The team in Barden are delighted to have been engaged by a global accounting and advisory firm in Dublin who are growing their audit team.  The firm are hiring an experienced Audit Director who can join the team and help with further growth.

The firm have grown considerably in Ireland over the last number of years. The audit team is a specialist team that services large-scale multinational companies with centralised and coordinated audit solutions.  You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and experienced team who like to solve complex challenges and deliver outstanding results for international clients.   Working under an outstanding leader you will have the chance to allow your career develop within a great environment.

An extremely competitive financial package is available for this position.

About the position

• Full responsibility for audits; including planning, coordinating, setting objectives, negotiating fees etc. with assistance from managers and the relevant audit team
• Work closely with team to ensure compliance with standards, reviewing and approving audit files
• Understand client needs resolving issues and providing technical solutions and always maintaining strong client relationships through regular communication
• Provide support and guidance to the team, also ensuring their career development
• Foster strong client relationships through regular communication, understanding their business challenges, and identifying opportunities for value-added services.
• Participate in preparing and presenting proposals to prospective clients, contributing to the growth and expansion of the firm’s client base.

About the person:

A qualified accountant, already at director level with good technical audit and people management experience. The person should have an interest in leading a team and supporting the continued growth of the audit team and wider firm.

Barden are delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded facilities services organisation to recruit a Finance Business Partner.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Part Qualified Accountant to move into a visible, commercially focused role where you will work closely with senior leaders and play a key role in shaping business decisions and driving performance.

Location: Dublin (Office-based)

Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity

In this role, you will:

• Act as a trusted finance partner to operational leaders.
• Deliver clear, insightful financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Own month-end close activities, including P&L and balance sheet analysis.
• Explain performance against budget and forecast.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve margins and performance.
• Challenge and influence key commercial decisions.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in reporting, processes, and systems.

About You

• Part Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
• Experience in a commercial finance or business partnering role.
• Strong business acumen with the confidence to engage and influence stakeholders.
• Analytical, detail-focused, and commercially curious.
• Experience in an operational or services environment is a strong advantage.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to step into a role with real influence and clear progression.

For more information, please contact Phonsie Irwin (phonsie.irwin@barden.ie) or apply via the link below.

Barden’s National Talent Monitor is a quarterly snapshot of Ireland’s private enterprise professional workforce, covering all major professions including accounting, engineering, analytics, administration, legal, engineering and beyond. Collated from multiple data sources (LinkedIn data mining, CSO data, Barden data, and a third-party proprietary source), using our unique research methodologies, we identify patterns and insights that help business leaders make more informed decisions about their talent attraction and retention strategies.

#1 Key Talent Market Trends

1.1 Barden Beveridge Curve

The Barden Beveridge Curve is an indicator of employment activity and talent demand in the market. It plots job vacancy rates against unemployment levels, with movements to the top left indicating higher demand for talent and movements to the bottom right indicating lower demand.

Specifically curated by Barden to represent private enterprise professionals, the curve helps track trends using CSO data, which lags quarter-on-quarter.

Q3 2025 reflects what we have all seen in the market to date. Job vacancies are remaining steady, while the unemployment rate has risen slightly. This trend continues from Q2 and reaffirms that a levelling in activity is happening across the market. A slight rise in unemployment alongside fewer job vacancies reflects the seasonal softening we typically see during the summer months.

The outlook remains competitive, and employers who act decisively and plan strategically in the months ahead will be best positioned to secure the talent that they need as we move into 2026.

1.2 Job-Seeking Behaviour

19.1% of professionals in Ireland are demonstrating job-seeking behaviour, a decrease of 7.0 percentage points from this time last year.

This decline is being driven by the same factors contributing to subdued job numbers in the market: macro-level uncertainty and an elevated perception of risk. Ongoing forecasts of a potential AI bubble throughout 2025, continuous commentary around productivity gains from AI, and expectations of reduced hiring rather than outright job losses are all contributing to caution. This is compounded by broader macro and geopolitical uncertainty, including nervousness around tariffs.

Of those exhibiting job-seeking activity, 9% actually changed roles last year. For a company with 100 employees, a normalised turnover rate suggests a loss of 9–10 people annually.* As above, this number can be used to benchmark a company’s current turnover rate against the norm.

1.3 Tenure and Role Changes

The median tenure for professionals remains unchanged at 1.6 years, meaning that while people are not necessarily changing companies every 1.6 years, they are likely changing roles within that timeframe (promotion, moving teams, etc.).

Leaders should consider this when planning promotions, development, and succession strategies.*

1.4 Gender Balance

Workforce participation in this cohort is 42% female and 58% male, though disparities exist across professions and seniority levels.*

1.5 Talent Movement Trends

In 2025, Ireland’s professional workforce increased by 6,623 people, down from a net gain of approximately 11,000 in 2024, representing a 40% reduction in net inflows. This decline in the number of professionals moving to Ireland warrants close monitoring over the coming quarters, as it may indicate reduced competitiveness as an international destination for talent.

