Dr Michael Hayden

    School of Business, ALL Institute

    Lecturer
    Assistant Professor

    TSI Building
    3rd Floor
    373
    (01) 708 6420

    Biography

    Dr. Michael Hayden is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Maynooth University School of Business. Michael completed his accountancy training with KPMG and qualified as a chartered accountant. After working in professional practice, he held the position of financial controller in industry for several years. Subsequently, he joined Maynooth University and lectures in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management. Since joining academia Michael has gained extensive teaching experience across a broad range of accounting modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in University and has delivered modules for several Professional Accounting Bodies. He has also gained extensive examinations experience by acting as external examiner for many Higher-Level Education Institutions and through examiner roles with Professional Accounting Bodies.

    Michael completed his PhD on financial management in Agriculture and has presented his research at both national and international conferences. He has also published his work in leading peer-reviewed academic journals and has been successful in attracting significant research funding. His research interests are in the broad area of management accounting and include: Financial Management & Decision-making in Agriculture, Sustainability in Food & Agriculture, Generational Renewal and Succession Planning in Agriculture, Retirement Income Provision for Farmers, The Rural Economy, Entrepreneurship in Small/Micro Businesses and Accounting Education. Michael was the Chairperson of the Irish Accounting & Finance Association (IAFA) - 2022 to 2024.

    Research Interests

    My research interests are in the broad area of management accounting and include: Financial Management & Decision-making in Agriculture, Sustainability in Food & Agriculture, Generational Renewal and Succession Planning in Agriculture, and The Rural Economy. I welcome PhD students in these areas of research.

    Research Projects

    Title Role Description Start date End date Amount
    Engagement levels of the farming sector in renewable energy and bioeconomy projects – a focus on balancing economic and environmental sustainability (AgriRenew) PI One of the key challenges facing the agricultural sector is the adaption of farming practices to develop a sustainable food supply in an environmentally sustainable manner. Therefore, it is imperative that farmers and food producers embrace advancements in renewable energy and other bioeconomy initiatives on their farms. However, engagement levels of the farming sector in renewable energy and bioeconomy projects have not been high to date and a deeper understanding of this issue needs to be explored. Farmers are also faced with the challenge of balancing economic and environmental sustainability as many Irish farming enterprises are economically vulnerable. The agricultural industry needs to reduce carbon emissions, but it needs to do this in a way that ensures the economic sustainability of farm business. Therefore, it is imperative that carbon reduction on farms is achieved via low-cost interventions that will be embraced to achieve increased participation. In this context, this project will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of current engagement levels of the farming sector with renewable energy and bioeconomy projects within various farming systems through an extensive stakeholder engagement process. This will include an identification of the drivers and barriers to engagement in such projects, which will contribute to the development of policy recommendations for increasing farmer participation. This project will also identify the education/skills, training, and supports, required by farmers to engage in the transition to renewable energy sources. The knowledge gained in this project will be transferred to various stakeholders in the Irish agricultural industry. 01/02/2024 31/01/2025 198467
    Sustainable Transition of the Rural Economy through Generational Renewal PI There is a growing concern about the sustainability of the Rural Economy in Ireland with business continuity and succession planning one of the major challenges facing it. The increasing average age of farmers and the economic vulnerability of many farm enterprises are some of the primary indicators of this. This is not just an Irish problem, but a similar problem is faced by many countries internationally. Research has correlated older land-holders with the problematic situation of lower production, reduced efficiency and reduced technology adoption, thereby highlights a significant challenge facing the sustainability of the industry. The strongest barriers to innovation in the agricultural industry in Ireland are identified as being at farm level, and relate to business structures, the lack of land mobility and the age of farmers. In this context, sustainable generational renewal programmes necessitate a dual focus. Firstly, they require a framework of supports for adequate retirement income provisioning so that retiring farmers and their dependants have financial stability within a clear exist strategy from the farm. Secondly, a framework of supports is required to enable farm successors and/or new entrants to farming a formal route to farm ownership. The majority of farms in Ireland are formed under the structure of sole trader and this can hinder the transfer of family farms and can act as a barrier for new entrants. Collaborative farming and alternative farm business structures (Farm Partnerships and Farm Incorporation) offer potential frameworks to address this issue, but to date have relatively low adoption in Irish agriculture. In line with the above, this research project has two main objectives(RO’s): RO1: To conduct a comprehensive review of retirement income provisioning in Irish agriculture. RO2: To conduct a comprehensive review of the role of collaborative farming and alternative farm business structures in Irish agriculture. 01/11/2021 30/10/2023 74565.48
    Financial Decision-making in Agriculture PhD Researher 01/09/2012 31/08/2017 15000

