A co-founder with a passion for using her skills and experience for a positive impact, Sophie Dillon took the leap from Kells to Toronto via Dublin. We caught up with Sophie recently to hear her story. 1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Kells, Co Meath and studied at University College Dublin. Today, I live in Toronto, Canada. I had always wanted to build an international career, and Toronto offered the kind of dynamic, fast-moving business environment I was looking for. 2. What led you to chartered accountancy? Studying Commerce in UCD, I found I really enjoyed the structure and logic of accounting. I’ve always liked solving problems and the qualification offered a solid foundation with broad career options—whether in practice, industry, or something more entrepreneurial down the line. As a child and teenager, I had a real passion for  showjumping and I think if I hadn't come down this road I would have loved a career in the equestrian industry! 3. Can you tell us a little about how you got to where you are today – both the geographical relocation and career path? I trained with KPMG’s Restructuring department in Dublin, where I worked with businesses navigating financial challenges. From there, I joined KKR, working on their European leveraged credit team, focusing on healthcare investments. I later moved to Canada and held several finance leadership roles, including at an early-stage healthcare startup. Today I’m the co-founder of Orbit Accountants, a firm set up in 2023 to support SMEs across Canada and the US with bookkeeping, payroll, tax and fractional CFO services. I co-founded the company with Malay Matalia who I met in Toronto. We shared a belief that SMEs and growing businesses deserve better access to high quality financial support. Toronto is a global city, and moving here really broadened my perspective, opening up a network I might not otherwise have encountered. 4. What do you value most about your membership of the profession and how do you think those benefits can be used to support the economy and society? The training really sharpens your ability to think critically, assess risk, and communicate clearly—skills that are valuable far beyond finance. As the economy evolves, there’s a real need for professionals who can leverage financial data for strategic insights and support good decision-making. 5. As a member living away from Ireland, can you talk to us about how your membership has been of value to you living overseas? The designation carries weight internationally, and that’s been important for building trust in a new market. It also creates an instant sense of community—particularly with the strong network of Irish professionals here in Toronto. That network has been valuable both professionally and personally. 6. What were the most significant/noticeable differences you encountered doing business and networking away from home and back in Ireland? Networking in Ireland tends to be more informal and relationship-led from the start. In Canada, there’s a bit more structure around it—people are generous with their time, but there’s usually a clear agenda. Both styles have their strengths, and I’ve found that being able to adapt between the two has been a real asset. The common thread in both places is that strong relationships, built over time, always matter. Sophie Dillon is Co-Founder of Orbit Accountants in Toronto.  

Last week, the Institute was proud to win Best Learning and Development Programme at the Irish HR Champion Awards for its innovative virtual reality (VR) experience. This groundbreaking combination of the latest technologies and traditional learning provides learners of audit with a unique perspective that can set them apart. The programme - developed with the Metaverse team at Sia and funded by Skillnet Ireland - addresses the very real challenge of equipping junior and trainee auditors with Professional Scepticism (PS) skills. The VR simulation puts learners into the role and persona of a junior auditor conducting an external audit, allowing them to practice PS in realistic scenarios that mirror the complexities of real-world audit environments.  Presenting the Award, Maurice Whelan, Founder and CEO of Unleash Potential Ireland, said:  “Tonight’s Learning and Development Award celebrates a programme that didn’t just raise the bar — it completely reimagined it. This organisation tackled one of the most complex challenges in professional education head-on, fusing cutting-edge Virtual Reality technology with real-world expertise to deliver a truly immersive, transformative learning experience. By embracing bold innovation and setting a global first in their field, they have not only elevated their own members’ development but captured the attention of top universities and industry leaders alike. They’ve shown that when technology meets vision and collaboration, the results can be nothing short of groundbreaking”.  

AAB named winner in Employer of the Year category and Tax Team of the Year category at the Irish Accountancy Awards last night      Business leader Feargal McCormack has been recognised for his contribution to the accountancy profession. He was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy award at the 2025 Irish Accountancy Awards in Dublin marking his achievements over a career that has spanned more than 30 years. AAB, in which McCormack is a Senior Partner was awarded Employer of the Year and Tax Team of the Year at the event.  This Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy category recognises a senior individual who has made a significant contribution to the profession. Previous recipients of this award include Elaine Coughlan, FCA, Dr Laurence Crowley, CBE, FCA, Dr Margaret Downes FCA, Terence O’Rourke FCA and Professor Patricia Barker.   Feargal McCormack founded FPM Chartered Accountants in Newry in 1991 which he grew over many years to become an award-winning practice with a presence across the island of Ireland. The company merged with AAB in 2022 and Feargal remains there as Senior Partner and Head of Family Business. Feargal McCormack said that he was very humbled and honoured to receive the award, and addressing the gathering, added “Looking to the future, ethics must be embedded at the heart of the business landscape. An Irish Chartered Accountancy qualification is a global business and leadership passport for life. Go forward with confidence, have fun, embrace and enjoy the journey. Onwards and Upwards.” Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Barry Dempsey said  “Feargal is an exemplar of this profession and a role model for anyone currently in it or aspiring to join it. In founding FPM Chartered Accountants, he created a highly successful cross-border firm with the best interests of small to medium and family-run businesses at heart – businesses which are the lifeblood of our economies. He steered the firm through to its recent merger with AAB and remains a key Partner in it. As a former President of this Institute, he actively promoted the profession and truly connected with members. “His contribution to the profession has previously been recognised in his and his firm’s many awards and recognitions, but Feargal’s interests extend far beyond his work. He sits on numerous committees and boards contributing to academia, sport, community ventures and is a Patron of Special Olympics Ireland. I warmly congratulate Feargal and his family on this well-deserved recognition from his peers and entire Chartered community”. The Irish Accountancy Awards were launched in 2016 to celebrate excellence in the accountancy profession and now cover a total of 28 categories.