In a nutshell, the Irish tax jobs market continues to grow, although at a measured pace. Practices continue to hire across all levels, with a particular pinch point at senior manager and above, essentially tax professionals who can operate independently, advise clients, and bring commercial judgement. Hiring across the industry has normalised following the more cautious period of 2024/25.
However, employers are being much more deliberate about who they hire. I do not think we are back in the market where talent names a salary and gets it. Salary remains important, but we are not seeing the same level of salary inflation across the board, and employers are placing greater emphasis on relevant experience, immediate capability, and overall fit.
From a talent perspective, it has become a more selective market. There are plenty of professionals who would move for the right opportunity, but considerably fewer who are actively looking.
The strongest professionals have the privilege of being selective. They do not need to move for 5% more or a slightly different job title. They can wait for an opportunity that genuinely improves their career trajectory, scope, package, or quality of life, and that is where employers and hiring managers need to focus when attracting future talent.
Overall, this is probably the most interesting dynamic in the Irish tax market right now. It is not a talent-driven market in the traditional sense, but the strongest professionals are still very much in control.
So, if I were advising a tax professional today, I would not tell them to move. I would tell them to understand the market and keep an eye on what is happening, even if they are happy where they are.
If I were advising a hiring manager today, I would say be measured in your hiring decisions. A bad hire can be costly further down the line, so getting the right person matters more than simply filling the role. That said, be prepared for a limited supply of the very best talent. When you do have the opportunity to meet strong professionals, be clear on what you are offering and make sure they get a genuine representation of both the opportunity and the company or firm.
Want to discuss your tax or treasury career?
Contact Kate Flanagan at kate.flanagan@Barden.ie or via LinkedIn to organise a confidential advisory chat.
