On Monday, Chartered Accountants Ireland hosted the second “Trusted Business Leadership: The Chartered Roundtables” event on infrastructure and the National Development Plan (NDP). Held at our Pearse Street offices, the event drew strong member attendance and featured a lively discussion with President Pamela McCreedy and Seán Fleming TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee for Infrastructure and NDP Delivery. The roundtable provided robust insights into Ireland’s most ambitious investment plan to date. Members raised questions around planning delays, judicial reviews, and the impact of housing and childcare shortages on business competitiveness. The discussion addressed operational challenges, funding, and the government’s proposed reforms, emphasising the need for streamlined planning and delivery processes and decisive action as Ireland’s population grows. The event reinforced the Institute’s commitment to member advocacy in shaping policy, and we will remain engaged as NDP delivery accelerates.   Chartered Accountants Ireland’s latest roundtable brought members together to discuss the revised National Development Plan - Ireland’s strategic €275.4bn investment in infrastructure and public services. President Pamela McCreedy opened the session, highlighting the Institute’s advocacy for members as the country faces significant delivery challenges.  Seán Fleming TD outlined the NDP’s aims: improving housing, childcare, energy, transport, and water to support growth and prosperity. Members’ questions reflected real-world concerns, including planning delays, judicial review issues, and the impact of “gold plating” regulations. The discussion highlighted progress in accelerating delivery as new legislation is being proposed to tackle planning challenges and the cabinet committee on infrastructure considered measures that could reduce delivery timelines for major projects by up to a year, as part of plans to cut red tape and accelerate progress.  Funding and operational readiness were debated, with a focus on protecting capital spending amid economic volatility. Other topics included the Shared Island initiative, labour shortages in construction, and sustainability targets. Historic successes such as the Ardnacrusha power plant project were cited as examples of what can be achieved with ambition and urgency.  The event underscored the importance of clear communication, transparency in delivery, and continued advocacy throughout the life of the NDP. As Ireland’s population grows and infrastructure demands intensify, members’ insights will remain central to shaping policy.  You can view photos from the event here.    

The Charity SORP making body has published the October 2025 edition of the Charity SORP. Statements of Recommended Practice (SORPs) are sector-driven recommendations on financial reporting which supplement the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) accounting standards. The Charity SORP provides guidance on how charities should apply FRS 102 and is mandatorily applicable for certain charities in the UK. In the Republic of Ireland, the SORP is not mandatorily applicable, however, some charities apply it voluntarily. The SORP has been updated to reflect the changes made to FRS 102 as a result of the 2024 Periodic Review by the FRC. For charities using the SORP, the changes will be effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. Some key changes include: New reporting tiers, which set out different reporting requirements for charities who fall within each tier. New and enhanced disclosures for the Trustees' Annual Report. More guidance and required disclosures relating to going concern. Guidance on how to apply the FRS 102 5-step model for income received in exchange transactions. A new lease accounting module which explains the new leasing requirements introduced by FRS 102. An increase in the threshold at which a charity is required to produce a cash flow statement to £15 million (provided FRS 102 does not otherwise require a cash flow statement to be prepared). Updated guidance on accounting for social investments to provide clarity and consistency in reporting.   The SORP-making body has also prepared a summary document summarising the changes made in each module.

