Accountancy Recruitment
These challenges are driven by access, not visibility. At this level, most finance hires happen through networks and referrals and targeted outreach rather than advertised routes.
If your process relies on posting roles and waiting for applications, you are limiting your reach from the outset.
MCS Group supports accountancy hiring across industry, commerce and practice. We deliver finance professionals from entry-level accountancy through to qualified and part-qualified into permanent and interim roles, using direct search and a network built over years in the market to give you access to candidates you won’t reach through traditional methods.
What We Cover
We recruit across two areas: Industry and Commerce, and Practice. Within both, we cover permanent roles across qualified, part-qualified and transactional finance, as well as temporary requirements.
Industry and Commerce
Accountancy teams in commercial organisations need people who understand how the business operates, not just the numbers. We recruit from Accounts Assistant and Part-Qualified Accountant through to Financial Controller and Finance Director, across sectors including manufacturing, retail, technology and professional services.
We cover:
- Qualified permanent roles for ACA, ACCA and CIMA qualified candidates
- Part-qualified and transactional finance permanent roles for candidates working towards their qualification or in transactional positions
- Temporary and interim positions for qualified, part-qualified and transactional finance candidates
Practice
Accountancy practices require professionals with strong technical expertise, attention to detail and the ability to work across a varied client base. We recruit from Trainee and Part-Qualified through to Audit Manager, Tax Manager and Partner level, supporting firms of all sizes from independent practices to global networks.
We cover:
- Qualified permanent roles for ACA and ACCA qualified candidates
- Part-qualified roles for candidates working within audit, accounts and tax
- Permanent hires from trainee through to Partner level
Our Partnerships
Looking for Your Next Accountancy Role?
We recruit Finance Directors who can lead the finance function, operate at board level and support strategic decision-making.
We place Financial Controllers who bring structure to finance teams, overseeing reporting, controls and day-to-day operations.
We recruit Finance Business Partners who can work closely with stakeholders, providing insight that drives commercial decisions.
We place Management Accountants who deliver accurate reporting, budgeting and performance analysis to support business planning.
We recruit Financial Accountants with strong technical expertise in statutory reporting, compliance and financial governance.
We place FP&A Analysts who specialise in forecasting, modelling and providing forward-looking financial insight.
We provide Interim Finance Managers who can step in quickly to maintain continuity during periods of change or growth.
We recruit Audit Seniors and Managers who can deliver high-quality audits while managing client relationships.
We place Tax Advisors who can handle complex tax requirements while supporting planning and compliance.
We recruit part-qualified accountants who are progressing through ACA, ACCA or CIMA and building practical experience.
We place Accounts Assistants who support core finance processes and ensure the smooth running of transactional activities.
Hiring for Your Function
Every accountancy team has different pressures. A growing business needs someone who can scale with it. An established enterprise needs someone who can operate within a structure. We adapt our search to fit the organisation, not the other way around.
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SMEs and owner-managed businesses
Find TalentIn a smaller organisation a single hire can change how the whole finance function operates. We look for candidates with the technical grounding to do the job and the independence to do it without a large team around them. Getting this wrong is costly. We take the brief seriously from the start.
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Growing Businesses
Get In TouchScaling businesses often need to strengthen their finance capability quickly. That might mean a first Financial Controller, an interim Finance Manager to cover a gap, or several hires within a short window. We have the network to respond at pace without cutting corners on quality.
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Enterprise organisations
More Questions?Larger finance functions need people who are comfortable with formal reporting structures, complex consolidations and matrix environments. We recruit across all levels, from volume hiring into shared service functions through to CFO and Finance Director appointments.
Why MCS Group?
We have been recruiting in the accountancy market long enough to know most of the firms and many of the candidates. That gives us a shorter route to the right people and a clearer view of what a good hire looks like at each level.
Our consultants specialise in accountancy rather than covering every sector. They understand the qualifications, the career stages and the difference between a candidate who looks right on paper and one who will actually work out.
