About the Business

HLB Ireland is a leading advisory and accounting firm working with ambitious domestic and overseas businesses in Ireland. Established in 1976, the firm continues to grow its client base and service offerings.

We strive to bring extra value to each client assignment through our expertise, advice and recommendations, ensuring a reliable, professional and value-added service is provided.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-orientated Payroll Executive to join our growing outsourcing team. This role involves supporting both the accounting and payroll services offered by the department.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified accounting technician to further their career in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the team, you will be responsible for the following:

Payroll Duties

• End-to-end processing of weekly, fortnightly and monthly payrolls using Sage Payroll and BrightPay software packages.
• Ensure compliance with Irish employment and taxation laws.
• Prepare and submit payroll-related returns, including PSRs.
• Handle client payroll queries and liaise with clients as required.
• Keep up to date with changes in payroll legislation and Revenue guidance.

Who We Are Looking For

• IPASS payroll qualification is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Irish payroll.
• Proficiency in payroll software.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.

Why Join Us?

• Broad exposure to a diverse range of clients.
• Variety in day-to-day tasks across both accounting and payroll.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Study support and CPD opportunities.
• Friendly and collaborative team culture.

If this opportunity interests you, we would love to start a conversation. Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter to recruitment@hlb.ie.

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Mentora Group, the fast growing professional services group encompassing HLB Ireland and FutureRange, with approximately 180 employees and plans to scale to 300+ within 24 months through organic growth and acquisitions are seeking a Group HR Director to provide senior, strategic leadership to our people agenda during this next phase of growth.

This is an internal executive role, suited to a strategy-led people leader with the credibility and capability to design, lead, and deliver scalable people solutions. You will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team, while ensuring purposeful execution across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

People Strategy & Organisational Design

• Design and implement core HR processes, policies and frameworks.
• Define and deliver a scalable People strategy aligned to growth, acquisitions, and service-line economics.
• Lead organisational design to support a multi-site, multi-disciplinary professional services model.
• Advise the executive team on workforce structure, capability, and future skills.

Culture, Change & Integration

• Lead cultural integration across acquired businesses and embed a cohesive employee experience.
• Lead on employee engagement initiatives, helping to identify issues and translate feedback into action.
• Drive change management and communication during periods of rapid growth.
• Strengthen engagement and performance across the group.

Talent, Performance & Leadership

• Design and embed performance management processes that are practical, consistent, and understood across the business.
• Support workforce planning and play an active role in recruitment – working with managers to attract and retain the right people.
• Oversee workforce planning, succession, and critical role identification.
• Embed consistent performance management and development frameworks.
• Build leadership capability across partners, directors, and emerging leaders.
• Identify development needs and coordinate learning and development initiatives.

M&A People Leadership

• Own the people workstream for acquisitions, including due diligence, integration, and cultural alignment.
• Develop repeatable integration playbooks for future acquisitions.

People Operations & Governance

• Ensure compliant, modern people policies and practices across ROI and NI.
• Oversee the implementation of scalable HR systems and meaningful people metrics.

Experience & Profile

Essential

• Senior people leadership experience, such as CPO, HR Director, Head of People or equivalent.
• Background in professional services, including accounting, advisory, technology or similar.
• Proven experience scaling organisations from approximately 150 to 300+ employees.
• Strong M&A people integration experience.
• Deep understanding of ROI and NI employment frameworks.
• Track record of building and embedding scalable people functions.

Desirable

• Experience in partner-led or matrix organisations.
• Coaching or leadership development credentials.

Engagement Model

• Full-time engagement.
• On-site presence across Ireland, typically based at Head Office in Sandyford, Dublin.

Success Looks Like

• A clear, embedded People strategy supporting growth to 300+ employees.
• Smooth integration of acquisitions with strong cultural alignment.
• Improved engagement, retention, and leadership capability.
• Scalable people systems, governance, and operating rhythm in place.

You will operate with genuine independence from engagement delivery teams, reporting into executive leadership and risk governance, and will carry real authority across all service lines.

What you’ll do
Quality management system
• Take ownership of the firm’s established System of Quality Management (SOQM), ensuring it is continuously monitored, refined, and kept current with ISQM 1, ISQM 2, ISA 220, and evolving professional body requirements.
• Build a scalable quality framework that works consistently across Audit, Accounting, Tax, Payroll, and advisory functions.
• Establish quality objectives, monitoring activities, remediation protocols, and governance structures — including clear escalation pathways for quality and compliance matters.

