Conor Flanagan - Storm Technology Ltd. Belfast

I trained in a medium sized accountancy firm based in Belfast. My day to day work involved charity audit, accounts preperation, personal tax among other tasks. It was that variety that made my job both unique and interesting. I joined Finegan Gibson after completing a Computing degree in Queen’s University Belfast and having no understand or knowledge of Accounting. I entered Chartered Accountants Ireland with enthusiasm to learn but with naivety as to what was ahead of me. I was met with all the help and support you could want from lecturers and Chartered Accountants Ireland staff alike, as well as many opportunities to get involved with societies and events. I sat on the committee of both the regional student society in Belfast and the national student society based in Dublin. This gave me the opportunity to work closely with Chartered Accountants Ireland organising social events for, and being a voice for students. This experience allowed me to work with external bodies to organise weekends away and conferences for all Chartered Accountants Ireland students nationwide. Through this experience I made many great new friends and connections through both industry and practice. I would encourage all new students to get involved with the student societies throughout your Chartered Accountants Ireland journey. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in December 2018.

Nuala McAdams - EY Belfast

I joined EY in September 2015 having no previous experience of Audit or Accountancy - I couldn't have told you the difference between a credit and debit!

I had studied History and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast before taking the leap into Accountancy. I joined knowing next to nothing, but through attending classes and making use of the support available I managed to get through my first few exam levels and am now revising for my FAE's. I also volunteered with the Ulster and All Ireland student committee which was a fantastic opportunity to make friends, share notes for exams and understand what opportunities lie ahead once I become Chartered. The qualification is tough and requires commitment, but it is worth the challenge and there is a very supportive community of students and staff to help. I was very grateful for the opportunity to study towards this qualification and would encourage anyone, especially those who are from a non-accountancy background, to consider becoming Chartered through Chartered Accountants Ireland.