Would you like to be part of a start-up journey where you will get a real opportunity to set-up and shape a Finance function? In Barden, we are always excited when unique roles come to the market, and this is certainly one of those.

We are thrilled to be partnering with a newly established company setting up European operations in Cork. The company has the backing of a strong parent company and has ambitious plans for growth as the operational and strategic hub for the European market. The newly appointed management team have a wealth of knowledge in the industry and are excited about bringing a Finance professional onboard to help set up the function. Reporting to an impressive Head of Finance, this role as the opportunity to be extremely rewarding both professionally and personally and the ability to elevate career progression for the right person.

This will be an all-encompassing role which will give a wide breath of exposure to all areas of Finance, including setting up an ERP system, establishing new entities, implementing best practice systems and controls as well as month end activities, budgeting and forecasting and business partnering with sales and operations. The ideal person will have a positive energy, be proactive and solutions focussed and will know what good looks like coming from as established Finance team.

If you would like to learn about this opportunity, please get in touch (caroline.frawley@barden.ie) or my colleague Denis Galvin (denis.galvin@barden.ie).

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Development of best-in-class reporting and accounting processes
• Responsibility for monthly and year end reporting, investigation of variances and overall results to assist business performance
• Develop and maintain a strong control environment during a period of growth and expansion
• Responsible for regular commercial reporting to Executive management providing insights that are accurate and timely to support strategic planning and decision making
• Play a key role in the set-up and implementation of a new ERP system
• Take a lead role in the preparation and coordination of the budgeting and forecasting process

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Qualified Accountant with 5+ years of experience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at all levels
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and dig into all finance and accounting activities
• Strong team player – but ability to work autonomously and independently
• Drive, ambition and great positive attitude
• Challenges the status quo and seeks continuous improvement

Barden have been engaged exclusively by one of the worlds most recognised brands to identify a Finance Project Manager. The business is undertaking significant system enhancement projects across Finance in the coming years, and you’ll be responsible for managing these projects in line with the strategic objectives of the Finance Department and the business as a whole.

“We’re looking for talent with a solid background in finance coupled with project management experience, someone who can seamlessly partner with global teams and navigate complex projects. The ideal person will be an effective communicator, adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, and will possess the resilience to drive projects to completion, even under tight deadlines. We need someone who can anticipate and resolve issues proactively, and enjoy working as part of a team”. – Senior Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Play a lead role in global project management, working within the Finance Department and ensuring projects are delivered within budget and timescales
• Supporting key stakeholders in the business and finance leaders in implementation of new processes
• Develop and lead project management deliverables, including Business Requirements Documents (BRDs), project plans, milestones, and deliverables for seamless project implementation and adoption of new systems and processes
• Responsible for all stages of projects from design through testing and post ‘go live’ support
• Collaborate closely with project teams and cross-functional business partners to develop detailed change management, communication, transition, and testing plans for smooth project execution and adoption
• Be a promoter of change management

ABOUT THE PERSON

• Strong leadership and influencing skills
• A solution driven individual with a track record of facilitating change
• Strong project management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• SAP experience is a plus in a multinational environment
• Highly organised individual who has the ability to multi-task
• Finance qualification is an advantage

We are delighted to share the news that Conor Murphy has transitioned into Barden Munster’s Recently Qualified Accountants team.

After completing a degree in Economics at UCC and an MSc in Corporate Finance, Conor began his career at KPMG in Cork, working in audit and completing his ACA exams. After qualifying, he spent four years in Australia working as an accountant.

Conor joined the Barden team in May 2024 to support Jonathan Olden in developing the emerging practices division. His background in Big 4 and industry accounting positions him perfectly to transition into this new role and advise recently qualified accountants on their next career steps.

“I’m delighted to join the Finance & Accounting Talent Team at Barden Munster. This role feels like a natural fit for me, and I’m thrilled to work alongside a team that is both highly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what they do. My journey started in KPMG Cork, where I qualified in Audit. I then spent four years in industry in Australia before moving to London for three years in Accounting & Finance Talent Advisory. Now back on home soil, I am thrilled to be able to support talent and clients in Cork & Munster.”- Conor Murphy ACA | Consultant | Recently Qualified Accountants | Munster

“I’m delighted to be working with Conor again. We trained together in KPMG and stayed in touch throughout his time abroad. His blend of experience in accounting and recruitment in London positions him perfectly to offer strong guidance and advice to the recently qualified accountant market in Munster.  His energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude bring a great dynamic to the team, and everyone at Barden, as well as clients and talent, will really enjoy working with him. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together going forward!”. – Siobhán Sexton ACA | Associate Director | Accounting & Finance Talent Advisory & Recruitment | Munster

We feel very lucky to have Conor as part of our Recently Qualified Accounting team here in Barden Cork. Since joining Barden in 2024, Conor’s positive energy and great sense of humour have already made a real impact in the Cork office. I’m confident that everyone who works with him will enjoy a truly positive experience, and he’ll play a key role in supporting professionals and clients as we continue to grow across Munster.” – Aideen Murphy ACA CTA | Partner | Tax, Treasury and Practice Talent Advisory & Recruitment | Munster 

Barden are delighted to be assisting a multinational company to identify a recently qualified accountant to join their company as a Financial Accountant.

