Accountant Salary in Ireland: What to Expect in 2024

Average accountant salaries in Ireland (by role and location)

Salaries for accountants in Ireland vary widely by experience, qualification and location. Entry-level or graduate accountants typically earn between €28,000 and €40,000 per year. Qualified accountants (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) in junior to mid-level roles commonly see salaries in the €45,000–€65,000 bracket. Senior accountants, finance managers and specialist roles (tax, corporate finance) often earn between €65,000 and €95,000, while heads of finance and senior commercial finance leaders can command €90,000–€140,000+ depending on company size. Location matters: Dublin generally pays a premium — often 10–20% higher than regional cities — reflecting higher living costs and concentration of multinational employers. Sector differences are significant too: tech, pharmaceutical and financial services tend to offer top packages, while charities, small practices and some public sector roles sit at the lower end of ranges.

Key factors that affect accountant salaries

Several elements shape an accountant's pay in Ireland. Qualifications: holding ACA/CA or ACCA typically unlocks higher salaries than unqualified roles; specialist certifications (tax, IFRS, forensic accounting) add further value. Experience and seniority remain major drivers — each additional 3–5 years and managerial responsibility can lift pay substantially. Industry and employer size matter: multinationals and high-growth tech or pharma firms often provide higher base pay and bonuses compared with small companies or local practices. Location: as noted, Dublin attracts a premium due to demand and cost of living. Other influences include soft skills (leadership, communication), technical skills (ERP systems, SQL, data analytics), market demand for niche skills (e.g., transfer pricing, international tax), and benefits such as pension contributions, health insurance, bonuses and equity. Contracting/freelance roles can yield higher hourly rates, but without the security and benefits of permanent employment.

How to increase your earning potential and market outlook

If you want to boost your accountant salary in Ireland, focus on qualifications, specialism and market visibility. Achieve a recognised qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) and pursue specialist accreditations or continuous professional development in tax, treasury or financial reporting. Develop technical fluency in finance systems, data analytics and automation tools — these skills are increasingly rewarded. Consider sector moves into high-paying industries (technology, pharma, fintech) or seek roles in Dublin for higher base salaries. Negotiate holistically: base pay, bonus structure, benefits and flexible working all matter. Networking, professional memberships and targeted CVs for senior roles help you access better opportunities; contracting or interim finance roles can also increase short-term earnings. Market outlook: demand for qualified accountants in Ireland remains solid, with continued need for tax, compliance and advisory skills as businesses scale and regulatory complexity grows. Automation will shift some transactional work, so accountants who combine technical finance skills with analytics, advisory and strategic insight