Finance Director is a board-level role in Irish businesses — carrying statutory director obligations alongside full financial leadership responsibility. Salary varies widely by company size, sector and whether the business is PE-backed, listed or owner-managed.
Finance Director Salary Ireland 2026
| Company Type | FD Salary Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Large Irish plc / multinational | €150,000–€250,000+ | Robert Walters Ireland 2026 |
| PE-backed (€50m–€200m revenue) | €130,000–€180,000 | Robert Half Ireland 2026 |
| Irish SME (€20m–€100m revenue) | €100,000–€150,000 | Morgan McKinley Ireland 2026 |
| Start-up / scale-up (Series B+) | €110,000–€160,000 + equity | Robert Walters Ireland 2026 |
Finance Director vs CFO in Ireland
In Ireland, Finance Director and CFO are sometimes used interchangeably. The distinction typically comes down to company size and structure. In a business with €50m turnover, the most senior finance person is usually called Finance Director. In a PE-backed or listed business, the same role is typically called CFO.
Both carry board-level responsibility. The CFO title in Ireland typically commands a 10–20% premium over Finance Director at equivalent scope.
Finance Director Salary by Sector — Ireland 2026
| Sector | FD Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Financial Services / Banking | €150,000–€250,000+ |
| Technology | €130,000–€200,000 + equity |
| Pharma / Life Sciences | €140,000–€200,000 |
| Commerce / Industry | €100,000–€160,000 |
| Professional Services | €110,000–€170,000 |
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Get My Free Salary Benchmark →Salary data sourced from the 2026 Morgan McKinley Ireland Salary Guide, 2026 Robert Walters Ireland Market Insights, and Robert Half Ireland 2026 Salary Guide. Figures are estimated market ranges for guidance only.