Angela Craigan has been elected Chairperson of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society at its 119th Annual General Meeting. The Ulster Society represents more than 5,900 Chartered Accountants across Northern Ireland and is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest professional body on the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the Society’s AGM, Angela Craigan, a Partner in Audit and Advisory at HM Chartered Accountants, committed to celebrating Chartered Accountants and member firms across Northern Ireland as “Difference Makers” having a huge impact both for the local economy and wider society.
Addressing members at the AGM, Angela said: “It is a real honour and privilege to take on this role and I’m genuinely excited about the year ahead.
“Our Society has a strong focus on supporting our members and ensuring their voices are heard clearly and effectively. We are positive about Northern Ireland, its people, its business community, and its prospects.
“We know that Northern Ireland punches well above its weight – and that resilience and determination are part of who we are.”
Setting out her theme for the year, Angela said she wanted to celebrate Chartered Accountants and member firms as “Difference Makers”.
She said: “Behind many of Northern Ireland’s success stories, you’ll find a Chartered Accountant helping to make things happen.
“Helping businesses to grow, making organisations succeed, creating opportunities and helping communities to thrive. I want to celebrate the difference that our members are making every day with their clients, with their organisations, and in the local community.”
Angela Craigan highlighted the role Chartered Accountants play across the private, public and voluntary sectors, describing members as trusted business leaders who help organisations and communities to move forward every day.
She also said that Chartered Accountants have an important role to play in supporting Northern Ireland’s economic ambitions and helping the region achieve its full potential.
Angela said: “We believe in Northern Ireland’s potential as a place to invest and grow. We want to see a bold and credible economic strategy which helps Northern Ireland become a real success story.
“As Trusted Business Advisers, Chartered Accountants are helping to steer the business community, strengthen organisations, and support communities right across Northern Ireland. I want young people seeking purpose in their career choices to see that Chartered Accountancy can empower them to make a real impact.”
Angela paid tribute to outgoing Chairperson Mark Lawther, praising his work to encourage and showcase innovation across Northern Ireland. Angela also thanked the Society’s volunteers, local team and members for their continued commitment and support.
Originally from Moneyreagh, County Down and now living in Comber, Angela Craigan has worked with Belfast firm HM Chartered Accountants for the past 24 years.