File reviews and practice inspections
• Lead risk-based cold and hot file reviews across audit and non-audit engagements.
• Conduct in-flight reviews, post-engagement quality assessments, and root cause analysis for identified deficiencies.
• Produce remediation reports with actionable recommendations and track follow-through.
• Prepare the firm for external regulatory and professional body inspections.
• Serve as a trusted technical consultant for engagement teams navigating complex judgement areas.

Root cause analysis
• Design and embed a formal analysis methodology for quality findings and operational improvements.
• Identify systemic drivers — training gaps, supervision weaknesses, resource constraints, process inconsistencies, or cultural factors — and develop corrective action plans.
• Maintain quality metrics and trend analysis to drive continuous improvement.

Policies, procedures, and manuals
• Lead the maintenance and continuous improvement of firm-wide documentation including audit methodology manuals, accounting and payroll procedures, risk and independence manuals, quality management policies, and confidentiality and information security procedures.
• Standardise templates, checklists, and review protocols across the group.
• Introduce version control and formal policy governance to keep all documentation aligned with evolving standards.

Acquisition integration
• Support post-acquisition integration to ensure consistent technical standards across newly acquired firms.
• Assess acquired firms’ methodologies, documentation quality, and compliance culture; identify gaps against group standards.
• Lead the implementation of standardised procedures, systems, and quality controls during transition.

Learning and development
• Design competency frameworks and coordinate technical training across all service lines and levels — from staff through to engagement leaders.
• Deliver workshops covering ISQM compliance, audit quality, documentation standards, professional scepticism, ethics, and regulatory updates.
• Develop remediation-focused coaching following review findings and build a firm-wide culture of continuous professional development.

Risk management, ethics, and confidentiality
• Establish and oversee procedures covering client confidentiality, GDPR and data protection, information security, ethical standards, independence monitoring, and engagement acceptance and continuance.
• Maintain risk registers, monitor emerging risks, and support crisis management and remediation where material issues arise.

What we’re looking for
Background and experience
• Former professional body reviewer or inspection specialist, or a Senior Audit Manager / Director with substantial quality and compliance experience.
• Deep knowledge of ISQM standards, audit methodology, risk management, and practice assurance frameworks.
• Proven ability to design policies, controls, and governance frameworks and to conduct root cause analysis and remediation planning.
• Experience integrating firms or standardising procedures across multiple offices is a strong advantage.

Personal attributes
• Professionally credible and authoritative; able to communicate both upwards and downwards.
• Independent-minded with strong professional judgement; able to challenge constructively while maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Clear and confident communicator with the leadership capability to drive behavioural change across acquired businesses.
• Process-oriented with a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.

Reporting and seniority
This is a senior-level appointment. The role operates independently from operational engagement delivery to preserve objectivity, with dotted-line reporting into executive leadership and/or the risk committee. Day-to-day, you will work closely with Audit Partners, Managing Partners, integration teams, HR and L&D, and compliance and risk functions.

Join Us
If this opportunity excites you, we would love to start a conversation. Please apply by sending your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to recruitment@hlb.ie.

We are Mentora Group, a fast-growing professional services and IT specialist firm, with approximately 180 employees and plans to scale to 300+ within 24 months through organic growth and acquisitions. The brands within the Mentora Group are HLB Ireland and FutureRange.

HLB Ireland is a leading advisory & accounting firm working with ambitious domestic and overseas businesses in Ireland. Based in Dublin, the firm was established in 1976 and continues to grow its client base, services and sector specialists.

FutureRange is a leading IT Managed Services and Cybersecurity advisory business, established in 1995 and part of the Group since 2020.

The Group has completed 10 transactions in the last seven years, some of which include DigitalWell Managed Services in 2026, Lowry & Associates in June 2024, Garry IT in May 2021 and Conlon Crotty Murray in May 2019. The group are actively seeking opportunities to partner with other accounting and IT Managed Services firms across the island of Ireland.

HLB Ireland brings extra to each client assignment through listening to issues and providing expert advice and recommendations, ensuring a reliable, professional and value-added service is provided. Partner lead assignments allow us to gain unrivalled knowledge of our clients’ business. In 2019, our tax team won Tax Team of the Year at the Irish Accountancy Awards, with our firm previously winning Practice of the Year.

Our services and specialist sector focus enable us to assist clients in improving business performance, minimising taxes, building IT strategies, and planning for the future. HLB Global is a network of independent global advisory and accounting firms. Through the power of 27,485 professionals across 153 countries, we combine local expertise and global capabilities to service client needs. In Europe, we’re a top 10-ranked network. 

