An interest in tax took Meath native Aoife Smyth to Vancouver via Dublin. We caught up with Aoife to learn more about her journey, and about her involvement in the Vancouver member chapter.
1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Dunshaughlin, County Meath. I lived in Dublin for about ten years when I went to college in Trinity, did my training contract in KPMG and worked in a medium sized practice after qualifying. I moved to Vancouver in June 2022 and have applied for permanent residency.
2. What made you choose to become a Chartered Accountant?
In college I really enjoyed a course called Economics of Policy Issues, in particular, our studies around the economic and social considerations for "optimal taxation". When I researched careers in tax, I thought that BEPS was interesting so I applied to KPMG to do a graduate placement in tax, and then went on to do my traineeship.
3. Can you tell us a little about how you got to where you are today – both the geographical journey and your career path.
I spent my "J1 summer" in Portland, Oregon, and really fell in love with the Pacific North West. It is absolutely beautiful, and I find the pace of life that little bit slower. After that, I always knew that I wanted to live abroad for a time again, but I wanted to get my qualification and some work experience before making the move.
When I relocated to Vancouver, I went from working in tax into working transfer pricing, which has been a great move for me. I had considered moving into transfer pricing a few times over the years, but could never decide when it was the "right time". I guess if you uproot your life, it's as good a time as any to also make a career move!
I have been really enjoying working with the BDO Canada Transfer Pricing team – everyone comes from different backgrounds, bringing something different to the team, and everyone is really supportive.
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?
I really value that my qualification is internationally recognised, so it helped with my move to Vancouver. Lots of other professions need to re-train in Canada.
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?
As the ACA is an internationally recognised qualification, it means that your work experience and qualification can be easily understood by employers in Canada. Although I haven’t needed to, you can also get the CPA credentials through the mutual recognition agreement between CPA Canada and Chartered Accountants Ireland.
6. What were the most significant/noticeable differences you encountered doing business and networking away from home and back in Ireland?
I haven't found networking too different here. There are both informative sessions and casual networking events organised through CPA Canada. Separately, there are also Irish business networks.
The biggest change for me was moving away from the professional network I had started to build in Dublin and having to start to meet people again in a new city. I think one of the most organic networks you build is with your peers in your training contract, so it is hard to move away from them!
I was recently involved in "re-starting" the Vancouver Chapter of Chartered Accountants Ireland after a Covid 19 hiatus, and we were delighted to have around 30 Institute members come out for our first get-together. We are looking forward to meeting more people – current residents of the region and new arrivals – and hosting more events in 2024!
- Aoife Smyth is a Transfer Pricing Senior Accountant with BDO Canada, based in Vancouver.
LOADING...