Climbing your Career Ladder as a Newly Qualified ACA ‘Climbing your career ladder’ can mean many different things. It can mean adding a new skill set or moving from working with financial services clients into industry or getting into a sector that you're really passionate about. It's worth noting that not everyone aims for vertical career growth—priorities like homeownership, travel, and family can influence the pace of your professional journey. The grass isn't always greener on the other side and the key is to do your research. Then you are much better equipped to build the Career pathway for yourself. I have always been amazed by the fact that the people who have stellar careers are not necessarily the top 10 placed ACA’s but rather the ones who know how to read the market, are always discussing their career, looking for the next building block on their cv, and looking to get to know the right people. What extra skills and responsibilities can you squeeze out of your current employer for example sometimes looking internally to your current employer can be a very strong option. Additionally, if you have an internal sponsor in your current company who has your back and wants to see you succeed that can be very powerful. When building a career most of the ACAs I speak to indicate that increased salary and extra money is not necessarily top of their list - it's usually about third on the list. Why not look to get promoted in your current company? There was a great article in Accountancy Ireland last year on how to get promoted. It's a great thing to be able to say when going for interview that you have been earmarked for advancement to the next level based on your strong performance. Are there internal training courses in your current Organisation to avail of ? for example if you're in BIG4. Have you identified that you need more people leadership experience? If so, perhaps this is an extra responsibility that's your current employer can gift to you! Can you move into another division? Can you gain additional systems or ERP experience? If you're innovative by nature perhaps you can suggest and formulate new procedures and efficiencies for your finance division for Department. Remember all these opportunities will become feathers in your cap or small stories to sing your own praises about at interviews in the years ahead. The key is to make sure that the experience you are gaining constitutes the right building blocks for your chosen path and your ultimate goal ie. Your 5 or 10 year plan. Getting involved in PROJECTS can help you pivot off in a slightly different direction with your career and will give you visibility and profile in your organization. It will also  give you the reputation as someone who wants to get involved and get things done it looks great as a value-add on your CV : You develop a whole new set of management skills You gain exposure to new colleagues and senior management It gives your personal brand a major boost   Lateral moves -  Sometimes, a lateral move proves wiser than a hasty vertical leap, allowing for a more strategic career progression. Lateral moves can also involve less pressure and they reinforce your brand and consolidate your expertise in a sector. I see many members who (in a buoyant market) take on new roles which have super salaries and seniority and prestige but can often work out to be a step too far too quickly. In this context sometimes a lateral move can be the clever option and can be the way to scratch itchy feet so to speak … You can enhance your skill sets Gain exposure to new clients Get a broader understanding of your chosen area So for example, moving from a Senior Accountant role in a technology multinational to a Senior Accountant in a Pharma PLC could give you a whole new toolkit for the role pertinent to that new sector rounding you out as a strong experienced finance manager. It will also help you better understand the transferability of your skill sets. As a recently qualified or young professional the wide variety of opportunities and different types of roles available to you post qualification are extensive. Some of you may be in these roles already but for others it can be nice to see the diversity in different styles of opportunities available. Branding Personal Brand and Networking go hand in hand ! As a young professional you do have a personal brand whether you realize it or not - you now have to guard it and grow it.  Your personal brand is how others perceive you, shaping your professional reputation and career prospects. Be visible in work but also with recruiters via LinkedIn and through your personal network. Raise your profile in your current job - this will become ammunition for interviews in the time ahead. Make sure you are recording and calling out your key achievements.   Ask your boss at reviews what you are doing well. Above all - Don't slip into a comfort zone and don't become invisible   Learn how to Showcase your outputs Be able to talk through your success stories comprehensively. Learn how to sing your own praises - many Chartered accountants need to learn and develop this skill! Always Try to be positive and passionate when discussing work Spend time deciding what you want your personal brand to be and what you want to be known for! Your personal brand basically forms the foundation of your career. Over the last decade or so I've always been amazed by ACA members who have taken control of their personal brand and promoted it well.  It really is the secret to advancement! Essentially your PB is what your colleagues say about you when you are not in the room : eg. “he's a technical genius” or “she knows everyone in the whole company” Or “he is a real people leader” or “she is a super communicator and presenter!” These “auras” or “brandings” that people attached to you can give you a real edge might be your differentiator when it comes to career steps.    