Does the Chartered Accountancy qualification offer security as a career? 

Yes, it certainly does! There aren't many qualifications like the Chartered Accountancy qualification that give you such a broad skillset, that in turn allows you to slot into and adapt to most work environments, whether that be in a professional service accountancy firm or in industry. 

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

Yes, I’ve already experienced flexibility in my career options as a Chartered Accountant. I've already worked in both Ireland and the US. But not just in terms of industry and country, but also job role. I’ve changed from Auditor to Sustainability Consultant so Chartered Accountancy has given me plenty of opportunities that I certainly wouldn't have had otherwise.

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

I believe it allows you to work in the way that works best for you. Some people need other people studying around them in order to be motivated to study, in their office or perhaps a public library, whilst others need to be isolated in a room to concentrate. Either approach is great if it works for you. The great thing about this flexibility is you can suit yourself and in so allowing yourself to get the most out of the time you're studying.

Tell us about your academic background? 

My strongest subject in school would have been maths and so that naturally guided me towards accounting. I had always been told that accountancy is one of those qualifications that allows you to work in almost any industry or sector, and almost anywhere in the world, and that range of choice really appealed to me. Then in college I studied business and economics in TCD where I would have taken all the accountancy modules, and from there I entered a graduate training program in PwC. 

Why accountancy? 

In 4 words - it gives you options! 

Why Chartered Accountants Ireland? 

Firstly, the support structures are great when it comes to exams, but also the support structures beyond that such as CA Support, and other groups such as the Leinster Society, Ulster Society, and Young Professionals. There really is an initiative for everyone to get involved in. 

Secondly, it provides a fantastic network which I’ve found to be very supportive. Like most things in life: the more you put in, the more you get out. 

What are the advantages to working and studying? 

Being able to jointly invest in your present role but also your future too.  

I also believe it’s a popular option for recently graduated college students as you’re already in that study and exams mindset. 

Where have you worked and what kind of roles have you been in? 

I had 6 great years working in the Risk Assurance department in PwC in Dublin, where I primarily worked on IT audits and risk advisory engagements for large banking and insurance clients. 

After 6 years I was looking to combine my financial services experience with my personal interest and passion for sustainability, and I was fortunate enough to begin working in the Sustainability team in Grant Thornton where I’ve learned so much already and am working with some great people. 

Describe a typical day for you? 

No such thing to be honest, but broadly speaking, most days start by catching up on any emails that have come in since I logged off the previous day. I then try to check in with my team to see how they’re getting on with what they’re working on. I then get going on my own tasks. We have a daily morning catch up which has been really important to keep in touch with the whole team over the past year, but we’re increasingly beginning to meet 1-2 times a week in the office which is really nice. I end my day with assessing what needs to be prioritised tomorrow morning before logging off for the evening. 

Around my work day, I try to get out for a walk to freshen my head. Client meetings permitting, this is never an issue because work life balance is really important in Grant Thornton. 

How was combining work and study? 

Definitely challenging but rewarding. 

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

Absolutely, it gives you all the skills and knowledge you need to understand a business and its environment. In doing so, it opens up a lot of opportunities. 

What success are you looking for? 

Having a positive impact in my workplace and with those I work, whilst having a work-life balance. 

What are your future goals? 

To continue to work in an area in which I feel I’m having an impact, but also learning lots from.  

Has your Chartered Accountancy qualification enabled you to make a difference? Whether that be in your personal or professional life, in the wider community, to your business/employer, etc. 

In work, as I mentioned, I recently joined the Sustainability team in Grant Thornton as a Manager, in order to help our clients navigate all the new ESG regulations. Since the introduction of the EU’s Green Deal, there has been an avalanche of sustainability regulations which so far have largely focused on climate action, and I truly believe that by assisting firms to comply with these regulations that I am helping to support the transition to a more sustainable planet.  

I also believe that by providing these services to firms, we are also indirectly educating their employees about the principles of sustainability, who will then hopefully begin to practice them at home.  

Outside of work, I serve as Secretary on the Chartered Accountants Ireland Young Professionals Committee, and I’ve recently joined the FinBiz2030 Climate Action Group. Both groups look to engage with fellow Chartered Accountants, and professionals in general, to raise awareness around climate issues, social issues and whatever else needs a critical eye thrown over it. For example, I recently helped to organise a Young Professionals event in April which looked at the social aspects of ESG, including how accountants can be a force for good not only in business but also in the community. 

Do you think Chartered Accountants can play a role in shaping a positive future for business and community? 

Absolutely, and I think we need look no further than the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Developments Goals for both motivations and ideas of where we can look to have an impact as Chartered Accountants. 

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

As idealistic as it sounds, I do genuinely believe that Chartered Accountants can be leaders of real progressive change in the area of sustainability, and can really enable the companies we work for, and with, to adopt sustainable practices.  

There is a Chartered Accountant in almost every company so if we can’t have a real impactful in a company’s practices, I don’t know who can, so why not :)