    Peer Reviewed Journal

    Year Publication
    2025 Smith, E.A.; Hayden, M.T. (2025) 'A Systematic Literature Review of the Economic Sustainability of Farm Enterprises and a Future Research Agenda'. The Accounting, Finance and Governance Review, .
    2025 Hochlova, H.; McNally, B.; Hayden, M.T.; Kinsella, A. (2025) 'Pension provision in the farming sector - Lessons from Europe'. Journal of Rural Studies, 116 .
    2025 Hayden, M.T.; Shin, M.W.; Kinsella, A.; McNally, B. (2025) 'Evidence from the ground: Insights into collaborative farming for generational renewal'. Journal of Rural Studies, 113 . [Link] [DOI]
    2024 Nolan, J.; Hogan, T.; Hayden, M.T. (2024) 'Financial literacy practices on family farms'. Journal of Rural Studies, 112 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2024 Hayden, M.T.; Leonard, B. (2024) 'Concerns and barriers surrounding the farm succession process – perception versus reality for beef farmers in Ireland'. Journal of Rural Studies, 112 . [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Shin, M.W., Kinsella, A., Hayden, M.T., and McNally, B. (2023) 'The role of collaborative farming in generational renewal and farm succession'. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, . [DOI]
    2023 Fitzsimons, M., Hogan, T. and Hayden M.T. (2023) 'Tying the Knot – Linking Bootstrapping and Working Capital Management in Established Enterprises'. Journal of Applied Accounting Research, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Hayden, M.T.; Mattimoe, R.; Jack, L. (2023) 'The Sensegiving Role of Advisors in Farmer Decision-making'. Irish Journal Of Agricultural And Food Research, 62 (1). [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2022 Hayden M.T.; Mattimoe R.; Jack L. (2022) 'Sensemaking and financial management in the decision-making process of farmers'. Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, 18 (4):529-552. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2021 Hayden M.T.; McNally B.; Kinsella A. (2021) 'Exploring state pension provision policy for the farming community'. Journal of Rural Studies, 86 :262-269. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2021 Hayden M.T.; Mattimoe R.; Jack L. (2021) 'Sensemaking and the influencing factors on farmer decision-making'. Journal of Rural Studies, 84 :31-44. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2021 Mattimoe, R., Hayden, M.T., Murphy, B. and Ballantine, J. (2021) 'Approaches to Analysis of Qualitative Research: A Reflection of the Manual and Technological Approaches'. The Accounting, Finance and Governance Review, 27 (1). https://doi.org/10.52399/001c.22026 [Full-Text]

    Other Journal

    Year Publication
    2025 Kinsalla, A.; Hayden, M.T.; McNally, B.; Hlochova, H. (2025) 'Securing farm futures' TResearch, Published by Teagasc, .
    2025 Bakht, M.; Kinsella, A.; Hayden, M.T. (2025) 'Could the grass be greener?' TResearch, Published by Teagasc, 20 (1) .
    2024 Hayden, M.T.; Kinsella, A.; Shin, M.W.; McNally, B. (2024) 'Regeneration through Collaboration' TResearch, Published by Teagasc, . [Full-Text]
    2024 Hayden, M.T.; Carroll, B. (2024) 'Farm Succession and Generational Renewal in Irish Agriculture' Organic Matters, published by the Irish Organic Association, .
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) 'It's hard to be green, when in the red - balancing economic sustainability with environmental sustainability' TResearch, Published by Teagasc, .
    2021 Hayden, M.T., McNally, B. and Kinsella, A. (2021) 'The Big Pension Problem for Farmers in Ireland' TResearch, Published by Teagasc, 16 (3) .
    2020 Hayden, M.T. (2020) 'COVID-19 and the Agricultural Industry' Accountancy Ireland Published by Chartered Accountants Ireland, .

