corporate to gain experience with bigger company dynamics.
Transitioning from audit or accounting directly into corporate finance presents a steep learning curve. Sometimes, what can be difficult in one move becomes more achievable if you are willing to take a stepping stone into an intermediate role in a related area that builds commercial awareness and broadens your financial skill set.
Suitable transition roles include:
- FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)
- Finance Business Partnering
- Commercial Finance Analyst
These positions allow you to develop analytical, budgeting, and forecasting skills, all of which are highly relevant to corporate finance. They also show hiring managers that you’re comfortable working across departments and with non-finance stakeholders, a key part of deal execution.
Corporate finance roles often involve tasks such as valuation modelling, deal structuring, due diligence, and financial forecasting. While your accounting foundation is valuable, demonstrating that you’ve started building the skillset required for these kinds of responsibilities is key.
High-impact ways to upskill include:
- Enrol in a financial modelling course (e.g. CFI)
- Learn Excel and Power BI at a more advanced level
- Understand basic valuation techniques (DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions)
- Explore M&A and deal strategy through online courses or case studies
Many career moves happen through informal conversations and referrals, especially in competitive fields like corporate finance. Reach out to people currently in corporate finance roles, particularly anyone that you know personally or may have worked with previously. Taking the time to have a chat will help you gain a better understanding of what their role involves and what their company looks for in new hires.
LinkedIn can also be helpful here, but don’t underestimate the power of attending industry events or asking for introductions through mutual connections.
Even if you don’t have direct deal experience, your CV can still demonstrate alignment with corporate finance.
Highlight:
- Experience with complex consolidations or group reporting
- Exposure to budgeting or forecasting
- Involvement in strategic decision-making or cost analysis
- Projects involving cross-functional teams or external advisors
Framing your experience in a way that connects to the deal-making world can make a big difference in whether you land an interview.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into corporate finance from an accounting background can be a multi-step process, but it is achievable. Be strategic, take calculated steps, and be willing to gain experience in adjacent roles or firms that bring you closer to your end goal. Every step you take is a building block, and with persistence, the right opportunity will come your way.
Finishing your training contract in 2026? Do you want to make sure you make the very best first step after qualifying? Do you want a coffee meeting with an experienced talent advisor; someone who is a qualified accountant, just like you (meet our Leinster team here>>> and our Munster team here>>>)?
Do you want a little help to create your very own best professional future? No problem. Just drop us a line today on hello@barden.ie and we will take it from there. Simple.
A leading multinational organisation is seeking a Payroll Accountant to join its global finance team.
This is a really nice opportunity for a part-qualified Accountant who enjoys working in a fast-paced international environment with plenty of exposure across finance operations, month-end, reconciliations, controls, and process improvement work.
Supporting payroll operations across multiple regions, the successful person will work closely with payroll, RTR, finance, and controllership teams globally while playing a key role in ensuring payroll accounting activities are completed accurately and on time.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Preparation of payroll journals, accruals, and month-end accounting activities
- Completion and review of payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations
- Supporting SOX controls, audits, and compliance activities
- Partnering with finance teams globally to resolve payroll accounting queries
- Supporting payroll reporting, budgeting, and PO-related activities
- Assisting with process improvements, SOP updates, and systems testing
- Supporting payroll accounting activities across a multi-country environment
ABOUT THE PERSON:
- Part-qualified Accountant or coming from a strong payroll accounting/finance background
- Experience working within a multinational or shared services environment
- Strong understanding of reconciliations, controls, and month-end processes
- SAP experience along with strong Excel capability
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities
- Someone who enjoys improving processes and working collaboratively across teams
Barden are partnering with a world-leading organisation with extensive facilities that support both sporting and agricultural activities as they seek a commercially-minded Management Accountant to join their team in Tipperary.
This is a very broad role where the successful person will be involved in monthly reporting, commercial finance and project work while working as part of a high-achieving finance team.
You’ll work closely with all aspects of the business, gain exposure to decision-making and help shape the financial direction of very unique business.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Delivery of high‑quality monthly reporting: P&L, Balance Sheet, cashflow, commentary
- Involvement in budgeting and cashflow planning, ensuring clarity and foresight for the wider business
- Supporting the year-end process, accounts preparation and liaising with external advisers
- Producing insightful seasonal operational reports that blend numbers with narrative
- Driving system upgrades, process improvements, and stronger internal controls
- Involvement in project work, as required.
ABOUT THE PERSON:
- Professional accounting qualification
- Exceptional organisation and attention to detail
- Clear, confident communication skills
- Ability to work on own initiative and also as part of a small, tight-knit team
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment and working to deadlines.
Interested? Feel free to get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.
Barden are proud to be working exclusively with a global manufacturing/technology organisation to identify an ambitious and smart Senior Financial Accountant to join their well-established and highly collaborative finance team.
The successful person will work closely with the Finance Manager on a range of tasks including month-end reporting, variance analysis and ad-hoc project work. This person will get broad exposure across the global business while liaising with multiple teams across finance and beyond.
Responsibilities include:
- End-to-end accounting for your assigned entities within the EMEA region;
- Preparation of the month-end and quarter-end reporting processes;
- Completion of variance analysis and related reports for your entities;
- Liaise with internal and external auditors and support the audit process by providing timely and accurate information and data;
- Assistance with Corporate tax, VAT and payroll tasks;
- The development of strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business;
- Ad-hoc projects as required.