Specialists in accountancy recruitment across industry, commerce and practice
Permanent, interim and temporary recruitment
Direct search and referral network, not volume advertising
Access to candidates not found through standard search
Straightforward advice based on real market knowledge
Key Questions, Answered
How long does it take to recruit a qualified accountant?
For a qualified permanent role, a well-run search typically takes four to eight weeks from brief to offer. The timeline depends on the seniority of the role, the availability of candidates in the market and how quickly the client can move through interviews. Interim and temporary requirements can usually be filled faster.
What is the difference between a qualified and part-qualified accountant?
A qualified accountant holds a recognised professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA. A part-qualified accountant is working towards one of these qualifications and has typically completed some but not all of the required exams. Part-qualified candidates are often well suited to roles that offer study support as part of the package.
What accountancy roles does MCS Group recruit for?
We recruit across the full range of finance and accountancy roles, from Accounts Assistant and Part-Qualified Accountant through to Financial Controller, Finance Director and CFO. We cover both industry and commerce roles and practice positions across audit, tax and advisory.
Do you recruit for interim and temporary accountancy roles?
Yes. We recruit for temporary, interim and contract accountancy roles as well as permanent positions. Interim requirements are common when a business needs cover during a transition, a system implementation or a period of growth. We can respond quickly for urgent interim needs.
How is MCS Group different from other accountancy recruitment agencies?
Our consultants specialise in accountancy rather than covering multiple sectors. We fill most roles through direct search and referral rather than advertising, which means we can reach candidates who are not actively looking. We give clients and candidates straightforward advice rather than telling them what they want to hear.
The People Behind Your Finance Hires
Name: Adam Macklin
Job Title: Head of Accountancy & Financial Services
Team: Financial Services
Years Experience: 15+
Adam leads our accountancy division, which focuses on recruiting for positions spanning both accountancy practice and industry & commerce markets. He oversees recruitment efforts for roles at both the Qualified & Transactional level, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. With a specialisation in Senior level appointments, Adam brings expertise in recruiting across all sectors within the Industry & Commerce market in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Name: Ruth Cox
Job Title: Recruitment Manager - Part Qualified & Transactional Finance I&C
Team: Accountancy and Finance
Years Experience: 6+
As a Recruitment Consultant for MCS Group, I specialise in the Part Qualified and Transactional Finance Space. 73% of job seekers say the process of looking for a job is one of the most stressful events in life. My role is to ensure professionals are furthering their careers to full potential without worrying about the process. Together we can dig deep to understand the best career fit by accessing current ability, personal aspirations, and motivations for the future. I take the stress out of the recruitment process by being there every step of the way and building genuine long-term relationships with professionals and clients.
Name: Brad Dempster
Job Title: Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Team: Accountancy Practice
Years Experience: 6+
Brad joined MCS Group in October 2024. In his role as a Specialist Recruitment Consultant, he works closely with accountancy practices and finance professionals across Belfast and the Greater Belfast area, supporting both clients and candidates through the recruitment process. His day-to-day focus is on understanding hiring needs within practice firms and matching them with talent at the right level, from early career through to senior leadership. Brad specialises in the accountancy practice market, covering areas including audit, tax, payroll, accounts, advisory and bookkeeping. He works across a wide range of roles, from trainee accountants and accounts technicians through to director and partner level appointments.
Adam Macklin
Head of Accountancy & Financial Services
Ruth Cox
Recruitment Manager - Part Qualified & Transactional Finance I&C
Brad Dempster
Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Looking for Your Next Accountancy Role?
Whether you are part-qualified and looking for the next step, newly qualified and ready to move into industry, or an experienced finance leader weighing up your options, we work with you to find a role worth taking.
We have access to roles that are not advertised. We will give you a straight view of what is available and what is realistic, and we will keep you informed rather than leaving you to chase.