Most in-demand job: Senior Financial Accountant
Salary Range: €62,000-€90,000
What qualifications and experience are employers seeking in senior financial accounting candidates?
The most in-demand job in Ireland’s accounting and finance sector are senior financial accountants, with one to three years of industry experience. Those trained within the ‘Big 4’ or ‘Top 10’ organisations have an extra advantage.
Employers are on the lookout for candidates with specialised knowledge in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US GAAP/SOX frameworks. This expertise makes them more attractive to potential employers but also increases their chances of landing top positions in the industry. Employers see value in these areas as they ensure compliance with important financial standards.
What kind of benefits can a senior financial accounting candidate expect to receive?
Senior financial accountants can expect to receive full monetary benefits such as health insurance, annual bonuses between 10% to 15% and matched pension contributions between 5% to 7%. Learning and development benefits are integral to an accountant’s career and employers are offering paid and contributions towards upskilling as part of their package.
What flexible or hybrid working arrangements are offered to senior financial accounting candidates?
Employers are offering senior financial accountants flexitime to entice them. With the move towards a hybrid approach and a majority of those within Ireland’s accountancy and finance sector working 2-3 days from the office, candidates want more flexibility. Avoiding the morning rush when commuting is important to candidates and employers are becoming increasingly more open to it.
Three things accounting and finance candidates want from their employer in 2024:
Hybrid working and Remote working – Hybrid working can be a deciding factor when given a job offer. Another popular trend that's emerging is candidates looking for the ability to work remotely for a period, annually. This is most attractive to international and European candidates.
Career progression – Candidates want to trust their employer to help them advance in their careers. If there is a clear ladder of progression, this can be a big pull.
Annual salary increases – A key part of being given more responsibility is having a salary to match. Annual salary increases are crucial to help employees feel like their work is being acknowledged.
Conclusion
Senior financial accountants are the most in-demand role in Ireland’s accounting and finance sector. Employers are especially keen on those with one to three years of experience, particularly if they've trained at 'Big 4' or 'Top 10' firms. When it comes to key skills, expertise in IFRS and US GAAP/SOX frameworks makes these professionals particularly attractive to employers. Companies are offering competitive benefits, including health insurance, bonuses, and pension contributions. They also support ongoing learning and development, making it a promising time for accountants in Ireland.
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