This is a unique opportunity for a recently qualified accountant or someone close to qualifying to progress their career in a supportive and progressive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Reconcile monthly balance sheets
• Support reporting packs and inventory GL management
• Support the collection of data for cashflow management
• Post monthly journal entries including accruals and prepayments
• Support internal and external audits
• Assist with CSO and statutory reporting
• Process intercompany recharges
• Contribute to process improvements
• Ad hoc projects as required

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• Qualified accountant
• Must have previous financial reporting and industry experience
• Ideally experience with a multinational shared service centre environment
• Strong Excel skills
• Ability to analyse large data sets
• Excellent communication skills

Barden are delighted to be partnering with a scaling professional services firm based in Dublin City Centre. Our client is looking for an Accounts Assistant to join their team on a permanent basis.

This is a varied role, comprised of operational finance activity, AP, AR as well as client accounting and preparation of management accounts. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team and growing business with plenty of growth and progression opportunities in due course.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Accounts Payable: Process supplier invoices, prepare payment runs, and manage supplier queries.
• Accounts Receivable: Issue customer invoices, monitor and reconcile accounts, follow up on overdue payments, and produce regular AR reports.
• General Finance Support: Assist with bank reconciliations, staff expenses, petty cash, and month-end close. Maintain accurate financial records, support VAT and compliance reporting, and ensure proper filing of all finance documentation.
• Perform ad-hoc finance duties as required to support the wider finance team.

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• At least 2 years’ experience in a finance or accounting support role
• Strong working knowledge of accounts payable and receivable processes
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable using accounting systems such as Xero, Sage, or SAP
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and time management skills
• Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team
• Understanding of Irish tax and accounting standards would be an advantage

Barden are delighted to be engaged by a growing Irish business to help identify an Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable specialist to join their team on a full-time permanent basis.

This is a dynamic business with a strong market presence and our client is keen to find someone who sees a long term career with the business.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Accurately process supplier invoices and credit notes, ensuring timely entry into SAP, and match them with corresponding purchase orders and goods receipts.
• Manage supplier payments in accordance with agreed terms, maintaining up-to-date supplier accounts and reconciling statements to ensure accuracy.
• Generate and issue AR invoices aligned with customer contracts and delivery milestones, monitor receivables, and apply customer payments correctly within SAP.
• Conduct regular credit assessments, monitor customer credit limits, proactively follow up on outstanding invoices, and manage dispute resolution.
• Post bank transactions accurately, investigate and resolve unidentified transactions and variances, and ensure proper documentation.
• Liaise with internal departments to resolve discrepancies, assist in the setup of new business partners in SAP, and support finance team members as needed.

Barden are delighted to be working exclusively with a successful PLC, who are looking for a Newly Qualified Accountant with 0-1 year PQE, to join their Finance team as a Financial Accountant in a permanent role.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role will be sitting in the Dublin office but will be hybrid.

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out the month end accounting process;
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis tasks;
• Liaising with external auditors;
• Preparing annual statutory financial statements;
• Assisting in ad hoc support and analysis.

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• Qualified accounting professional with 0-1 year PQE;
• Strong communicator;
• Highly organised and ability to multi-task;
• Ability to problem-solve;
• Excellent MS office skills, particularly Excel.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is looking for a Financial Accounting role in a PLC. Strong salary and package.

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.

If you would like to discuss this further or explore progressing your career in corporate finance, reach out to Bernie Duffy on bernie.duffy@barden.ie

Barden has been appointed by a well-established and highly successful Irish business to identify an ambitious Group Reporting & Planning Lead to join their Finance team. It is a multifaceted position, with a strong emphasis on analysis, executive reporting and business partnering.

The ideal candidate will possess a high energy, positive attitude with strong analytical skills. There will regular exposure to senior leaders including the CFO 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).

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Take a lead role in coordination of the Group’s budget and forecast process
• Serve as a key business partner to senior divisional finance leaders, including C-Suite to ensure timely and accurate reporting
• Conduct analysis of financial trends provide insight and support key decision-making
• Review and challenge divisional budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic plans
• Take responsibility for variance analysis and reporting for the Group
• 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

Are you an ambitious Financial Controller who is looking to use your experience to help enhance and shape a business?

We are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a successful medium sized business in Cork City to identify a Financial Controller to join their team. The business has celebrated significant growth over the last 30 years and is well positioned for further expansion.

Leading a small team, the Financial Controller will report to an impressive Management Team who promote an excellent culture in the business. This is a broad role which involves overseeing the day-to-day Finance activities, along with a nice mix of financial reporting and business partnering. There is an opportunity to make a real impact in driving business performance.

Please get in touch for more information with (denis.galvin@barden.ie) or (caroline.frawley@barden.ie).

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Responsible for monthly and year-end reporting, providing analysis and recommendations to assist the management team in understanding business performance and decision making.
• Take the lead role in the preparation of statutory accounts and management of the external audit.
• Promote and maintain an effective internal control environment.
• Responsible for annual budgeting and long-term forecasting, aligning to corporate objectives.
• Provide strong balance sheet and working capital management.
• Contribute to the overall strategy of the business.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and coaching to the Finance Team.
• Ad hoc duties and projects to support the growing needs of the business.

“The ideal candidate is someone who is willing to be hands on with operational elements of Finance as well as the strategic aspects of the role. Here, you will have a voice and we value the experience and knowledge a strong Finance professional can bring to the table” – MD

ABOUT THE PERSON

• Professional Accountancy qualification with 5+ years PQE.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Organized and efficient with ability to prioritize workload and follow through on tasks.
• Strong technical skills.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude.