Eight questions with… Edel Walsh

Edel Walsh, exam coach and education consultant, qualified as a Chartered Accountant but has combined her love of learning, education and accounting to create a successful business outside of the profession

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

After I qualified as a Chartered Accountant, I moved into the world of education, which has always been a passion of mine. I lectured for all the accountancy bodies as well as at third level. 

If I am being honest, ten years ago, I thought I would still be lecturing today as I loved it. However, an exciting opportunity came my way five years ago, and I moved into a Talent Development Leadership role at a Big 4 firm. This was a huge pivot for me as I moved from lecturing to a corporate learning and development environment. It was a great move as it married my knowledge of accounting practice, education and my love for learning. 

Five years ago, I would never have thought I would set up my own business as a coach and education consultant. I barely knew what a coach was back then! I have lived up to my own expectations of continuously learning and taking risks when it feels right.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career?

There have been a few challenges in my career, but the one that stands out the most is moving from a secure job in a tax practice after I qualified to move into education. 

At the start of the 2008 recession, I left a job with no secure income or work, but I knew what I wanted to do and worked hard to get it. Most people told me that I was mad and should be happy with what I had. I didn’t listen!

Another challenge in my career was the transition into motherhood. Suddenly, I went from thinking only about myself and my career to having to think of three little people and managing my aspirations. This was a great challenge, as it changed how I worked for the better.  

What do you wish you had known earlier in life?

When you are in Leaving Cert and completing your CAO applications, you have many options even after graduating. My undergraduate degree is not related in any way to my career now. 

Where do you see yourself this time next year?

A year is a long time! I hope to see my own business grow from strength to strength. I have many ideas and new projects in the pipeline, so watch this space.

Who inspires you, personally and professionally?

Personally, my husband inspires me. We both trained as Chartered Accountants together. Our careers have taken very different paths.

He is now in a leadership role in a multinational company. He inspires me with how he manages his job’s stress and never loses sight of what is important.

Professionally, there are so many people, but a few would include Edith Edgar, the writer of The Choice and The Gift. I love listening to Ted Talks and enjoy Mel Robbins and Simon Sinek. They talk a lot of sense. 

How has being a Chartered Accountant changed your life?

Being a Chartered Accountant has opened many doors for me in my career. While I am not in the traditional role of an accountant, it has inspired every move I have made in my career. It is my greatest academic achievement. 

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

When doing my Leaving Cert, I wanted to either do finance at UCC or become a nurse – very different careers. 

I ended up doing finance at UCC, which inspired me to become a Chartered Accountant. It would be primary school teaching if it weren’t a nurse or accountant. 

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

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Some of the risks I took didn’t work out, but they were my greatest learning experiences. 

Also, at the outset of your career, look for the jobs that will give you the most experience instead of the most financially rewarding ones.