Eight questions with... Dr Judith Wylie

Dr Judith Wylie, a Senior Lecturer at Ulster University Business School, has accomplished a lot in five years but knows it’s the people she has met along the way that makes it all worthwhile. 

Five years ago, where did you think you would be now? Have you lived up to your own expectations?

Five years ago, I was returning from my second maternity leave and had several career ambitions, but no idea that, on top of life as an accounting academic, I would soon be adding home-schooling to my CV! 

Since then, I have developed and launched Northern Ireland’s first degree-level apprenticeship programme — the BSc (Hons) in Business Technology at Ulster University. 

More than 200 students have joined the programme, which has won awards for innovation.

I have completed a PhD, exploring the communication strategies employed by Irish listed companies to support corporate social responsibility. I’ve also been promoted to Senior Lecturer at Ulster University. 

If you had told me five years that this was all ahead of me — and against the background of a global pandemic — I would never have believed you.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career?

The biggest challenge I have faced so far in my career has been my PhD, which I completed part-time. Any PhD is a huge undertaking, and my final VIVA (where you are examined verbally on your work) was conducted via Zoom during the first lockdown. 
It was tough, but as with so many challenging endeavours, it was also incredibly rewarding. I enjoyed the work immensely, and I have a huge sense of achievement now that it is complete. I can honestly say it was all worth it, and I would encourage anyone interested in entering academia or involved in research to go for it. 

Do make sure you have a good supervisor, though. It is crucial to have the right person on board. I could not have done my PhD without the support of Professor Anne Marie Ward, a fellow Chartered Accountant. She is an incredible woman. 

What do you wish you had known earlier in life?

It is OK to say no! We are often pre-programmed to say yes to every opportunity but trying to please too many people at once can potentially lead to burnout. My advice? Focus on fewer tasks and deliver them well. There is an art to saying no – do it up front, don’t put it off, and explain why you are saying no. People can be more understanding than you think.

Where do you see yourself this time next year?

I am a member of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Working Group on Sustainability, a subject close to my heart. In the months ahead, I want to continue raising more awareness of the important work accountants do to help tackle climate change and pave the way to net-zero.

Who inspires you, personally and professionally?

I love all kinds of sport and find Dame Katherine Grainger inspirational. She is the most decorated female Olympic athlete in the UK and the first British woman to win medals at five successive Olympic Games, a feat requiring more than 20 years of physical and mental dedication. 

I also have huge respect for her professionally as she now serves on many sports governing bodies, including her role as Chair of UK Sport. I lecture in corporate governance, so I know just how challenging such a role can be.

When she is in the boardroom, I have no doubt she draws on the same resilience, grit, and determination she demonstrated rowing at all those Olympic Games.

How has being a Chartered Accountant changed your life?

Not to sound too cheesy, but the aspect of this career that has had the most significant impact on my life has been the people I have met along the way. The bonds forged during training contracts last a lifetime. I have a network of incredible people who have supported me personally and professionally throughout my journey as a Chartered Accountant. For that, I will always be grateful.

If you weren’t a Chartered Accountant, what do you think you’d be doing?

As well as sports, I love fashion and design — so maybe running my own vintage clothing and furniture shop. Who knows? It may happen someday.

What advice do you have for those who will soon qualify as Chartered Accountants?

Please don’t think that once the FAEs are done, your learning is over. It’s important to maintain an open mindset, continue upskilling and reskilling, and enjoy engaging with all the training opportunities the Institute offers. Doing so will add richness and depth to your career and take you places you never thought you could go.