Position Summary

The Group Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in supporting the Group through its next phase of growth, providing financial leadership, commercial insight and operational excellence across the organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, managing cash flow and driving continuous improvement across finance processes and systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who is keen to make an impact, challenge existing practices, and help shape a scalable finance function capable of supporting an ambitious growth and acquisition agenda.

Key Responsibilities include:

Financial Reporting:

• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely monthly group management accounts providing insightful analysis and commentary on financial performance, highlighting key trends, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain the integrity of financial data and reporting across all group entities.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts.
• Develop and enhance management reporting to improve business insight and decision-making.
• Lead the financial integration of acquired businesses, driving the harmonisation of systems, reporting structures, controls and working capital management to support growth objectives.

Audit & Compliance

• Manage the Group audit process end to end from planning through to completion.
• Act as the principal liaison between the business and external auditors.
• Ensure any audit recommendations are appropriately addressed and implemented.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and tax reporting requirements.

Financial Controls

• Manage all treasury, working capital and cashflow requirements across the group.
• Establish and monitor billing and collection targets.
• Responsibility for covenant reporting and tracking.
• Develop and maintain strong financial control and governance frameworks across the group, driving standardisation, operational efficiency and improved reporting quality.
• Overall ownership of the Group’s cost base, ensuring robust financial controls, effective cost management and continuous identification of efficiency opportunities.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and high performance, ensuring the function continues to support the Group’s growth through operational excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted finance partner.
• Lead or contribute to ad hoc finance projects and initiatives as required, supporting the evolving needs and priorities of the business.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• Qualified accountant (ACA preferred) with min 5 years PQE
• Naturally curious with a drive to improve processes through automation and technology
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; confident engaging with senior stakeholders
• Proven experience in leading and building high performing teams
• Strong technical accounting skills and commercial awareness
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial information into practical business insights and actions.
• Highly skilled in accounting systems and other finance tools, expert-level Excel skills, and a proficiency in business intelligence tools (such as Power BI) is an advantage.

If this opportunity excites you, we would love to start a conversation.  Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter to recruitment@hlb.ie. 

Based in Dublin, the firm was formed in 1976 and continues to grow its client base, services, and sector specialists, and now proudly positioned among Ireland’s top 20 firms. We have a strong client focus working with a broad range of interesting clients.

We have recently been certified with the “Employer of Choice” credential in our Employee Experience Program. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering a fantastic workplace for our team.

HLB Ireland is an independent member of HLB International. HLB International is a network of independent global advisory and accounting firms. Through the power of 40,831 professionals across 156 countries, we combine local expertise and global capabilities to service client needs. In Europe, we’re a top 10 ranked network.

What You Can Expect

Embark on a transformative 3-year journey, where you will:

• Acquire professional qualifications in Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA, or CPA, supported by a structured and enriching programme.
• Diversify your expertise across sectors like Arts & Entertainment, Food & Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Technology, and more.
• Rotate through various disciplines including Audit, Accounting, Taxation, Advisory, and Compliance, for a well-rounded skill set.
• Enjoy our conveniently located office, easily accessible via M50, Luas, and Bus.
• Benefit from direct mentorship by our Senior Partners, accelerating your professional growth.
• Receive competitive remuneration, generous study leave, and a comprehensive study package.
• Join a vibrant, social community with regular group activities and events.
• Explore international opportunities within our global network.
• Build a robust professional network.
• Advance your career with our firm, with plenty of promotional opportunities post-qualification.
• Experience a genuine work/life balance.

Who We Are Looking For

• A real team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Someone who enjoys client engagement and peer interaction.
• Professionals with a passion for accounting.
• An Honours Degree (2.1 grade) in any Level 8 course.
• Self-motivated with the ability to initiate and drive projects.
• Good communication skills.

Life at HLB Ireland

Lifestyle Perks

• Tax saver travel ticket scheme.
• Bike to work scheme.
• Special leave for your graduation day.
• Funded life assurance scheme.
• Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) eligibility after six months.
  

Career Development Opportunities

• Comprehensive technical and in-house training.
• Exam support including placement prizes and first-time pass bonuses.
• Educational assistance and funding for two professional subscriptions.
• Soft skills training to complement your technical expertise.
  

Health & Wellbeing Focus

• Regular team social events.
• Gym membership.
• A holistic wellness programme.
• Shower facilities, lockers and ample bike spaces.
• Access to professional life coaching.
• An active corporate social responsibility programme.
• A funded sports and social committee.

Join Us

If this opportunity excites you, we would love to start a conversation. Please apply by sending your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to recruitment@hlb.ie.