The finance and accounting field in Ireland is entering a period of steady growth, with strong demand for permanent, contract and project-based roles. As the competition for skilled professionals grows, companies are prioritising both team expansion and employee retention through competitive compensation and performance-linked pay reviews. Companies are setting pay based on industry benchmarks and merit. Automation remains a key area of investment, yet people continue to sit at the core of business strategy. At the same time, generative AI is transforming the sector, with many organisations promoting its use to raise productivity, supported by training programmes that help professionals apply the technology to routine work.

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Starting salaries can vary depending on your skills, experience, the size and sector of the organisation, and local demand for the role. Salaries are based on compensation data observed by Robert Half across Dublin and Greater Dublin, reflecting starting pay only (excluding bonuses, benefits, and perks). Figures are shown in ranges and percentiles to account for varying experience levels.

Finance leadership

Accounting operations

Financial and management accounting

Systems and projects accounting

Tax and treasury

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

192250

261500

308000

Group Finance Director

168500

192250

215500

Finance Director

138500

161250

187500

Shared Service Centre Director

138250

169250

200000

Group Financial Controller

123000

153750

184500

Financial Controller

100000

124500

137000

Senior Finance Business Partner

100000

108500

128000

Finance Business Partner

84500

92000

99000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Most in-demand technical skills securing higher pay

Specialised technical expertise is driving better remuneration, with financial reporting, analytics tools, technical accounting and automation skills among the most valued.

Financial reporting

Data analytics / business intelligence tools

Technical accounting

Automation

Pay that keeps people

In the war for talent, pay remains a core component when attracting and retaining skilled workers. Knowing when it is the right time to review pay packets is key to making sure flight-risk employees stay put.

31% of employers are increasing pay to remain competitive

28% make pay rise decisions based on an equal evaluation across employees

24% cite merit as the main driver for pay rises in 2026

The majority of Irish businesses are encouraging their finance and accounting teams to use generative AI tools for routine tasks and to boost productivity. While some are still in the early stages of exploring AI’s potential, for most, the main focus is on providing training before expanding adoption.

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of employers in finance and accounting encourage their employees to explore the use of gen AI for routine tasks and enhanced productivity of employers in finance and accounting encourage their employees to explore the use of gen AI for routine tasks and enhanced productivity

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are investing in internal AI training initiatives are investing in internal AI training initiatives

Top certifications, functional areas and in-demand roles

Candidates with sought-after credentials often command higher salaries, particularly in fields with emerging skills. Here are a few of the most highly valued certifications. 

ACA

ACCA

CIMA

CTA

Functional areas where businesses are most likely to hire finance and accounting talent in 2026.

Accounting operations

Financial planning and analysis

Regulatory reporting

Leadership and management

Keeping pace with the most sought-after roles allows businesses to adapt to evolving skill demands, enhance team effectiveness and maintain a competitive edge. These positions will see rising demand in 2026.

Financial Controller

Management / Financial Accountant

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Finance Business Partner

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on compensation for professionals observed by Robert Half across Dublin and Greater Dublin. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels. Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During August 2025 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 200 hiring managers from large and medium sized businesses across Dublin and Greater Dublin using an online data collection methodology. The respondents were evenly split to represent hiring managers in finance and accounting, IT and tech, and admin and business support.