Finance Graduate Programme

The daa Finance Graduate Programme is a three-year rotational experience offering practical exposure across the key finance functions that power a major international airport. You'll work in a dynamic environment where finance is at the forefront of innovation— driving automation and modernising how we report, plan, and operate.

At daa, we don’t just operate Dublin and Cork airports. We support airport operations in Saudi Arabia, deliver global consultancy through daa International, and run retail operations in 27 airports across 13 countries through our retail arm, ARI. We’re building a sustainable future with a clear goal: net zero by 2050.

From end-to-end finance processing within Shared Services to Group Reporting, Forecasting, Budgeting, and Tax—with added commercial exposure—you’ll gain comprehensive experience by working closely with the business to drive financial value and support transformative finance projects. Alongside this, you’ll be working toward a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA), laying a strong foundation for a forward-looking career in finance. 

Duration: This is a structured 3-year graduate programme.

As a Finance Graduate, you’ll embark on a dynamic three-year journey designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of our business and the finance function.

In Year 1, you’ll complete a series of mini-rotations across key areas of the business, all with the guidance and support of a dedicated mentor from the finance team:

• Shared Services (Limerick): Gain hands-on experience in core financial operations.
• Commercial Operations: Develop insight into the financial drivers behind our diverse commercial businesses.
• Forecasting & Budgeting: Contribute to planning processes, including capital budgeting.
• daa International: Explore the financial strategies and operations of our international ventures.

In Years 2 and 3, you’ll rotate through specialist finance teams to deepen your technical expertise and broaden your strategic understanding:

• Group Reporting: Support the preparation of consolidated financial statements and internal reporting processes.
• Tax Teams: Assist with tax compliance and reporting, while contributing to strategic tax planning initiatives.
• Cost and Efficiency Team: Gain insight into cost management and efficiency improvement strategies across the business.

Throughout your graduate placement, you’ll also work toward a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA), supported by a structured development programme designed to help you succeed in your exams and grow into a future finance leader. 

Why This Programme Stands Out

The daa Finance Graduate Programme offers more than just a typical graduate experience—it’s a launchpad for a meaningful and accelerated career in finance. From day one, you’ll be trusted with real responsibility and given the opportunity to make a tangible impact within a large, dynamic organisation.

What makes this programme truly unique:

• Real responsibility from day one — make your mark on live projects
• Hands-on innovation — work on cutting-edge automation and tech
• Global secondments — experience daa’s international operations
• Accelerated growth — fast-track your career with structured support
• Sustainability Focus - works toward net zero by 2050, driving greener aviation and resilient infrastructure.
• Gold Star ACCE Approved Employer - top-tier mentorship and qualification backing
• Impact at Home- Make a difference at a proudly Irish company, influencing key decisions.
• Global Exposure - Build commercial acumen and gain international experience with daa International.

What You Will Develop

1. Over the course of the daa Finance Graduate Programme, you’ll build a strong, versatile
2. skill set that prepares you for a successful career in finance. You’ll develop both technical
3. expertise and professional competencies, empowering you to make an impact from day
4. one and grow into future leadership roles.
5. You will gain Core Finance Skills, including:

• Financial Reporting: Prepare and interpret financial statements with confidence.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Build models and projections to support strategic planning.
• Analytical Thinking: Use data to uncover insights and drive smart decisions.
• Finance Automation: Leverage tools like Power BI to streamline reporting.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work cross-functionally and manage projects effectively

After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment. This must be completed within 5 days of receiving the invitation—applications without a completed assessment within this timeframe will not be considered.

Please note that all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application once the application window closes in November.

Responsibilities

Do you have what it takes?

We’re looking for curious minds and bold thinkers ready to shape the future of airport technology. To thrive in this programme, you should:

• Hold (or be expecting) a 2.1 degree or higher in a relevant field who are passionate about building a career in finance
• Bring strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills — collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
• Show ambition, integrity, and a growth mindset — we want people who are eager to learn, adapt, and lead.
• Be resilient — ready to take on challenges in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.

Qualifications

What We Are Offering You

At daa, we’re committed to your professional growth and success. Our graduate programme is designed to give you the time, resources, and support you need to thrive—both academically and in your career. As you work toward your ACCA qualification, you’ll benefit from a structured development journey that sets you up for long-term success.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

•  Competitive salary with a performance-related bonus to recognise your impact
• Full support for your ACCA qualification, including dedicated study leave
• Flight subsidies, Airport Lounge access, and Fast Track to help you stay connected and explore new destinations
• Structured learning and development, with tailored training sessions, workshops, and real-world experience
• Personalised coaching and mentoring to guide your career journey
• Rotation with daa International, offering global exposure and insight into international finance operations
• On-site gym and pool, plus social activities and volunteering opportunities to support your wellbeing and community engagement
• Opportunities to shape the future of finance—from automating reporting to leveraging AI tools and driving innovation across the organisation
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values diversity, teamwork, and your unique perspective