The practice accounting market in Ireland held steady through 2025, maintaining consistent recruitment levels despite mixed economic sentiment. While the consolidation wave that defined 2023 and 2024 has slowed, integration of merged firms remains a key theme. Many midtier and regional firms are still aligning systems, processes, and culture under larger group structures, which has created opportunities for project accountants and internal finance specialists.
Recruitment demand across audit and advisory functions has remained stable. Candidate mobility continues to follow a predictable cycle, with newly qualified accountants leaving practice once they complete their training contracts. This movement sustains a steady volume of entryto-mid-level vacancies across small, medium, and large firms. Firms are responding by offering retention bonuses, early promotions, or flexible working options in an effort to retain newly qualified talent for an additional year.
At the senior end of the market, supply remains tight. Senior managers and directors are reluctant to move unless clear progression to partner level is visible. As a result, firms are placing renewed focus on leadership development and succession planning. Demand for audit professionals with sector-specific experience in areas such as financial services, construction, and renewable energy remains particularly strong, as firms seek to deepen expertise within their client portfolios.
ESG is being led for many organisations by practice firms, and as a result, employees within these firms are developing expertise more quickly in areas such as sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, and assurance over non-financial disclosures. This is positioning midto-senior level accountants in practice as some of the most in demand professionals in the emerging ESG space, with many being approached by corporates seeking to build internal capability.
Technology investment has continued, albeit at varying speeds. Larger firms are embedding automation into audit workflows, while smaller independent firms are modernising practice management systems to improve efficiency and remote collaboration. Hybrid working remains standard across most practices, although several smaller firms have increased their on-site expectations in 2025 to rebuild team cohesion.
From a candidate perspective, flexibility, culture, and exposure to a diverse client base are now as influential as pay when deciding between firms. Salaries at the qualified level have plateaued after a period of sharp growth, and most firms are prioritising retention and stability over aggressive headcount expansion. The outlook for 2026 is measured optimism: a stable market underpinned by steady job flow, strong candidate interest, and ongoing evolution in technology and work models.
What are the current salaries for Practice Accounting professionals in Ireland?
| Titles | Small Firm | Medium Firm | Large Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Director | €75,000 - €95,000 | €80,000 - €100,000 | €95,000 - €120,000 |
| Audit Senior Manager | €65,000 - €75,000 | €70,000 - €80,000 | €75,000 - €85,000 |
| Audit Manager | €50,000 - €65,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €65,000 - €75,000 |
| Audit Assistant Manager | €45,000 - €50,000 | €50,000 - €60,000 | €55,000 - €65,000 |
| Audit Senior | €40,000 - €45,000 | €45,000 - €50,000 | €50,000 - €55,000 |
| Audit Semi-Senior | €30,000 - €35,000 | €30,000 - €35,000 | €35,000 - €40,000 |
Please see here for full 2026 Accounting & Finance Salary Survey!