Increased demand for technology services such as cybersecurity and data analytics will see KPMG expand its Irish workforce to more than 4,000 people this year.
Today (8 January), multinational accountancy and consultancy firm KPMG announced plans to create 800 new jobs in Ireland this year. The roles will be spread across KPMG’s offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.
The company, which established its first Irish office in Dublin’s IFSC in 1998, has been rapidly growing its presence across the country in recent years.
In 2014, KPMG employed 2,000 people in Ireland. Today the business employs around 3,400. KPMG said that the latest phase of growth is being driven by client requirements in all areas, with an increased demand for access to technology and digital-related expertise.
KPMG managing partner Seamus Hand said: “Increased focus on technology – including areas such as cybersecurity, digital and data analytics – is resulting in strong growth in these services, as well as continued demand for expertise in the audit, tax and advisory areas.”
Half of the 800 new positions will be for experienced professionals, with the other 400 targeting graduates as part of KPMG’s annual efforts to attract college leavers.
“We’re basing our appeal to graduates on the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, across a wide spectrum of disciplines spanning technology and digital transformation, international tax, and deal advisory to name just some of the opportunities,” Hand added.
‘Challenges of rapid technological change’
KPMG also noted an increasing demand for its services and expertise in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation, as a result of new regulations and a growing focus on the climate crisis.
Hand commented: “The challenges of rapid technological change and greater regulation are among the drivers for success in Irish business and are reflected in the increased demand for our services and the roles we’re looking to fill.
“As a result of the increased focus on climate change, we’re investing to build our existing expertise and capabilities to help our clients assess and implement their own sustainability and decarbonisation strategies. This is good news for those seeking work in KPMG as we expand the range of career opportunities available to both graduates and experienced professionals.”
There will also be further opportunities in traditional parts of the business, including regulatory advisory, corporate finance and transaction services. “Talented and ambitious graduates have more choice than ever before,” Hand added.
In 2018, KPMG Ireland reported record revenues of €414m. While the Irish side of the business continues to grow, KPMG UK has seen falling profits.
