Munster accountants’ pay rises average of 7%

ACCOUNTANTS in Munster saw an average pay rise of 7% last year, bringing average salaries in the sector to almost €84,000.

A survey found that accountants in Clare had the highest earnings in Munster, at €94,264, while those working in Kerry earned the lowest at €77,398 a year. Accountants in Limerick were paid on average €81,558 a year, those in Cork €83,601, Waterford €85,239 a year and €87,779 in Tipperary.

The survey of pay in the profession, carried out by the Cork Society of Chartered Accountants, found that those working for manufacturing companies had some of the higher salaries, receiving on average €88,290 a year.

Margaret McCormick, chairman of the Cork Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “The report confirms the high demand and esteem that employers have for chartered accountants. It is interesting to see the change in location for the highest salaries. Traditionally Cork would have paid the highest levels, but this year we have seen a shift to Clare.”

For a finance director of company with up to 50 workers the average pay was €94,592 compared to €186,726 for a company with 1,000 employees.