At the same time, Ireland is losing less talent to other English-speaking jurisdictions than in previous years, which may reflect a return to normal following the post-pandemic peak in mobility. However, structural factors such as cost-of-living pressures, accommodation availability and cost, and the tax burden on high earners relative to other jurisdictions are likely influencing decision-making. These factors may increasingly “come home to roost” and should be monitored closely. While there is no cause for panic, the trend is notable and should be explicitly called out.

#2 Trends in Work Arrangements and Benefits

2.1 Hybrid Work as the Norm

Hybrid working has clearly become the norm, with 78% of roles now operating on a two-to-three-day hybrid basis. Fully remote roles continue to decline, specifically for location-agnostic professional roles such as accountants, technology professionals, and legal roles, rather than site-dependent occupations such as healthcare or construction.

This continued reduction in fully remote opportunities has two key implications:

1) Companies that can genuinely offer fully remote roles retain a clear competitive advantage, while talent seeking fully remote work will face a very limited set of options. Many professionals currently working fully remotely are doing so mainly because of legacy post-pandemic arrangements rather than because of new role availability.

2) Full-time office-based roles have steadily increased and now account for 15% of all roles. However, as the vast majority of talent continues to expect flexibility, organisations mandating full-time office attendance are significantly restricting their talent pool and reducing geographic access to skills. Four-to-five-day office requirements represent a clear competitive disadvantage in hiring.

Hybrid working has effectively become a default expectation within the overall reward package, alongside base salary, bonuses, pension, and healthcare. Flexibility is now viewed not as a benefit, but as a standard component of professional employment.

2.2 Reward Packages

Offering 23–25 days of annual leave or more is critical. Anything less puts companies at a notable disadvantage in attracting and retaining talent.

The mode represents the number that occurs the most in a given list.

The most frequent (mode) employer pension contribution offered remains unchanged at 5% and for bonuses, it is 10%. However, it is important to highlight that standard benefits vary significantly between SMEs and multinational companies.*

#3 Are you shaping your Talent Strategy?

The above data provides valuable national-level insights, but competition for talent is typically local rather than national. While understanding the macro perspective is essential, it should be complemented with real-time, localised, peer-to-peer comparisons to assess your organisation’s true competitiveness for talent and inform strategic decision-making. For example, a large multinational group function will typically not be competing for the same talent as a local SME in a given location.

This is where Barden can help you. We offer over 20 profession-specific talent monitors, such as for early-career accountants or data analysts, that provide real-time, quarter-by-quarter insights. While some of this data is publicly available here>>>, bespoke analysis remains key to effectively shaping your talent strategy.

*For more detailed insights, peer comparisons, company-specific turnover data, performance benchmarks, or gender diversity trends by profession and level, contact Ed Heffernan at ed.heffernan@barden.ie for bespoke insights to help shape your talent strategy.

Barden are delighted to be recruiting for a very well known NGO in Cork as they are seeking to hire a new Financial Controller to join to the leadership team.

As well as responsibility for the Finance function, this role has a lot of operational aspects where you will play a pivotal role in shaping how the organisation is run. If you would like to join an organisation that has a rich history in Cork, then please get in contact for further information.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Lead budgeting, monthly management reporting, cash flow control, financial analysis, and KPI performance monitoring to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, risk management, procurement processes, and oversight of third‑party contracts.
• Manage the finance function, including external audits, internal audits, and all regulatory or governance‑related reporting.
• Oversee government grants, external funding, donations, and charity‑specific financial requirements, ensuring full compliance with funding and accounting standards.
• Support governance activities by managing regulatory and compliance requirements, overseeing risk management processes, and ensuring accurate reporting.
• Oversee key operational and administrative functions, including IT systems, insurance and risk coverage, leadership support etc.

ABOUT THE PERSON

• Qualified Accountant with a recognised Accountancy Body.
• Experience working in a leadership capacity.
• Strong communicator and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in IT systems.

Barden are partnering with a global leader in the food and beverage ingredients industry, delivering innovative taste solutions that shape the future of consumer products as they seek an Operations Finance Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in a sector that is driving trends like sugar reduction, clean label innovation, and enhanced nutrition, all while supporting sustainability and operational excellence.

The successful profile will provide financial leadership and operational support across three manufacturing sites in Italy, Ireland, and the UK. You’ll partner with plant leadership, supply chain, and finance teams to drive cost efficiency, improve profitability, and ensure strong financial governance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead financial planning and analysis for operations and supply chain.
• Build models to assess capital investment feasibility and returns.
• Deliver insights to optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve profitability.
• Monitor KPIs and partner with operations teams to drive performance.
• Oversee inventory accounting and ensure accurate valuation.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance and maintain robust internal controls.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Accountant (CIMA or ACCA).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ERP knowledge (SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to Italy.

