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Got your FAEs - Now what?

28 Oct 2016

Ciaran Bergin

3 long years of studying and you finally have your FAE results – now what? Ciaran Bergin, Senior Accountancy Recruitment Consultant at Brightwater discusses the current employment market and opportunities for qualified accountants.

The demand for qualified accountants has steadily improved in the last 12 to 18 months. This demand is also reflected in salary packages and benefits offered to accountants. Many firms and organisations are now focusing on attracting and retaining the best talent by offering generous benefits such as gym memberships, bonuses of between 5% - 10%, as well as health insurance. Salaries for newly qualified accountants have increased by between 5% - 10% in the last number of years and range from €48,000 - €52,000 potentially rising to €50,000 - €60,000 following experience.

Newly qualified accountants should note they have the option of pursuing a number of different career paths including internal audit, management accounting, financial accounting, group accounting or business analysis. Contract and temporary projects can be a great opportunity to gain experience from a variety of areas in accountancy. In terms of skills sets, candidates with exposure to audit, especially in US multinationals or large pharmaceuticals are in demand with employers at the moment.  Proven strong technical and analytical skills are always an advantage for anyone in the employment market.

On a recruitment front, we have seen many opportunities for junior accountancy professionals within multinationals as a result of a number of mergers and acquisitions throughout the year.  Large Irish PLC’s have also increased their staff headcount in most departments – on the accountancy side group accounting roles are very popular at the moment.   Along with multinationals and large PLCs, smaller indigenous firms have also been recruiting at a variety of levels and disciplines. This trend of upward recruitment looks set to continue, great news for anyone in the accountancy profession!

Brightwater’s accountancy recruitment team would be happy to assist anyone with their career moves and future direction. For further information and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Ciaran Bergin Senior Recruitment Consultant at Brightwater on 01 662 1000 or email [email protected]