Networking As a Chartered Accountant one of the most important and powerful things you can do at an early stage of your career is to build your personal network! A strong personal network is the spine of a successful career and without one your career climb will be far more challenging! Actively nurturing your network, both online and offline, lays the foundation for future career opportunities. When you reach FCA status the likelihood that you make a career move by leveraging your network is over 80% so start building it now! So how do I build and grow my network? Stay in touch with ex colleagues Find an excuse to touch base or pick their brains on something Like / connect / share / discuss- particularly in specific groups in LinkedIn (LinkedIn has a whole sub section of visibility and networking unto itself) Stay in contact with people who attend the same conferences and events as you.   LinkedIn   Platforms like LinkedIn offer powerful networking opportunities. Regular interaction, participation in industry groups, and endorsing others' skills can enhance your visibility and credibility. Embracing virtual networking events, especially in the current digital era, facilitates connections with peers and industry professionals. Some brief points I would say about LinkedIn and networking : It's essential nowadays Make it a habitual weekly practice eg. connect with 10 people per week Be polite - use a polite connection message Get into key groups of interest to you and interact, pick brains, say hi, post messages Write recommendations for people Endorse peoples skill-sets Introduce other people to each other – They may refer you to a key contact by return some day. Ultimately the key is to embrace LinkedIn and harness its usefulness : it is your business card nowadays it's the appendix to your CV and it's a powerful online networking tool --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIRTUAL NETWORKING in general is the new way of interacting of course and so look for online events through the Institute or other organisations where you can interact with your peer groups. Eg IIA conference or Chamber of Commerce events. The ACA Professionals Group always has upcoming events and as a Newly Qual you should definitely get involved with the group.     CV Your CV is your marketing tool, highlighting your achievements and value proposition to prospective employers. Tailoring your CV to showcase your strengths and accomplishments effectively is crucial. It's advisable to seek feedback and refine your CV to ensure it resonates with potential employers. Know it inside out and be able to talk your way through it clearly Why not have a few versions of your CV with differing flavors also even a one page punchy resumé that you can forward to someone informally along with your LinkedIn profile. It should shout out the ‘Value Add’ that you are bringing to the new employer. One of the things we are always asked is whether you should name clients on your CV. I always say that if they are PLC clients there's no harm at all and can often look good in terms of branding on your CV.Alternatively, just describe the sector and size of the organization you worked on. Make sure to detail your key achievements and sell your skillsets. Review your own CV critically as if you are the employer asking yourself ‘So What?’ after each line !   If you need any guidance or review of your cv just send it in to the Careers Team and we can talk it through with you. 2 small points :   Your Profile Summary can be customized for applications but should be short, punchy and speak to what you are seeking eg “aiming to develop my career in Internal Audit”. Also, use the Other Interests section to help with ice breaking discussions and to indicate your personality. The Interview : So some basic key points about the interview : Its my firm belief every single interview needs a customized interview prep Every Interview is different no two are the same ;  some are formal some informal, some competency based some CV based. It's usually best to be prepared for a competency based interview even if that means deciphering the competencies for yourself from the spec and then building your specific story-form answers. Star shaped answering is always ideal giving good structure to your examples..   The advantage of doing virtual interviews nowadays is that you can have your slippers on and your notes beside you and the fire on in the corner and even have your hand on a mug of coffee if that helps relax you! Face to face interviews are  coming back more and more in the market now however. One thing I always find is a common thread in interviews particularly in a buoyant market is that an employer will hire a person for their attitude, energy, communication style, commercial acumen and or leadership style above all other things. So it's not always about having the right technical answer to an interview question sometimes it's simply how you carry yourself in the interview and what your body language is like in the meeting - Your smile / your eye contact etc essentially the rapport that you build during the interview can be hugely influential and worth  focusing on.  Another thing to remember is that most interviews are a subtle two way interaction with you also judging the interviewer.  Some interviewers are not very good and not very experienced at interviewing and you may need to allow for that. Equally you may be judging subtly whether you want to work for this person and do you like them. If the role is one you are really keen on why not let them know towards the end of the interview that you are being really selective in what you are interviewing for at the moment but this is one of your favourites! Employers hire humans they ‘like’ as opposed to robots and that’s why I always tell members in Interview Prep to go and enjoy the interview and enjoy singing their own praises for once as you rarely get the opportunity.                                   Upon qualification make sure you connect with your ICAI Careers Team to map out the rest of the plan and review the wide variety of ACA paths and market opportunities. Dave Riordan (ACA)   dave.riordan@charteredaccountants.ie  Recruitment Specialist & Career Coach https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Career-Pathway  

