In conversation with... Zara Duffy FCA

Your role as Head of Chartered Accountants Northern Ireland is a new one – what does it entail?

I am incredibly proud to be the first person to hold the position and excited about raising the profile of the Chartered Accountants brand in Northern Ireland, bringing the integrity and economic impact of the profession to the fore and ensuring absolute commitment to my fellow Northern Ireland members.

The role has been created to meet the principal aims of the Institute’s Strategy 2020. Namely, increasing our ability to attract the most talented students, increasing our relevance to members and acting as the voice of the profession. 

I will also be looking to build on the exceptional work of the Ulster Society by developing and maintaining relationships with key public agencies, other business, and economic organisations, universities and schools.

How do you hope to develop this role going forward?

It’s very early days to be looking five years ahead!  Although I am really excited about framing the future vision – my short term milestones are already within reach!
I am extremely confident that together we will achieve a greater level of engagement with a wider range of the membership and increased outreach to schools and universities to promote the profession.  We will be a passionate and creative voice for the profession and be right at the centre of all business discussion and debate in Northern Ireland.

What are your goals for the next five years?

I want to increase the visibility of the pride we are hold for our profession.  I want also to build a strong team that are respected for their own areas of expertise and who are delivering high quality, relevant services for members. I also want to see us demonstrate our expertise and leadership within the local media and business community.

We’re extremely fortunate to have such a talented group of members. We need to find more ways of harnessing the collective experience, expertise and ability within our membership and to show how important those skills are in driving local businesses forward.

When you’re not at work, what are you doing?

I have two teenage children at Methody who fill me with pride every day and keep me busy. In my spare time, I like to keep fit through yoga and running. I also really enjoy cooking, reading and playing the piano.