Which Finance Role Is Right for You?

At Elevate Partners, we work closely with candidates at all stages of their career journey, helping them move not just into finance, but through it – with clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of where their strengths are best applied. If you’re wondering whether to pursue financial accounting, FP&A, tax, or project-focused roles, this guide is for you.
Let’s explore the four core paths that many early-career professionals find themselves choosing between -and how each can shape a very different kind of career.

The Financial Accountant: Backbone of the Business

The role of the Financial Accountant is often where newly qualified accountants begin their industry careers. It’s the most traditional of the four roles, concerned with the accurate recording, reporting, and analysis of a company’s financial activity. If you’re someone who thrives in structured environments, values attention to detail, and enjoys process-driven tasks, this may be your natural starting point.
The financial accounting function is essential for internal control and external compliance. Responsibilities typically include month-end close processes, preparation of financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and support for audit cycles. You’ll need a solid grasp of accounting standards – such as FRS 102 or IFRS – and fluency in Excel and ERP systems is often expected.
Though some see it as a more “technical” role, financial accounting also offers excellent progression. Strong performers often go on to become Group Accountants, Financial Controllers, or even CFOs. It also builds a robust foundation for pivoting into more commercial or analytical roles down the line.

The FP&A Analyst: Finance with a Strategic Lens

If the Financial Accountant looks backward to report on what’s happened, the FP&A professional looks forward – helping businesses plan for what comes next. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) has become one of the most commercially critical roles in modern finance teams, particularly in multinationals, high-growth firms, and investor-backed businesses.
This is a more analytical, insight-led role. Rather than closing books, FP&A professionals work on forecasting, budgeting, and performance modelling. They sit at the intersection of finance and business strategy, often partnering with marketing, operations, or product teams to understand how financial data translates into action.
Excel fluency is a given here, but employers also look for strong communication skills and commercial acumen. Being able to explain variance drivers or performance trends to non-finance colleagues is a key part of the job.
For early-career professionals who enjoy interpreting data, asking “why,” and thinking beyond the numbers, FP&A offers a compelling route. It’s also one of the clearest pathways to leadership – many CFOs now come from FP&A backgrounds.

The Project Accountant: Bridging Finance and Delivery

Project Accountants occupy a space between core finance and operations. Their remit is often temporary but intensive: tracking and managing the financial performance of specific initiatives – whether that’s a construction project, IT system rollout, sustainability programme, or public sector infrastructure build.
What makes this role distinct is the need to work cross-functionally. Project Accountants interact daily with engineers, procurement teams, project managers, and senior leadership. They’re responsible for maintaining budgets, forecasting costs, monitoring progress, and ensuring that projects are delivered both on time and within financial parameters.
If you’re someone who enjoys variety, collaboration, and the buzz of working on tangible outcomes, this role offers a dynamic change of pace from traditional accounting. It also suits individuals who are systems-savvy and comfortable with complexity.
Project accounting doesn’t always follow a fixed annual cycle, which makes it attractive to those who prefer shorter time horizons and more iterative goals. Over time, many Project Accountants progress into roles such as Finance Business Partner or move laterally into transformation or operations.

The Tax Accountant: Technical Expertise and Long-Term Value

Tax often has a reputation for being technical, rule-bound, and behind-the-scenes – and while that’s partially true, the reality is more nuanced. Tax professionals are in consistent demand and play a critical role in the financial health and regulatory compliance of both individuals and businesses.
A career in tax can begin in practice or in-house, and frequently involves a mix of compliance, planning, and advisory work. You’ll develop specialist knowledge – not only of Irish tax law, but potentially of international taxation, transfer pricing, or VAT regimes. Many early-career professionals enjoy the structured progression, the clear certification path via CTA (or post-ACA specialism), and the fact that tax roles are generally less affected by economic cycles than more discretionary finance functions.
What sets tax apart is its potential for longevity and depth. It appeals to professionals who enjoy intellectual rigour, staying up to date with changing legislation, and working either one-on-one with clients or within corporate tax teams.
Tax is also evolving rapidly – ESG reporting, digital compliance, and global tax reform are bringing new complexity (and opportunity) into the field. For those who like to become true experts and enjoy work with long-term impact, tax is a strong and rewarding option.

Finding the Right Fit for You

While each of these finance roles is distinct, they’re not rigid. Many professionals move between them – and often, the line between functions can blur depending on the size and structure of the business. A Financial Accountant in a large multinational may have a very different remit than one in a growing SME; an FP&A analyst in a tech firm might take on project responsibilities too.
The best way to choose your path is to start with your strengths and working style. Are you most confident when dealing with rules, processes, and reporting? Do you enjoy analysis and turning data into stories? Are you energised by change and working across departments? Or are you fascinated by legislation, compliance, and tax optimisation?
It’s also worth considering your long-term goals. If you aspire to CFO, all of these roles can lead there — but the journey will look different depending on your entry point. Financial Accounting builds rigour and control, FP&A fosters commercial leadership, Project Accounting offers cross-functional experience, and Tax cultivates technical depth and advisory skills.

Career Planning with Elevate Partner

At Elevate Partners, we’re committed to helping emerging talent find their way – not just into any finance job, but into the right one. We bring a consultative approach to recruitment, drawing on deep sector expertise and real-world employer insight.
If you’re unsure which finance function aligns with your strengths, or you’re considering a pivot between paths, we’re here to help. Our team understands the nuances of each role – and how to position your experience accordingly.
Whether you’re a student weighing your first offer, a part-qualified accountant considering your next step, or an early-career professional seeking clarity, we’ll work with you to define your direction – and take the next step with confidence.

Ready to explore your options?

Contact Elevate Partners today to speak with a recruitment specialist who understands your world.