The European Union has adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package of sanctions substantially increases the pressure on the Russian war economy, targeting key sectors such as energy, finance, the military industrial base, special economic zones, as well as enablers and profiteers of its war of aggression. Sanctions include an introduction of a total ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and a further clamp-down on the shadow fleet. Measures also target financial services and infrastructure (including for the first time crypto), as well as trade, the services sector, and strengthen anti-circumvention tools.  This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.

The UK Government is making some changes and updates in relation to sanctions. On 3 November it launched a new sanctions enforcement action page on GOV.UK that brings together sanctions enforcement information from across HM Government - including penalty notices, annual reviews, case studies and key lessons for industry. It has also announced that there will be a move to a single list for UK sanctions designations from 28 January 2026. Currently the OFSI Consolidated List from HMT provides information relating to asset freeze and investment ban targets across all financial sanctions’ regimes implemented in the UK. This list will close at 09:00GMT on Wednesday 28 January 2026 and from then the UK Sanctions List will be the only source for all UK sanctions designations. Guidance has been issued on moving to a single list for UK sanctions designations where you can read more about the changes. This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.  

In Irish news, Revenue has issued a reminder about today’s deadline for filing Local Property Tax returns, and Revenue has also released a press statement following the announcement that Fastway Couriers has entered receivership. In UK news today, HMRC provides guidance on choosing software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and the most recent Administrative Burdens Advisory Board publishes its annual report. In International news, the EU Commission hosts a dialogue on VAT in the Digital Age. Ireland 1. Revenue has issued a reminder about the Local Property Tax (LPT) filing obligations due today. In addition, Revenue has updated several related LPT guidance documents. 2. Revenue has issued a press release on the potential impact of the recent announcement that Fastway Couriers has entered receivership. UK 3. Read the guidance issued by HMRC on choosing appropriate software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. 4. The Administrative Burdens Advisory Board has published the results of its annual online survey aimed at improving HMRC's service to small businesses. International 5. Read about the recent dialogue hosted by the EU Commission on the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) proposals. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount.

With colder, darker days setting in, people may notice they experience a dip in mood, feel more irritable, fatigued and less motivated. The reason for this may be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the less-severe form, the winter blues. SAD symptoms are very similar to depression but has a seasonal pattern. The HSE estimates approximately 7% of the population experiences SAD. Here, we share some timely information and advice on how to combat the winter slump.  What causes this? Nobody really truly knows what causes the winter blues or SAD, but some experts believe SAD is caused by fewer hours of sunlight during the winter months that deplete your body’s levels of serotonin – often called the ‘feel-good’ chemical. Low light levels are thought to affect the production of melatonin, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock (or circadian rhythm).  If you’re diagnosed with SAD, your GP may recommend treatment with antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), alongside talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.  But if you have milder symptoms, we have some tips you can try to protect yourself against the winter slump: See the light Sunlight is known to activate a specific hormone called serotonin. This hormone is responsible for regulating and elevating your mood, helps with sleep and wakefulness and is linked to feeling good and living longer. Try getting outside into the sunlight as early and often as possible throughout the day.  Get help from tech If access to bright sunlight isn't possible, studies have shown light treatment/therapy is another effective way of reducing the symptoms of SAD. Many people with SAD or the winter blues respond well to light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a special light therapy lamp – or light box – at home. You may also find dawn simulators useful,  they use a gradual light to wake you up in the morning, simulating a summers morning. Always remember to check any light therapy devices to make sure that it has been made by a fully certified manufacturer and is designed for treating SAD. Additionally, you could try using aromatherapy and the use of essential oils to help boost your mood. As some studies suggest that it could potentially lessen any symptoms. Get active Physical activity is widely thought to be an effective way to boost your mood, and there’s a solid body of evidence that suggests exercise may help to alleviate depression. Exercising outdoors, especially when it’s sunny, may have an even stronger effect on SAD/winter blues symptoms. You don’t have to turn into a fitness fanatic. Just being more active in your day-to-day life can have a huge benefit on the way you feel, especially during the winter. Eat mood-boosting foods Many experts believe what you eat can make a huge difference to your mood, especially during the winter, particularly foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan, which converts into serotonin in the brain. Foods rich in tryptophan include bananas, turkey, chicken, fish, cheese, eggs, milk, nuts, avocados and pulses. Some also believe omega-3 fatty acids may enhance serotonin activity, so eat oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna at least once a week (if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, try adding flaxseeds or chia seeds for an omega-3 boost). Stay warm Some SAD sufferers say their symptoms improve when they keep warm, so make sure your home and workplace are properly heated and wrap up well when you go outdoors.  If you’re worried about the financial cost of turning up the thermostat, get in touch to find out about CA Support's emergency financial assistance.   Keep in contact When feeling down, it’s natural to want to shut ourselves away from the world. It’s important to keep our social muscles active, as positive relationships bring both joy and perspective to our lives. Make sure you arrange regular catch-ups with your family and friends throughout winter.  How we can help The Thrive wellbeing hub provides free emotional supports to members, students and family members. We offer a confidential space for you to talk, whether you need a listening ear, wellbeing advice or professional counselling, we are here for you. You can contact the thrive wellbeing team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294