    Conference Publication

    Year Publication
    2024 Nolan, J., Hogan, T. and Hayden, M.T. (2024) 2024 SPGC Global Family Business Summit, Amalfi Coast, Italy Financial Literacy as a Social Practice on Family Farms
    2023 Hlochova, H., McNally, B., Hayden, M.T. and Kinsella, A. (2023) 35th Irish Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference, University of Galway Pensions in the Farming Sector- Lessons to be learned from Europe
    2023 Hayden, M.T. and Leonard, B. (2023) Agricultural Economics Society of Ireland Annual Conference, University College Cork Barriers to Farm Succession and the Consequences for Generational Renewal
    2021 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe, R. and Jack, L. (2021) 33rd Irish Accounting and Finance Association Conference The Sensegiving Role of Advisors in Farmer Decision-making MTU, Cork,
    2021 Mattimoe, R., Hayden, M.T., Murphy, B. and Ballantine, J. (2021) British Accounting and Finance Association Accounting Education Annual Conference Approaches to Analysis of Qualitative Research Data: A Reflection on the Manual and Technological Approaches Online, [Full-Text]
    2021 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe M., Murphy, B. and Ballantine, J. (2021) 33rd Irish Accounting and Finance Association Conference Approaches to Analysis of Qualitative Research Data: A Reflection on the Manual and Technological Approaches MTU, Cork, [Full-Text]
    2019 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe, R. and Jack, L. (2019) 32nd Irish Accounting and Finance Association Conference The most dangerous field is the field next door - understanding the influencing factors on the strategic decision-making process of farmers Dublin,
    2019 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe, R. and Murphy, B. (2019) 32nd Irish Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference Qualitative Research: To use NVIVO or Not? Dublin,
    2018 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe, R. and Jack, L. (2018) 31st Irish Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference Sensemaking of Financial Management in the Decision-making Process of Farmers Limerick,
    2017 Mattimoe, R. and Hayden, M.T. (2017) 30th Irish Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference Financial Management in Family Businesses: Tourism and Farming in Ireland Athlone,
    2015 Hayden, M.T. and Mattimoe, R. (2015) 28th Irish Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference Financial Management on Irish Farms: A Research Agenda Dublin,
    2014 Hayden, M. and Mattimoe, R. (2014) 3rd Irish Management Accounting Research Network Workshop Financial Management on Irish Farms: Preliminary Findings Dublin,

    Conference Contribution

    Year Publication
    2023 Shin, M., Kinsella, A., Hayden, M.T. and McNally B. (2023) Agricultural Economics Society (UK) Annual Conference A Comprehensive Insight to Collaborative Farming for Generational Renewal in the Agricultural Industry University of Warwick, UK, .
    2023 Hlochova, H., McNally B., Hayden, M.T. and Kinsella A. (2023) Pension Policy Research Group Seminar Pensions in the Farming Sector- Lessons to be learned from Europe University College Dublin, .
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Pension Policy Research Group Seminar Pensions and the Sustainability of the Rural Economy Online, .
    2022 Hayden, M.T., Kinsella, A. and McNally, B (2022) Agricultural Economics Society of Ireland Annual Conference Timely and Smooth Succession Path to a Sustainable Transition of the Rural Economy - Generational Renewal NUI Galway, .
    2021 Hayden, M.T. (2021) School of Business Seminar Series The Sensegiving Role of Advisors in Farmer Decision-making Maynooth University, .
    2020 McNally, B. and Hayden, M.T. (2020) Pension Policy Research Group Seminar Roadmap for Pensions Reform - The Farming Perspective Maynooth University, .
    2019 Hayden, M.T., Mattimoe, R. and Jack, L. (2019) Heriot-Watt University Sensemaking of Financial Management in the Decision-making process of Farmers Edinburgh, .
    2016 Mattimoe, R. and Hayden, M.T. (2016) 5th Irish Management Accounting Research Network Workshop Financial Management in Family Businesses: the case of Tourism and Farms Dublin, .
    2013 Hayden, M.T. and Mattimoe, R. (2013) 9th Management Control Research Conference Financial Management on Irish Farms: Preliminary Findings Nyenrode, The Netherlands, .

    Electronic Publication

    Year Publication
    2024 Hayden, M.T.; McNally, B.; Kinsella, A. (2024) Study shows sheep and cattle farmers have 40% pension coverage - Published by Agriland (Industry Publication). [Electronic Publication] [DOI]
    2023 Hayden, M.T. (2023) Sustainable agriculture – the role of the accountant - Though Leadership Article - Published by Chartered Accountants Ireland. [Electronic Publication] [Link]
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Can farmers balance economic and environmental sustainability? RTE Brainstorm Article. [Electronic Publication]
    2022 Hayden, M.T., McNally, B. and Kinsella, A. (2022) State pensions: ‘Stark reality’ that low-income farmers may not qualify. Published by Agriland (Industry Publication). [Electronic Publication]
    2021 Hayden, M.T. and McNally, B. (2021) Why Irish farmers face big issues when it comes to pensions. RTE Brainstorm Article. [Electronic Publication]

    Media

    Year Publication
    2024 Hayden, M.T. (2024) Tipp FM, Ag Report Radio Programme Interview - Sustainable Transition of the Rural Economy Through Generational Renewal. [Media] [DOI]
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Agriland - Contributor to Expert Panel Discussion on Farm Health and Safety, Wellbeing and Farm Families. [Media]
    2021 Hayden, M.T. (2021) RTE 1, Morning Ireland Radio Interview - Expert opinion provided on Pensions Provision for the Farming Community. [Media]

