Chartered accountants (CAs) in Leinster, Ireland, continue to earn substantially higher remuneration packages than before the Covid pandemic, according to the latest research from the Chartered Accountants Leinster Society.

Conducted in partnership with recruitment and talent advisory practice Barden, the study surveyed nearly 800 professionals to assess regional remuneration trends.

According to the survey data, the average total compensation for CAs across the region reached €130,960 ($152,194) in 2026.

This figure is a 20% increase from 2018 and represents the second-highest figure recorded since the survey launched in that year.

The elevated earnings follow consecutive annual increases from 2021 through 2025, when overall packages reached a historical peak of €131,654.

This sustained post-pandemic wage growth extends across all experience brackets.

Newly qualified accountants currently receive average remuneration packages of €65,538, maintaining pay levels that sit significantly ahead of figures recorded prior to the pandemic.

Mid-career practitioners, measured at five years post-qualification, average €89,759 in 2026. Although down from €97,527 last year, this remains 20% higher than the pre-pandemic level of €74,706 in 2018.

Overall, 88% of respondents reported an increase in total compensation over the preceding three years, with 21% achieving gains in excess of 25%.

A further 77% expect an additional remuneration increase over the next 12 months.

The survey found that 70% of respondents are satisfied with their work environment, 67% are content with their work-life balance, and 62% report satisfaction with the non-financial elements of their employment.

Flexible arrangements remain central to this sentiment, with 79% pointing to remote working options as a key employer provision. Workplace practices also reflect rising automation, with 53% of CAs now using AI in day-to-day operations – a 28% increase compared to the previous year.

"Leinster CAs earn more than pre-pandemic levels, survey shows" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.