ACCA Entry Level Jobs in Ireland for Foreigners: A Complete Guide

If you are an ACCA student, affiliate, or newly qualified accountant dreaming of working in Ireland, you are not alone.

Ireland has become one of Europe’s financial and business hubs, with global companies, Big Four accounting firms, and local businesses constantly seeking fresh accounting talent.

For foreigners, especially those with ACCA qualifications, Ireland offers plenty of entry-level opportunities.

However, questions often arise: What kinds of jobs are available? What are the requirements? Do Irish employers hire foreigners? Is visa sponsorship possible?

This guide will answer all those questions, while giving you a clear roadmap to land your first accounting role in Ireland.

Why Ireland is a Great Place for ACCA Professionals

Ireland is home to a strong finance and accounting sector. Here’s why it attracts foreigners with ACCA:

• Big Four Presence: PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG all have offices in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, offering graduate and trainee programs.
• Multinational Companies: Tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple have finance departments in Ireland.
• Growing Economy: Ireland consistently ranks as one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU.
• English-speaking country: Easier for ACCA students from countries like Nigeria, India, and Pakistan.
• Path to permanent residency: Working in Ireland can open doors to long-term settlement.

Common Entry Level ACCA Jobs in Ireland

As a foreigner, here are the most common entry-level job titles you’ll find in Ireland:

1. Audit Associate / Audit Trainee – Mostly at Big Four and mid-tier firms.
2. Accounts Assistant – Supporting finance teams in preparing accounts.
3. Junior Financial Analyst – Common in multinational companies.
4. Tax Trainee – At accounting firms handling tax compliance.
5. Graduate Accountant / Trainee Accountant – Broad roles to support training.
6. Credit Control Assistant – Managing invoices and payments.
7. Payroll Assistant – Working in HR and finance departments.
8. Finance Graduate Programme Participant – Large companies offer structured training for graduates.

Qualifications and Requirements for Foreigners

Even if you are not Irish, you can still apply for these jobs. Most employers look for:

• ACCA Part-qualified, Affiliate, or Student. Even passing a few ACCA papers shows employers your commitment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business (helpful but not always compulsory).
• English fluency – Both written and spoken.
• Work permit eligibility – Either you apply from abroad with sponsorship, or you study in Ireland and switch to a work visa.
• Soft skills – Teamwork, Excel, communication, and willingness to learn.

Do Irish Companies Hire Foreigners for ACCA Jobs?

Yes, but it depends on your visa situation:

• If you already live in Ireland (e.g., as an international student), you have a better chance. Many students switch to graduate visas after completing studies.
• If you apply from abroad, you may need an employer willing to sponsor a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit. Accounting is not always on the Critical Skills list, but large companies sometimes sponsor skilled graduates.
• Big Four firms are the most open to hiring foreigners, as they already run international graduate programs.

Salary Expectations for Entry-Level ACCA Jobs in Ireland

Here’s a general idea of what you can earn as a foreigner starting out:

• Audit/Trainee Accountant → €28,000 – €35,000 per year
• Accounts Assistant → €26,000 – €32,000 per year
• Junior Financial Analyst → €30,000 – €38,000 per year
• Tax Trainee → €28,000 – €34,000 per year

Salaries increase quickly once you pass more ACCA exams or become fully qualified.

Where to Find ACCA Entry Level Jobs in Ireland

If you are searching from abroad or already in Ireland, here are the best platforms:

• Irish Job Boards:
  • Jobs.ie
  • IrishJobs.ie
  • RecruitIreland.com
• Global Job Platforms:
  • LinkedIn Jobs
  • Indeed Ireland
  • Glassdoor
• Specialist Recruiters:
  • Morgan McKinley
  • Hays Recruitment
  • Robert Walters
• ACCA Careers Portal: Many Irish employers post jobs directly here.
• Company Websites: PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Grant Thornton, and multinational firms often post graduate roles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Job

1. Update Your CV for Ireland

• Use a one-page professional CV.
• Highlight ACCA papers passed.
• Mention any internship or volunteer accounting experience.

2. Write a Focused Cover Letter

• Show enthusiasm for starting a career in Ireland.
• Highlight transferable skills (Excel, teamwork, financial analysis).

3. Apply for Graduate & Trainee Programs

• Big Four and large firms hire graduates every year.
• These programs are open to both Irish and international students.

4. Network on LinkedIn

• Connect with Irish recruiters.
• Join groups like Accounting Jobs in Ireland or ACCA Careers Ireland.

5. Prepare for Interviews

• Expect both technical questions (debits, credits, IFRS basics) and behavioral questions (teamwork, deadlines).

Challenges Foreigners May Face

While opportunities are plenty, foreigners should be aware of these challenges:

• Visa Sponsorship → Smaller firms may not offer sponsorship.
• Competition → Irish graduates also apply for the same jobs.
• Cultural Fit → Employers value candidates who can adapt to Irish workplace culture.
• Cost of Living → Dublin is expensive, so budgeting is key.

Tips to Improve Your Chances as a Foreigner

1. Consider studying in Ireland: Many foreigners enroll in master’s or diploma programs, then apply for jobs.
2. Complete internship programs: Even short-term internships count.
3. Advance your ACCA exams: The more papers you pass, the stronger your CV.
4. Apply widely: Don’t focus only on Dublin; Cork, Limerick, and Galway also have opportunities.
5. Highlight international perspective: Employers like diverse candidates with global experience.

Future Career Growth in Ireland

Starting with an entry-level job is just the beginning. Once you gain Irish work experience:

• You can progress to Assistant Manager, Audit Senior, or Financial Analyst within 2–3 years.
• Becoming a fully qualified ACCA member opens up opportunities for higher salaries (€45,000 – €70,000).
• You can move into specialist areas such as risk, compliance, or corporate finance.
• Some foreigners transition to other EU countries after gaining Irish experience.