    Newspaper Articles

    Year Publication
    2025 Hayden, M.T. and Lenoard, B. (2025) Irish Farmers Journal - Nudge towards advice enough to get farmers planning for succession. [Newspaper Articles]
    2024 Hayden, M.T>; McNally,B.; Kinsella, A. (2024) Irish Farmers Journal- Ireland a laggard on pensions for farmers. [Newspaper Articles] http://dx.doi.org/Pension
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Irish Farmers Journal - Farmers need to be ‘more active’ with succession planning. [Newspaper Articles]
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Irish Examiner - Tackling the 'Pension Gap' challenge for farmers. [Newspaper Articles]
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Irish Farmers Journal - Farmers need to focus on economic and environmental sustainability. [Newspaper Articles]
    2021 Hayden, M.T., McNally, B. and Kinsella, A. (2021) Irish Farmers Journal - Farmers Locked out of State Pension Rely on Farm Income - Findings from Maynooth University Study. [Newspaper Articles]
    2021 Hayden, M.T. (2021) Irish Farmers Journal - Beef farmers have lowest engagement level with advisers - research from Maynooth University. [Newspaper Articles]
    2021 Hayden, M.T., McNally, B. and Kinsella, A. (2021) The Leinster Leader - Maynooth University study shows many low income farmers may be exempt from state pension. [Newspaper Articles]

    Thesis

    Year Publication
    2017 Hayden, M.T. (2017) Sensemaking and Financial Decision-making on Irish Farms. PhD, Dublin City University: [Thesis]

    Podcast

    Year Publication
    2022 Hayden, M.T. (2022) Podcast for Maynooth University Sustainable Futures Programme on the topic of Sustainability, Accounting and Farming. [Podcast]
    Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2025) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

    Professional Associations

    Description Function From / To
    Irish Accounting and Finance Association Chairperson 10/06/2022 -
    Pension Policy Research Group Member 01/01/2020 -
    IAFA Annual Doctoral Colloquium Facilitator 01/05/2018 -
    Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland Fellow 05/01/2015 -
    Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland Associate Member 25/11/2004 - 04/01/2015
    Irish Accounting and Finance Association Council Member 31/05/2012 - 31/05/2015
    European Accounting Association Member of External Relations Committee 01/05/2024 -

    Honors and Awards

    Date Title Awarding Body
    01/05/2024 Irish Accountancy Awards Winner The Irish Accountancy Awards
    01/05/2023 Teaching and Learning Award - nominated and shortlisted. Maynooth University
    01/01/2017 Irish Accountancy Awards Winner Professional Accounting Bodies and Industry Affiliates
    01/05/2015 Doctoral Funding Competition Winner Irish Accounting and Finance Association
    04/04/2022 Early Career Researcher Award Nominee Maynooth University

    Committees

    Committee Function From / To
    MU Teaching & Learning Committee Member 01/09/2022 -
    MU Academic Discipline Board Member 01/09/2022 -
    MU Academic Council Member 01/05/2019 - 01/05/2022
    MU Research Committee Member 01/09/2020 - 31/08/2021
    MU Accounting Accreditation Committee Member 01/09/2017 -
    MU Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Member 01/09/2020 - 31/08/2023

    Other Activities

    Description
    University College Dublin - external examiner in Financial Reporting (2023-2027)
    Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Ireland - external examiner/moderator for professional examinations (2018 to date).
    Chartered Accountants Ireland - external examiner/moderator for professional examinations (2009 to 2020).
    Institute of Bankers - External examiner on professional accredited programmes (2021 to 2023).
    University of Limerick - external examiner on the BA in Education, Business and Accounting programme (2018 to 2021).
    Waterford Institute of Technology - external examiner on their Accounting programmes (2019 to 2022).
    TU Dublin - external examiner on Masters in Accounting programme (2018 to 2021).
    Cork Institute of Technology - external examiner on research masters programme (2014 to 2017)

    Editorial / Academic Reviews

    Amount Role From / To
    Accounting, Finance and Governance Review Reviewer -
    Irish Journal of Management Reviewer -
    Journal of Rural Studies Reviewer -
    Accounting Forum Reviewer -
    Agriculture and Human Values Reviewer -
    Sustainability Reviewer -
    Social Sciences Reviewer -

    Teaching Interests

    I have developed and delivered a range of modules in the areas of Management Accounting, Financial Accounting and Financial Management at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

    Current taught modules: AC151 Introduction to Accounting and AC605 Strategic Finance and Management Accounting. 

    Previously taught modules:  AC152 Financial Accounting 1; AC160 Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting; AC201 Financial Accounting 2; AC503 Finance for Accountants.

    Current doctoral student supervision:

    - Elaine Smith, working title: 'A Financial Perspective on Sustainable Food Production in Irish Agriculture'.
    - Linda McEntee, working title: 'An exploration of the relationship between the Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Financial Officer to implement sustainable investment decisions'.