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Are you about to finish your training contract and are considering your options overseas?
Here Siobhán Sexton ACA, Associate Director in Barden’s recently qualified accountant practice, gives a market update about the current landscape and opportunities for those about to come out of a training contract.
2026 – A More Open and Dynamic Market
Over the last 18 months the landscape has evolved for newly qualified accountants. The appetite to move abroad remains among newly qualified accountants, with people exploring opportunities in traditional hotspots like Australia, London and Canada, but also expanding into emerging markets like mainland Europe, the Middle East and Asia. But this desire has not been as strong as it was in prior years, with more people choosing to stay local.
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For those coming out of contract in 2026, the number of options at home has stabilised compared to previous years. Industries that are hiring are varied, and additionally, new start-ups are offering roles that didn’t exist just a few years ago. This opens up new possibilities for newly qualified accountants to diversify their career paths. AI is also becoming a major part of accounting roles, and the ability to demonstrate experience with it will really stand out to people.
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We have also seen accountants moving abroad find it a little trickier to secure a longer-term role, as companies abroad have a strong supply of similar profiles. We have seen people return home after a year or two rather than staying abroad longer-term.
What This Means for You as a Newly Qualified Accountant in 2026
Here are some key trends for newly qualified accountants this year:
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Supply and Demand: While the number of newly qualified accountants that have ventured overseas in 2024 and 2025 has levelled off, demand for talent in Ireland remains strong. Companies are competing to attract and retain talent. For those who choose to stay in Ireland, this means strong options for various roles where learning opportunities are strong.
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Global Opportunities: If you’re considering moving abroad, key markets like Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada have seen a huge influx of newly qualified Irish accountants in recent years. This has resulted in accountants moving abroad finding it a little trickier to secure a longer-term role, as companies abroad have a strong supply of newly qualified accountant profiles.
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Remote Working: Post-pandemic, hybrid working has become a lasting trend, with most companies offering some kind of hybrid working option. However, more and more companies are asking people to work on-site for at least 3 or 4 days per week, with fully remote roles becoming much less common. Working onsite offers valuable opportunities for newly qualified accountants, as it allows you to learn directly from experienced colleagues around you and benefit from a collaborative environment, which can greatly enhance your professional development. Working onsite 3/4 days per week is crucial at this level and will have a knock on effect for future progression opportunities within the business.
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Return of Overseas Talent: Another trend to watch for is the return of Irish accountants who have spent time abroad. Many professionals who moved overseas in the past few years are now returning, often bringing with them international experience that further enriches the local talent pool. This will create more competition for roles at the recently qualified level (2/3 years’ + PQE) but also give businesses access to top-tier talent, keeping Ireland a vibrant market.
We have also seen people returning home from abroad sooner than originally planned in late 2025/early 2026, given the difficulty of finding longer-term opportunities abroad and changes in the economic environment.
Conclusion
For newly qualified accountants in Ireland in 2026 there are opportunities both domestically and internationally. Companies across a range of sectors are seeking strong talent, offering attractive packages, flexible working arrangements and the chance to work in dynamic and growing industries.
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If you need advice, feel free to connect with our teams in Leinster and Munster. We have a wealth of experience, both in placing accountants across Ireland and helping professionals make the move abroad, through our trusted network of global recruitment partners. Whether it’s Australia, London, Canada or further afield, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Join our free Moving Abroad webinar this Friday at 1pm – registration here>>>
Finishing your training contract in 2026? Do you want to make sure you make the very best first step after qualifying? Do you want a coffee meeting with an experienced talent advisor; someone who is a qualified accountant, just like you (meet our Leinster team here>>> and our Munster team here>>>)?
Do you want a little help to create your very own best professional future? No problem. Just drop us a line today on hello@stg.barden.ie and we will take it from there. Simple.