Ireland has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international professionals looking to grow their careers.
With its booming economy, strong presence of multinational companies, and a welcoming work environment, Ireland offers great opportunities across many industries.
One of the growing career paths is bookkeeping. Every business, whether a small start-up or a large corporation, needs accurate financial records.
Because of this, bookkeepers are in demand. For job seekers outside Ireland, the key question often becomes: “Can I get a bookkeeping job in Ireland with visa sponsorship?”
This guide answers that question.
What is Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is the process of recording and organizing a company’s financial transactions.
Think of it as keeping a diary of all the money that goes in and out of a business.
Main Duties of a Bookkeeper in Ireland:
- Recording daily financial transactions.
- Managing accounts payable (money the company owes) and accounts receivable (money the company is owed).
- Reconciling bank statements.
- Assisting accountants with preparing financial statements.
- Using software like Sage, QuickBooks, or Xero to manage finances.
Why Consider Bookkeeping Jobs in Ireland?
1. High Demand for Skilled Professionals
Ireland’s economy is home to thousands of businesses, from family-owned shops to tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple. All of these need bookkeepers.
2. Opportunities for Career Growth
Starting as a bookkeeper can open doors to becoming an accounting technician, financial analyst, or chartered accountant.
3. Attractive Salaries
The average salary for a bookkeeper in Ireland ranges between €28,000 and €40,000 per year, depending on experience. Senior roles can go beyond €45,000 annually.
4. Visa Sponsorship Options
Ireland allows certain companies to sponsor international workers if they can’t find suitable local candidates. For bookkeeping and accounting-related jobs, this is possible, especially with larger firms.
5. Quality of Life in Ireland
Ireland ranks high in safety, education, and work-life balance. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway are vibrant places for both professionals and families.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
You don’t always need a university degree to become a bookkeeper in Ireland. Many employers focus on skills and certifications.
Basic Requirements:
- Strong English communication skills.
- Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles.
- Familiarity with accounting software.
- Attention to detail and organizational skills.
Helpful Certifications:
- ACCA Foundation Diploma (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
- Accounting Technician (ATI) qualification in Ireland.
- Certified Bookkeeper (ICB) certification.
Even if you don’t have these certifications, employers sometimes hire entry-level bookkeepers and provide training.
Visa Sponsorship in Ireland for Bookkeeping Jobs
If you’re not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a visa and work permit to work in Ireland.
The most common option is the General Employment Permit.
Key Points about Visa Sponsorship:
- Your employer must agree to sponsor you.
- The job should typically pay €30,000 per year or more (although exceptions exist for some roles).
- Employers must prove they could not find a suitable local candidate before hiring from abroad.
Industries More Likely to Sponsor:
- Finance and Accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY).
- Multinational corporations with finance departments.
- Medium to large businesses that handle complex financial operations.
Where to Find Bookkeeping Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Ireland
Here are some platforms and methods you can use:
1. Irish Job Boards
- IrishJobs.ie – Popular for accounting and bookkeeping jobs.
- Jobs.ie – Covers finance and admin roles.
- RecruitIreland.com – Good for professional roles.
2. International Job Boards
- Indeed Ireland – Use filters like “visa sponsorship” or “work permit.”
- LinkedIn Jobs – Great for networking with recruiters.
- Glassdoor Ireland – Includes salary insights.
3. Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Morgan McKinley, Hays Recruitment, and Robert Walters often help international candidates connect with employers willing to sponsor.
4. Company Career Pages
Go directly to big firms like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, Grant Thornton, and check their career sections.
Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Bookkeeping Job in Ireland
- Polish Your CV for Ireland
- Use a clean format.
- Highlight your bookkeeping skills and software knowledge.
- Mention international experience, if any.
- Get Your Documents Ready
- Academic certificates.
- Professional certifications (if you have).
- Work references.
- Apply on the Right Platforms
- Start with job boards and LinkedIn.
- Sign up for job alerts with “visa sponsorship” keywords.
- Prepare for Interviews
- Be ready to explain how your skills can help the company.
- Practice common bookkeeping scenarios (e.g., handling discrepancies).
- Negotiate Sponsorship
- If an employer shows interest, ask politely about sponsorship options.
- Emphasize your commitment to working in Ireland long-term.
Salary Expectations for Bookkeepers in Ireland
- Entry-level bookkeeper: €25,000 – €30,000 per year.
- Mid-level with 2–5 years experience: €32,000 – €38,000 per year.
- Senior or specialized bookkeeper: €40,000 – €45,000+.
Some companies also offer benefits like health insurance, paid holidays, and pensions.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
- Competition: Local candidates are often preferred first.
- Visa process: Can be lengthy (8–12 weeks).
- Cost of living: Ireland is relatively expensive, especially Dublin.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Take an online bookkeeping course before applying.
- Join LinkedIn groups for Irish finance professionals.
- Apply widely — don’t limit yourself to Dublin; try Cork, Limerick, and Galway.
- Consider starting as a finance assistant role that may later lead to sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a bookkeeping job in Ireland without experience?
Yes, some entry-level roles exist, especially if you show strong software and organizational skills.
2. Do small Irish companies sponsor visas?
Not usually. It’s mostly medium and large companies.
3. What type of visa do I need?
Most likely the General Employment Permit or in some cases, a Critical Skills Permit if you grow into more advanced accounting roles.
4. How long does visa sponsorship last?
It can last for 2 years initially, with the option to renew.
