Financial fizz in Cork
Why join the Dublin commute, when there are finance jobs to be had in cosy Cork?
"The banking sector here is growing alongside the funds industry," says Carmel Holmes, head of financial services at recruitment company Premier's Cork office. "The increase in banking, pensions and mortgage roles is being driven by SSIA money coming into the marketplace."
Holmes says Cork offers roles for financial advisors and administrators, while Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and the Bank of Ireland are also recruiting in the city for business banking and lending roles.
Junior staff can expect to earn "not significantly less than they would in Dublin or London, and experienced staff should be able to match their salary if they relocate here", Holmes adds.
Richard Halpin, head of Hays' financial services division in Cork, predicts AIB and the Bank of Ireland will put Cork on the map for other firms seeking to locate or expand in the region: "Citco and AIB are actively recruiting fund accountants from junior through to manager level. New entrants are also expected, which will further increase the competition for high-calibre candidates here."
Halpin says the likes of Coyle Hamilton Willis and Jardine Lloyd Thompson have also been hiring in the City, and that demand for commercial brokers and financial services consultants is eroding the traditional differential between Cork and Dublin salaries.
"Combined with easier commutes, lower rents and house prices, this makes Cork a more attractive location than ever before for financial services professionals," he adds.
