It doesn’t matter whether you’re just starting your career in finance or are already a CFO; we all dread any conversation even touching on the subject of salary.

Why? Because it’s not like any other deal you make in your life – it’s intrinsically related to your self-worth. In short, you’re not just negotiating a pay rate, you’re negotiating how much you, as a person and a professional, are ‘valued’.

Here are some top tips for negotiating your salary:

Try, as much as possible to remove emotion from your pitch: Acknowledging the above statement highlights why so many of these conversations can become emotional, or even be avoided altogether. The reality is that we don’t want to have these conversations because they can be deeply uncomfortable, and, let’s face it, we all fear rejection. Recognising this and trying to look at the situation objectively, in terms of rational measures is imperative to securing a good outcome. Make sure you reflect on the situation from multiple perspectives before honing your business case.

Speak in facts and quantify where possible: There is only one way to succeed, and this is through preparation – and lots of it. Prepare and construct your case based on facts and figures that support your claims. Ground your argument in quantifiable data and/or testimonials to clearly demonstrate what you have achieved, rather than what you ‘feel’. Just like you wouldn’t go into a supplier negotiation with an argument to reduce prices because you ‘feel’ you deserve it – don’t do it with your salary negotiations.

Consider your tone and demeanour: One of the most important steps to a successful salary conversation is to resist becoming defensive (or even teary!), by maintaining a cool head. Don’t rush to fill pauses in the discussion, let your manager speak, listen, and consider their point of view. If you feel that rush of emotion that comes with an answer you don’t like, pause and consider your response. Above all, be open and honest – show humility. Self-entitlement in salary negotiations is not a good look!

Root your case in your company’s process: It helps if your salary review and appraisal processes are linked, but they aren’t always. If you are negotiating a salary increase without an appraisal structure, you need to present your case by measuring and assessing your performance in a similar way. What objectives have you exceeded? How can you demonstrate a proven track record of high performance? Put yourself in your manager’s shoes, what would make him or her give you a salary rise?

Strive for a win-win solution: You can’t negotiate for something that isn’t possible. Critically, before presenting your case, you must have done your research into what your employer can afford to pay. An employer is not going to give you an increase that pushes you beyond the limits of your level of employment in the interests of fairness and equality, so you will hit a brick wall in any conversation if what you want is not feasible, or reasonable. Consider variables, such as additional holidays or an increase in pension, or think about what else you could take on in return for a raise.

Above all, you must maintain a collaborative approach at every stage of the negotiation process. Negotiating salary increases in employment, as opposed to when job seeking, differ in the fact that you can’t just define a walk away point and compete to get it. Think about presenting a case to your employer that shows them what’s in it for them too – how you plan to keep improving and how dedicated you are to maximising return on their investment in you.

In Barden, we understand that each team, role, and requirement is unique.

We’re where leaders go before they start hiring talent.

If you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail or you would more tailored advice and insights, connect with Tony on LinkedIn or at tony.kerslake@barden.ie

Barden is proud to be partnering with the Finance Director of a global organisation headquartered in Ireland, to appoint a Global Accounts Payable Manager as part of an important phase of finance transformation.

“As our business continues to evolve and grow globally, we recognise the need to strengthen ownership and strategic leadership within Accounts Payable. While we have a strong outsourced model in place, this role will bring clarity, structure and forward‑thinking direction to AP, ensuring it plays a critical role in our wider finance transformation journey.” – Finance Director.

Working in close partnership with senior finance leadership, this role will act as the global AP subject matter expert, overseeing an outsourced delivery model and driving continuous improvement across invoice‑to‑payment processes. This is a strategic individual‑contributor position, requiring strong stakeholder engagement, influence across Finance, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, global environment undergoing systems and regulatory change.

• If you are an experienced AP Manager with strong exposure to outsourced operating models and finance transformation, then we should talk.
• If you have experience operating strategically within Accounts Payable, influencing stakeholders and improving processes in a global setting, then we should talk.
• If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape and elevate the AP function within a growing, internationally focused organisation, then we should definitely talk.

Curious? You should be.

Hit apply or contact Cole Carroll (cole.carroll@barden.ie) and Cole and her team will take things from there. Simple.

Looking for your next step in practice, with real scope to grow?

We’ve partnered with a leading international business advisory organisation operating across Ireland and Europe. Known for its people‑first culture, the business places a real emphasis on career ownership, development and long‑term progression.

This opportunity sits within a high calibre Audit team in Dublin, working with a broad client base across multiple sectors.

Your Responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution and completion of audit assignments
• Work with a diverse portfolio of clients across a range of industries
• Deliver audit and accounting tasks to deadline, with clear client communication
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the audit process
• Support technical queries through research and collaboration
• Contribute to the delivery of high‑quality audits in line with professional standards
• Avail of ongoing learning, development and progression opportunities as the firm continues to grow

About You

• ACA or ACCA qualified
• At least three years’ audit experience, with exposure to Irish regulatory and reporting requirements
• Strong technical grounding with excellent attention to detail
• Confident communicator – both written and verbal
• Team‑oriented, proactive and motivated by delivering a great client experience

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.

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.

Barden are proud to be working exclusively with a global manufacturing/technology organisation to identify an ambitious and smart 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 1/2 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 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 delighted to be assisting a key plc company to identify a qualified accounting professional to join their team as a Senior Group Accountant on a 14 month contract. This exciting opportunity for a an ambitious qualified accountant to progress and join a leading company within their high calibre group finance function.