Barden are exclusively partnering with a global food innovator with a as they seek a highly skilled Finance Business Partner to join their finance team. This person will play a vital role in driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making. This position involves delivering insightful analysis, robust forecasting, and proactive business partnering to enable operational and commercial excellence across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leadership to deliver actionable insights that enhance operational and commercial performance.
• Drive investment, cost efficiency, and innovation decisions through financial analysis.
• Promote collaboration between finance and non-finance teams to improve financial literacy and create synergies.
• Conduct monthly performance reviews and recommend strategies to achieve EBITA targets.
• Investigate budget variances and provide clear, actionable explanations.
• Leverage data analytics to produce detailed KPI, budget, and forecast reports.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and develop comprehensive business plans.
• Prepare quarterly forecasts and monthly flash reports.
• Build long-term P&L models to support strategic planning over a five-year horizon.
• Deputise for Finance Director when required.
• Contribute to strategic projects and assist the team during peak periods.

Key Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA) with 3+ years PQE.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems and BI tools is an advantage.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially astute with excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven experience as a business partner to non-finance functions.
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and forward-thinking.
• International experience is a plus.

Barden are partnering with a global leader in manufacturing as they seek a highly skilled and motivated Senior RTR Accountant to join their dynamic team in Cork. Reporting to the RTR Lead, you will manage general ledger accounting for one or more entities and play a key role in supporting a multi-year SAP transformation project. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a global finance function within a multinational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and act as a primary relationship manager for assigned entities.
• Contribute to defining service standards, KPIs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain ledger integrity and ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
• Review and post month-end close transactions; perform P&L and balance sheet analysis, reconciliations, and resolutions.
• Support statutory accounting and VAT programs within international operations.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors during quarter-end and year-end audits.
• Evaluate processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Champion global financial services philosophy and architecture for finance.
• Flexibility to support US hours during late close (approx. 1–3 days per month).

About You

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA) and a BA/BS in Accounting or equivalent.
• 2–3 years’ experience in a multi-country RTR environment within a multinational corporation.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and European statutory/tax reporting requirements.
• Experience with Oracle or equivalent ERP systems; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Exposure to shared services and SAP implementation projects is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across cultures and functions.
• Additional European language skills (French, German, Spanish, or Italian) are a plus

Barden are partnering with a well-established, dynamic and highly acquisitive technology group as they seek a Financial Accountant to join their team in Limerick. The successful profile will join the Digital Services team and play a key role in delivering high-quality financial reporting, control, and analysis in a rapidly evolving environment.

About the Role

As a Financial Accountant, you will support strategic growth by embedding robust financial practices and ensuring accurate reporting & analysis. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a business that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare management and statutory financial reports.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and general journal postings.
• Maintain the fixed asset register.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital.
• Ensure compliance with tax and statutory regulations.
• Partner with the business on financial projects and process improvements.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experienced with ERP systems, Excel, and ideally Power BI.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and commercially aware.
• Adaptable and innovative in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong communicator and team player.
• Previous exposure to telecoms, digital, or technology sectors is an advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking team driving digital transformation.
• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.

Are you an ambitious, forward-thinking audit professional ready for your next challenge?

A progressive and expanding audit department in Dublin is seeking a skilled Audit Senior Manager to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a high achiever looking to work with a diverse client base and take on a leadership role in a collaborative environment.

About the Role

You’ll manage a portfolio of both international and domestic clients across a wide range of industries, including retail, distribution, sport, and not-for-profit. You’ll lead audit teams, oversee multiple projects, and play a key role in the department’s strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate multiple audit assignments from planning through to completion and sign-off
• Report directly to partners on engagements
• Resolve client issues, including fee negotiation and cash collection
• Oversee time management, work in progress, delegation, and team communication
• Deliver technical training and support the development of junior team members
• Contribute to the achievement of departmental strategic goals and objectives

About You

• Accounting qualified (ACA/ACCA/CPA) with a minimum of 4 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE)
• Strong management skills and experience leading audit teams
• In-depth knowledge of FRS100 to FRS102 and IFRS
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of market trends
• Confident communicator, able to act as the main point of contact for a range of clients
• Experience in business development, including identifying and developing new opportunities
• Skilled in preparing client presentations and tender documents

Barden have been engaged by a leading multinational business in Cork to identify a Financial Accountant to join their well-established finance team. Working as part of a large, highly professional team, you will take on a key finance role within the company’s SSC.

“There will be huge exposure across the business in this role. The ideal person will have the ability to build and maintain key relationships. This role offers variety and strong long-term opportunities within a supportive and dynamic environment. I will act as a mentor for this person” – Hiring Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Responsible for the General Ledger accounting for one or more entities;
• Responsible for review and posting of month-end close and accounting transactions;
• Responsible for the accounting and reporting requirements under U.S. and local GAAP;
• The development of strong relationships with key stakeholders globally;
• Support with various tax head responsibilities;
• Liaise with internal and external auditors and supports the audit process by providing timely and accurate information and data;
• Responsible for supporting and preparation of the Statutory Accounting Activities for one or more entities.

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA);
• Experience working in a Shared Service Centre is an advantage but not essential;
• Experience with US GAAP and SAP is desirable;
• Strong technical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and different cultures;
• An effective team player, who demonstrates excellent leadership and negotiation skills.

Curious? Feel free to get in touch with Siobhán Sexton in Barden (siobhan.sexton@barden.ie) for more information.