A co-founder with a passion for using her skills and experience for a positive impact, Sophie Dillon took the leap from Kells to Toronto via Dublin. We caught up with Sophie recently to hear her story.
1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Kells, Co Meath and studied at University College Dublin. Today, I live in Toronto, Canada. I had always wanted to build an international career, and Toronto offered the kind of dynamic, fast-moving business environment I was looking for.
2. What led you to chartered accountancy?
Studying Commerce in UCD, I found I really enjoyed the structure and logic of accounting. I’ve always liked solving problems and the qualification offered a solid foundation with broad career options—whether in practice, industry, or something more entrepreneurial down the line. As a child and teenager, I had a real passion for showjumping and I think if I hadn't come down this road I would have loved a career in the equestrian industry!
3. Can you tell us a little about how you got to where you are today – both the geographical relocation and career path?
I trained with KPMG’s Restructuring department in Dublin, where I worked with businesses navigating financial challenges. From there, I joined KKR, working on their European leveraged credit team, focusing on healthcare investments. I later moved to Canada and held several finance leadership roles, including at an early-stage healthcare startup.
Today I’m the co-founder of Orbit Accountants, a firm set up in 2023 to support SMEs across Canada and the US with bookkeeping, payroll, tax and fractional CFO services. I co-founded the company with Malay Matalia who I met in Toronto. We shared a belief that SMEs and growing businesses deserve better access to high quality financial support. Toronto is a global city, and moving here really broadened my perspective, opening up a network I might not otherwise have encountered.
4. What do you value most about your membership of the profession and how do you think those benefits can be used to support the economy and society?
The training really sharpens your ability to think critically, assess risk, and communicate clearly—skills that are valuable far beyond finance. As the economy evolves, there’s a real need for professionals who can leverage financial data for strategic insights and support good decision-making.
5. As a member living away from Ireland, can you talk to us about how your membership has been of value to you living overseas?
The designation carries weight internationally, and that’s been important for building trust in a new market. It also creates an instant sense of community—particularly with the strong network of Irish professionals here in Toronto. That network has been valuable both professionally and personally.
6. What were the most significant/noticeable differences you encountered doing business and networking away from home and back in Ireland?
Networking in Ireland tends to be more informal and relationship-led from the start. In Canada, there’s a bit more structure around it—people are generous with their time, but there’s usually a clear agenda. Both styles have their strengths, and I’ve found that being able to adapt between the two has been a real asset. The common thread in both places is that strong relationships, built over time, always matter.
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