This is a broad role allowing exposure across financial accounting, analysis, projects and liaising with senior management.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Supporting the group reporting processes including monthly management accounts.
• Preparing intercompany reporting.
• Preparing monthly reports to the Board and senior management.
• Constantly strive to create efficiencies and improvements in current process.
• Preparing statutory accounts for the group and relevant subsidiaries.
• Assisting with the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Taking a lead on projects.
• Ad hoc projects as required.

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• Qualified accounting professional with strong academic background.
• Minimum 2 years PQE with industry.
• Preferably Big 4 trained with exposure to group environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a commercial acumen.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated and organised with ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Confident in liaising with senior management.

The office is based in South Dublin with a hybrid working policy.

Are you about to finish your training contract and are considering your options overseas?

Here Siobhán Sexton ACA, Associate Director in Barden’s recently qualified accountant practice, gives a market update about the current landscape and opportunities for those about to come out of a training contract.

What This Means for You as a Newly Qualified Accountant in 2026

1. Supply and Demand: While the number of newly qualified accountants that have ventured overseas in 2024 and 2025 has levelled off, demand for talent in Ireland remains strong. Companies are competing to attract and retain talent. For those who choose to stay in Ireland, this means strong options for various roles where learning opportunities are strong.
2. Global Opportunities: If you’re considering moving abroad, key markets like Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada have seen a huge influx of newly qualified Irish accountants in recent years. This has resulted in accountants moving abroad finding it a little trickier to secure a longer-term role, as companies abroad have a strong supply of newly qualified accountant profiles.
3. Remote Working: Post-pandemic, hybrid working has become a lasting trend, with most companies offering some kind of hybrid working option. However, more and more companies are asking people to work on-site for at least 3 or 4 days per week, with fully remote roles becoming much less common. Working onsite offers valuable opportunities for newly qualified accountants, as it allows you to learn directly from experienced colleagues around you and benefit from a collaborative environment, which can greatly enhance your professional development. Working onsite 3/4 days per week is crucial at this level and will have a knock on effect for future progression opportunities within the business.
4. Return of Overseas Talent: Another trend to watch for is the return of Irish accountants who have spent time abroad. Many professionals who moved overseas in the past few years are now returning, often bringing with them international experience that further enriches the local talent pool. This will create more competition for roles at the recently qualified level (2/3 years’ + PQE) but also give businesses access to top-tier talent, keeping Ireland a vibrant market.

Conclusion

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.

An established Irish, family‑run manufacturing group with a strong international footprint is currently seeking a Group Financial & Project Accountant to join its Group Finance team based in Killarney.

The business has been operating for over 50 years and has grown steadily through organic expansion and acquisitions across the UK and Europe. With multiple manufacturing sites, continued investment, and a clear growth strategy, this is a great time to join the organisation.

The Role

This is a hands‑on position that offers a genuine 50/50 split between core financial accounting and projects. You’ll have responsibility for the financial oversight of a number of Group sites, while also playing a key part in improving systems, processes and ways of working across the finance function.

It’s an excellent opportunity for a strong technical accountant who enjoys working close to the numbers and site operations teams but also wants exposure to ERP, systems implementation and continuous improvement projects. The role carries real ownership of financial & management reporting for the assigned sites.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Reviewing monthly financial submissions from assigned Group sites, working closely with local finance teams to query, challenge and resolve issues prior to consolidation.
• Focusing on material and judgement‑based accounting areas to ensure consistency with Group policies and procedures.
• Analysing gross margin performance, understanding key drivers, and providing clear insights versus budget and forecast.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process and longer‑term strategic planning across the Group.
• Assisting with statutory audits, including review of financial statements and coordination with external advisors.
• Acting as a finance business partner to site finance and operational teams, providing practical commercial insight.
• Travelling periodically to Group sites to build relationships and deepen understanding of operations.
• Contributing to and leading finance transformation initiatives, including ERP, systems and process improvement projects.
• Supporting ad‑hoc projects and wider business initiatives as they arise.

About You

• Fully qualified accountant with 5+ years’ PQE.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and confident reviewing and challenging financial outputs.
• Experience in a Group or multi‑site environment, ideally within manufacturing or an industrial setting.
• Well‑organised, deadline‑driven and comfortable working independently.
• A self‑starter with strong initiative and a practical, solutions‑focused mindset.
• Project management or systems experience is highly desirable.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build effective relationships across finance and operations.
• Highly IT‑literate with a strong interest in finance systems and process improvement.

Have you ever considered stepping into a Financial Controller‑style role within professional services, without giving up flexibility?

We’re delighted to be supporting a market‑leading team as they build out their leadership capability with a newly created Associate Director role.

This is a senior, client‑facing role that sits firmly in operational accounting, supporting multinational clients with:

• Month‑end close, P&L reporting, GL ownership, reconciliations and journals
• Oversight and review of work delivered by Managers and below (you won’t be doing the day‑to‑day processing)
• Acting as the primary client contact, with responsibility for delivery quality and relationship management

The role is best described as a Financial Controller‑type position in a multinational or shared services environment. You’ll be trusted to operate autonomously, take ownership of client relationships, and play a part in growing the client base over time.

Key requirements:

• Background in industry (MNC / SSC) rather than pure practice
• Strong systems exposure (SAP, Oracle, Workday)
• Solid technical accounting knowledge (US GAAP / IFRS)
• Comfortable in a review, oversight and stakeholder‑management role

Working model:

• All work delivered from the firm’s Dublin office (no client‑site work)
• c.6 days per month onsite
• No expectation to be in the office at month‑end

This will suit someone who enjoys leading from the front, values flexibility, and wants to operate at a senior level without being tied to constant on‑site client work.