Following Fastway Couriers' entry into receivership, Revenue issued a press release last week acknowledging the potential impact this may have on several hundred subcontractors, franchisees, and solo operators across the delivery network, including the potential impact on timely tax compliance. Recognising the financial impact, Revenue has advised it will take a pragmatic approach and work with affected individuals and businesses to maintain good compliance records, including offering flexible payment arrangements where temporary cashflow difficulties arise.  Couriers and businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties due to the closure are encouraged to contact the Collector-General’s office promptly at 01 738 3663 or through MyEnquiries to agree suitable arrangements and ensure continued tax compliance.  

Readers are reminded that Friday 7 November 2025 is the return filing date for Vacant Homes Tax (VHT). The VHT is due on residential properties that are liable to Local Property Tax and are occupied for less than 30 days in the year ending 31 October 2025. Further information is available on Revenue’s website.   VHT returns can be submitted via Revenue’s myAccount, ROS or the LPT Portal. The system will guide property owners through the three-step process to review their details, submit their return and make a payment if necessary.  

Revenue has published new guidance on the completion of corporation tax returns, which includes updates on the 2025 Form CT1 together with information outlining how to access help in completing the form. The Form CT1 for accounting periods ending in 2025 has been available for filing via ROS and the ROS Return Preparation Facility (RPF) since April 2025 with additional updates being made to the form in June. The guidance includes the following updates for 2025: Updates to the company details panel (paragraph 1) including de minimis aid and transfer pricing. Updates to the trading results panel (paragraph 2) including a new section for lease taxation section 403/404. Changes to the extracts from accounts panel (paragraph 3) including text changes for iXBRL filing and expenses and deductions for stock exchange listings expenditure. Changes to the Irish investment and other income panel (paragraph 4) for an R&D clawback. Changes to the foreign income panel (paragraph 5) relating to foreign life policies and offshore funds. Changes to the deductions, reliefs and credits panel (paragraph 6) relating to stock exchange listing expenditure. Changes to the research and development panel (paragraph 7) including unused carry forward, section 766C and S766D. Changes to the film tax panel (paragraph 8) for the Scéal Enhanced Credit. Clarification around certain fields relating to lease taxation. The Institute continues to engage with Revenue through the TALC Collections Sub-committee to propose ways to simplify and reduce complexity of the Form CT1 for 2026.

Revenue has updated several guidance manuals to reflect the changes introduced by the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2025. The updated manuals include details of the revised valuation bands and rate changes which will apply to Local Property Tax (LPT) liabilities from 2026 onwards, and the extension of the valuation period from four to five years effective 1 November 2025. Legislative changes have also broadened the exemption for properties affected by defective concrete blocks in their construction and introduced a €105,000 reduction in chargeable value for homes adapted for disabled persons. The following TDMs have been updated where necessary to reflect these changes: 01-01 Meaning of residential property 02-00 Properties used for diplomatic purposes 02-01 Overview of Exemptions 02-02 Residential properties fully subject to commercial rates 02-03 Long term mental or physical infirmity 02-05 Special needs accommodation 02-06 Property used by a charity for recreational activities 02-11 Permanently and totally incapacitated individuals 02-12 Exemption for residential properties owned by a North-South Implementation Body 02-13 Properties constructed using defective concrete blocks 04-01 Valuation of a residential property* 04-02 Change of liable person during a valuation period 04-03 Property adapted for occupation by disabled persons 07-02 Surcharge for non-compliance with LPT.

Revenue has released its Q3 service delivery report, providing data and insights on real-time reporting, taxpayer access to online information, and direct interactions initiated by taxpayers during the quarter. The report outlines that 116,179 tax returns were filed via ROS and 194,690 LPT transactions were processed in the quarter. A total of €3.2 billion was repaid by Revenue. In terms of online inquiries, the report confirms that 498,180 MyEnquiries were received by Revenue in Q3 with details of the estimated response time being applied in 102,643 cases. The report outlines that the estimated response time given was met or exceeded in 41 percent of the responses. A total of 380,543 calls had the ‘hold my place in queue’ service available with the report confirming that 14.75 percent of the relevant callers availed of the service.