Tell us about your academic background?

I completed a degree in Hospitality Management and spent over 10 years in various roles in hospitality operations and senior management. This gave me the opportunity to engage with finance, including setting annual budgets, weekly forecasts and analysing and managing actual results.
These financial areas became important parts of my daily duties which I have to admit I really enjoyed!
I have always had a keen interest and love for numbers, having excelled at maths in high school. So with this passion and my growing experience at work, I joined the cluster finance team which at that time was responsible for the finance and accounting of five hotels. Production of monthly management and financial set of accounts and cost control were only a fraction of my duties, at which point I felt that pursuing a career in accounting was what I wanted to do.
Thanks to exemptions granted from elements within my primary degree, I became an Accounting Technician within a year and at that stage, I knew that becoming a Chartered Accountant was my next goal, so embarked on the Flexible Route. I chose the Flexible Route as it suited my personal and professional life as a mature student. My job involved travel within the island, which prevented me from attending lectures at times. The online materials, the support available to all students, and the professional network I created helped me achieve my goal – becoming a Chartered Accountant.  

What is the Chartered Accountancy qualification for you?

The Chartered Accountancy qualification gave me the opportunity to choose, not to be chosen.

Does the Chartered Accountancy qualification offer security as a career?

Yes, it certainly does. It doesn’t only offer security as a career, it enables us, the Chartered Accountants, to make a real difference in our careers. The broad range of skills and strategic thinking a Chartered Accountant brings to an organisation are even more important in times of uncertainty.

Have you discovered flexibility in your career options as a Chartered Accountant? Do you feel you could move industry or country easily? 

Certainly, sky is the limit with this powerful weapon – the Chartered Accountancy qualification. Every business has a need for accountants. The Chartered Accountancy qualification allows you to move freely between industries and sectors internationally and within Ireland. An added value in the current situation is that most accountancy roles are well suited to flexible hours and working from home.

How have your strategic skills as a Chartered Accountant been of benefit to you and your company, during recent times?  

I am currently auditing a number of international projects and not being able to travel and working from home brings certain difficulties. Delivering high quality work requires a mix of strategic skills like adapting to change, project management, team work, negotiating and influencing, and professional scepticism in addition to the core financial expertise expected from a Chartered Accountant. 

Can you share your thoughts on how flexibility to study from work or home could prove a real advantage?

This is a real asset. The ability to plan your study while still benefiting from the Institute’s support and online materials and to cut down on commuting time allows you to devote more time to family and hobbies. With the online lectures, students have the option to replay the classes if unclear on certain areas, which I found extremely useful. 

Why Chartered Accountants Ireland?

Because Chartered Accountants Ireland is a leading voice of the accountancy profession in Ireland.  Because it is a highly progressive institution and I knew that graduating through Chartered Accountants Ireland would open many doors and present me with endless opportunities.  

What are your future goas?

Being happy and satisfied with what I do in general is one of my life’s mottos. Being a Chartered Accountant is something I enjoy doing and will always strive to excel in it. 

Can you see how someone who is not an accountant might benefit from this qualification?

Without a doubt. No matter what industry or field a professional is, budgets, finances, income and expenditure are core business characteristics and having a thorough financial literacy is a guarantee to success and confidence.

Do you think Chartered Accountants have a role to play in making businesses more sustainable?

Absolutely. Sustainability means preserving and protecting your business. Chartered Accountants recognise risks and opportunities and act on them, which allows us to take a key role in making businesses more sustainable. 

Can you explain the Flexible Route to someone who doesn't know what it is?  

It is freedom, it is a choice to plan your studies around your life, and it is this extra flexibility which is becoming more and more important in everyone’s day regardless of what stage in life they are. Students have the option to split their academic year and sit lesser exams if they need to, and study online while still benefiting from the vast support available from the Institute.

Would you recommend the Flexible Route to others? Why?

Yes, I do without any hesitation. I chose the Flexible Route as it suited my personal and professional life as a mature student. My job involved travel within the island, which prevented me from attending lectures at certain times. The online materials, the support available to all students and the professional network I created helped me achieve my goal – becoming a Chartered Accountant.  

What advice would you give someone who is considering the Flexible Route? 

• Take your time and do not stress.
• Try to stay on top of all subjects. It's easy to focus on the subjects we like most, so be careful not to neglect others. Good preparation and planning are the keys to success.
• Make sure to find time for yourself and do not give up on your hobbies while you are studying.
• Keep your eye on the prize!