Outsourcing Director | SME Firm | South Dublin

Partner-Designate / Senior Practice Leader

Location: South Dublin (on-site leadership required)
Structure: Hybrid (predominantly on-site)
Remuneration: Competitive package with future equity opportunity

The Firm

Our client is a long-established and forward-thinking accountancy practice based in South Dublin. With a team of circa 25 professionals and a strong client base across a range of sectors, the firm has recently entered a new growth phase following strategic investment from a large professional services group. This change has been designed to support the phased transition of one of the founding Partners and to create a clear pathway for the next generation of firm leadership.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious and experienced practice leader to step into a Partner-Designate role with a clear path to equity. The role is designed for someone who is currently operating at Director, Senior Manager, or Salaried Partner level within a practice, but may be facing a ceiling on future progression.

The successful candidate will play a central role in the day-to-day leadership of the firm, working closely with the Managing Partner to oversee two core service teams, manage staff development, and help shape the future direction of the business. While client service will remain a key part of the role, the emphasis is on leadership, people management, and succession planning.

Importantly, the firm is part of a wider professional services network that provides structured financial support to enable future equity participation — without the need for external personal debt.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and support the two internal practice teams alongside existing Practice Managers

• Provide leadership and mentorship across the firm, with a focus on culture, standards, and people development

• Manage a select portfolio of clients, maintaining strong relationships and commercial awareness

• Support strategic decision-making around operational improvements, business development, and succession planning

• Actively contribute to the leadership team and play a visible role in the day-to-day management of the practice

Candidate Profile

• ACA/ACCA-qualified with a minimum of 15 years' experience, primarily in practice

• Some experience in industry (e.g. Financial Controller or similar) would be advantageous

• Currently operating at Director, Senior Manager, or Salaried Partner level with leadership responsibility

• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, solve problems, and build trust with staff and clients

• Ambitious, motivated and commercially minded, with a long-term mindset

• Ideally based within 30–45 minutes of South Dublin to support the required level of on-site leadership (minimum 4 days per week)

Equity & Progression

This is a long-term leadership opportunity. Equity participation will be available over time and supported through the firm’s partnership with a European professional services group — meaning candidates can become equity partners without taking on external personal debt.

---

All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Patrick O’Rourke is a Professional Services Recruitment Specialist, experienced in placing candidates from entry to Partner level. For a confidential discussion around opportunities in the market, please contact me directly –
T – 087 190 2963