About the person:
- Recently qualified accountant with 3+ years’ PQE is essential;
- Experience in a multinational environment is a strong advantage but not essential;
- Strong Excel and systems experience;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Strong team player with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all level of the organisation.
Curious? Please get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.
Barden are delighted to be partnering with a highly successful Irish business to assist them in hiring a Group Financial Accountant to join their finance team. This is an exciting opportunity which involves varied responsibilities, partnering with the various functions across the business which will enable the successful person to gain in depth knowledge and experience of the business as a whole. They have expanded globally and this role has come about due to the continued growth of the group.
The company has a fantastic reputation and is known for its excellent culture. This person will work closely with senior stakeholders and really get the opportunity to put their own stamp on things.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Preparation of monthly accounts in line with Group reporting policy;
- Working closely with multiple teams on the preparation of the consolidated accounts for the business;
- Responsibility for accuracy of all related information for the reporting requirements;
- Business partnering with the management team to support decision making through financial analysis;
- Assisting with the completion of the annual audit as required.
ABOUT THE PERSON:
- Professional accounting qualification with 1/2 years’ PQE an advantage;
- Ability to think outside of the box and work on your own initiative;
- Strong technical skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – the ability to work effectively across multiple functions;
- An effective team player, who demonstrates excellent leadership and negotiation skills.
Interested? Feel free to get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.
Barden are delighted to be working with a well-established and hugely successful Irish business in the construction industry, headquartered here in Cork, who are looking for a strong Financial Accountant to join their high-performing Finance team. Reporting to a high-calibre Finance Director, this person will have a wide range of responsibilities including month-end reporting, liaising with key stakeholders across the business on commercial activities and ad-hoc tax and funds work. This will be a move for the long-term.
“This would be a great move for someone who is keen to gain hands-on, practical experience while also being involved in the commercial activities of the business and getting the chance to work alongside senior members of the company on a daily basis” – Finance Director
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Responsible for review and posting of month-end close and accounting transactions;
- Managing the financial oversight of ICAV and its sub-funds as part of the reporting process;
- Responsible for the budgeting and forecasting process for assigned entities;
- Support the preparation of cashflows and related tasks;
- Liaise with internal and external auditors and support the audit process by providing timely and accurate information and data;
- Assist with the preparation of board reports for the group;
- The development of strong relationships with key stakeholders;
- Evaluation of processes and recommends and implements process improvements;
- Ad-hoc projects as required.
ABOUT THE PERSON:
- Qualified Accountant with 0-3 years’ PQE;
- Experience in a similar industry preferred but not essential;
- Experience with IFRS is desirable;
- Strong technical skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – the ability to work effectively within a small, tight-knit team;
- An effective team player, who demonstrates strong leadership and negotiation skills.
Sounds interesting? Feel free to get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.
Barden are delighted to have been engaged by a well-established and hugely successful Irish business in the FMCG sector, who are looking for a strong and ambitious Commercial Accountant to join their growing Finance team. This role has come about due to internal promotions which is always great to see.
Reporting to an excellent Finance Manager with a wealth of experience, this person will have a wide range of responsibilities as well as liaising with key stakeholders across the business on a daily basis to support the key decisions of the business. This role is an important hire for the team as they need somebody who can see the bigger picture and support the continuous expansion of the business and its product lines.
“Working within our commercial team, the ideal person for this role will be a driven individual who is not afraid to hit the ground running and get stuck in. I’m looking for a focused, commercial individual who is keen to contribute to the bottom line of our business. Individuals who can recognise opportunities, act on them and give recommendations that will make a positive impact is what we are looking for.” – Finance Manager
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Conduct financial analysis to identify opportunities for profit improvement across the business
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive more efficient processes within your assigned division
- Responsible for monthly cost reporting, delivering clear analysis to support business decision-making
- Provide actionable financial insights to key stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships, supporting initiatives to improve performance and profitability
- Promote cost awareness, identify savings opportunities and foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Support ad-hoc projects as required
ABOUT THE PERSON:
- Qualified accountant with 1-3 years PQE;
- Financial analysis experience is an advantage but not essential;
- Excellent attention to detail, numeric and analytical skills;
- Process, systems and controls focused;
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
Curious? Feel free to get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.
In Barden we are thrilled to support a well established, relationship led accountancy practice in Cork to appoint a Senior Practice Leader.
This is a rare opportunity for someone who enjoys advising owner managed businesses, building trusted client relationships, and helping shape the next phase of a growing practice. The firm is people driven, places real emphasis on service delivery, and invests in development and training so clients benefit from strong technical skills and a consistent experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead a portfolio of SME and owner managed clients, combining accounts, compliance and advisory, with a strong focus on client service.
- Act as a senior point of contact for clients, supporting queries and helping them make practical commercial decisions.
- Ensure key deadlines are met across statutory and tax filings, while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Develop and mentor junior team members through knowledge sharing and structured training.
- Contribute to the ongoing growth of the practice, with genuine scope to influence services, client proposition, and future direction.
About you
You are a qualified accountant or tax professional from practice, or someone operating at senior manager level who is ready for a bigger step. You enjoy client interaction, you take pride in a high standard of service, and you are commercially minded. Tax exposure is welcomed, but the key requirement is strong practice grounding and a genuine interest in building a business. The role will suit someone who wants autonomy, influence, and a longer term platform, rather than a short term title.
Interested?
If this sounds like something you would like to explore, please message me directly for a confidential conversation, aideen.murphy@barden.ie
