ACCOUNTING giant EY (formerly Ernst & Young) is to create 95 new jobs in Belfast as part of major expansion plans on the island of Ireland.
The professional services firm is recruiting for 50 experienced candidates and 45 graduate roles at its Bedford Street office, with the latter to be filled in September.
The expansion in the north is part of the overall creation of 520 jobs in Ireland at EY's seven offices and adds to the company's existing headcount of more than 2,500 on the island.
Growth in the firm’s consultancy practice, driven by continuing disruption in the Irish, UK and global business landscape, has led to the creation of more than a third of the new roles, and driven increased demand for graduate positions. The variety of roles available are for areas including: data analytics; IT advisory and transformation; risk; cyber as well as digital strategy and customer experience. Ongoing demand in the company’s core audit, tax and transactions practices is driving the remaining number of jobs.
EY managing partner, Michael Hall said the company is committed to job creation in Northern Ireland.
"While geopolitical, uncertainty and technological disruption will undoubtedly present both challenges and opportunities for businesses, we are facing these challenges from a position of great strength and flexibility. As a result our client needs are evolving and more innovative solutions are required," he said.
"In the last year, approximately 60 per cent of offers we’ve made in Ireland have been to people with non-traditional accounting and tax backgrounds. Tax and accounting experts will always be core to our business, and the combination of traditional and innovative capabilities means we can provide market-leading products and services that help our clients continue to tackle some of today’s most complex and pressing issues.”
New hires at EY will work on major projects across Northern Ireland’s top entrepreneurial businesses, multinationals and public sector clients.
In addition to seeking traditional sources for talent, EY is also recruiting candidates from varying academic backgrounds including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“It’s crucial we continue to recruit the best people from graduates through to senior roles with the type of sector-specific experience that will allow us to provide clients with the insight and advice they need to protect and grow their businesses and customer base," Mr Hall added.
EY, who provide assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, has more than doubled the size of its Northern Ireland business in the last four years, with robust growth expected again in this financial year.
