Head of Finance is the senior finance leadership role in many Irish SMEs and subsidiaries — typically reporting to the CEO or MD, with full P&L responsibility and no FC above them. Salary varies significantly by company size, sector and location.
Head of Finance Salary Ireland 2026
| Location | Salary Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (large company) | €110,000–€160,000 | Robert Walters Ireland 2026 |
| Dublin (SME) | €85,000–€120,000 | Morgan McKinley Ireland 2026 |
| Cork | €75,000–€110,000 | Morgan McKinley Ireland 2026 |
| Galway / Limerick | €70,000–€100,000 | Morgan McKinley Ireland 2026 |
Head of Finance vs Finance Director vs CFO
In Ireland, the titles Head of Finance, Finance Director and CFO are used interchangeably in many businesses. In practice:
- Head of Finance — senior finance leader in an SME or subsidiary. Full P&L responsibility, typically no board directorship.
- Finance Director — board-level role with statutory director obligations. More common in larger Irish businesses.
- CFO — used in larger or PE-backed businesses. Investor relations, M&A, capital structure.
What Drives Head of Finance Salary in Ireland
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Company turnover | €10m business vs €100m business — typically €20,000–€40,000 difference |
| PE-backed vs owner-managed | PE-backed typically pays 15–25% more plus equity |
| Sector | Financial services 20–30% premium over commerce |
| Team size managed | Team of 1 vs team of 10 — significant band difference |
| Board reporting | Direct board or investor reporting adds premium |
The typical move from Financial Controller to Head of Finance in Ireland involves a salary jump of €20,000–€40,000. The most common route is a move to a smaller or earlier-stage business where the HOF carries the full scope of the finance function.
Salary data sourced from the 2026 Morgan McKinley Ireland Salary Guide, 2026 Robert Walters Ireland Market Insights, and Robert Half Ireland 2026 Salary Guide. Figures are estimated market ranges for guidance only.