Emmet O’Reilly has been a Chartered Accountants since the 90s, but Chartered Accountancy hasn’t held him back from working in various sectors or writing his new book
Miss, Say Goodbye to Your Daughter.
Five years ago, where did you think you would be now? Have you lived up to your own expectations?
At this stage of my career and life, I don’t particularly focus on five-year slots, but rather on whether I’m continually learning and being challenged in a particular role. If the answer is ‘yes’, then that’s the place for me at that moment, but if it’s ‘no’, then it might be time to look for pastures new.
Saying that, having a broad outline of where one wants to be in three to five years is a great idea, especially for people in the earlier part of their careers – but be prepared to ‘roll with the punches’ and pivot accordingly.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Having worked in real estate since 2000, the property crash in 2007/08 presented me with a significant career challenge. No jobs were available in the property sector in 2010. The flexibility of the CA qualification came to the fore, however, and I was able to temporarily transition to the tech sector before re-starting my career in property a couple of years later.
All careers will have challenges and speed bumps. Being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is a trait most Chartered Accountants have in abundance.
What do you wish you had known earlier in life?
That it’s okay to be yourself, be comfortable in your own skin and not to be afraid to speak up for what you believe in, even if it bucks the trend at the time.
The younger version of me felt that I was an outlier, but it turns out it was all about finding people with a similar perspective on life.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
I see myself still working in the real estate sector in Ireland, but with maybe a follow-on book in production on the side. From a career perspective, I’ll never stray too far from finance, but it’s great to be at a time in my life when I can seek to explore other avenues, even on a part-time basis, to strive towards self-actualisation.
Who inspires you, personally and professionally?
At a personal level, my late mother, who is the main protagonist in my debut book, Miss, Say Goodbye to Your Daughter, has always been an inspiration to me; how she fought against the establishment from an early age and successfully turned her life around with further education in middle age.
At a professional level, I’ve been fortunate to work with some great colleagues, leaders and mentors, but my former colleague and friend, David Feeley, also a Chartered Accountant, stands out as a unique blend of massive intellect, modesty and decency.
How has being a Chartered Accountant changed your life?
Being a Chartered Accountant has given me the opportunity to experience different business sectors and work with incredibly talented and bright people in shaping how organisations seek to deliver on strategic objectives.
It’s also allowed me to travel to different parts of the world and experience disparate cultures. Never once have I regretted signing up to a training contract in the early 1990s.
If you weren’t a Chartered Accountant, what do you think you’d be doing?
Probably something in the IT space. I love how technology has developed over the years and how it makes our lives easier and more interconnected.
What advice do you have for those who will soon qualify as Chartered Accountants?
Once you have your qualification, do some travelling and work in another country to experience different cultures. Go with your gut on career decisions and realise that you only have a limited number of years working, so make the most of each experience.
Be open to working for start-ups or smaller companies, as you’ll learn at a more rapid pace than you might working for larger, more established, corporates.
Finally, realise that you’ve worked hard to get here so enjoy the ride!
What’s your favourite…
Book: Even though I’m now an author, I’m not a big reader. However, I’ve a soft spot for George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Orwell’s allegorical style is phenomenal, and his development of characters and description of scenes brings the reader right into the middle of Manor Farm.
Meal: Lamb biryani in Ananda restaurant in Dundrum.
Quote: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons
live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Nelson Mandela, April 1964
Hobby: Long distance running and golf, but not at the same time!
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