Here, we share some stories from students and members in Northern Ireland – their experience studying and working as Chartered Accountants.

1. Judith Shields PKF FPM Accountants LLP and formerly Chartered Accountants Ireland Student Society. Judith Shields is a trainee in the Corporate Rescue and Recovery Department of PKF FPM Accountants LLP in Belfast, and was also the 2013/14 chairperson of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Student Society (CASSI).

   “I came to Chartered Accountancy from quite a different angle, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University, and only afterwards turned towards a career in business. PKF FPM is a medium size practice with 8 partners and offices in Newry, Belfast, Dungannon and Dundalk. Training in a smaller practice gives a very rounded experience – you get to deal with clients on many different kinds of projects, and interact directly with the senior partners, which is great for really understanding tax, audit and accountancy.

   I’m also involved with CASSI, the student society, which represents the views of students in careers and education matters. With CASSI, we can provide practical support to students as they go through the training. Of course there’s a social aspect too, and it’s a great way to network with trainees from other firms and businesses.”

2. Read Claire Stewart’s story in the Ulster Star Online, Claire began with a degree in Business and Computing for there she qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2009, she is now running her own practice.

3. Dawn Johnston is Director at Deloitte LLP in Belfast and is heavily involved with Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Ulster Society. Dawn spoke to Spreadsheet, the magazine of the Ulster Society, about her career to date, her interest in how we develop new Chartered Accountants.

   “I started in the Audit Department while working though my professional exams and I loved the work from the start. I enjoyed working in a team, going out to different offices, seeing the big picture behind each business and being given responsibility early on in my career. I felt – and I still feel – that there is a tremendous privilege in being an auditor. We get incredible access to the business and deal with all areas, whether it’s the sales director, production manager or managing director.” 

4. Keith Scott, Northern Ireland Water’s Business Performance Manager. Keith studied a non-business degree; he then took a conversion course at University of Ulster in Jordanstown before starting his training contract with ASM Accountancy practice in Belfast.

   “I decided to train as a Chartered Accountant with ASM, a mid-sized practice in Belfast. This provided a broad exposure to the audit of private and public sector organisations, along with experience in taxation and economic appraisals.” 

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch by email.