Niall Harkin has been elected Chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society at its 111th Annual General Meeting in Belfast. The Ulster Society represents 4,500 local Chartered Accountants and is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest and oldest professional accountancy body in Ireland. Mr Harkin, who takes over as Chair from Pamela McCreedy, is Head of Organisational Development, Corporate & Business Banking with Danske Bank with whom he has worked since 2009. Addressing the Society’s AGM, he said: “The year ahead is a crucial one for Northern Ireland. It is a year in which the UK will leave the EU, bringing both significant challenges and opportunities. “The Ulster Society has an important role to play in terms of providing an effective voice for local business. At this time of political uncertainty, it is vital that we adapt and engage with government and other key influencers to ensure that our members’ voice is heard. “We will also draw upon the ability, experience and expertise within our membership to provide guidance for the local business community as the realities of Brexit unfold. In the year ahead we will work to bring a greater understanding of the impacts and complexities of new trading arrangements. “We will do all we can to ensure that local business can both survive and thrive in the new relationship between Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the EU. I know that our membership will embrace the challenges and I look forward to leading the Ulster Society in the year ahead.” During his first speech as Chairman, Mr Harkin also said that he would seek to encourage a new generation to the profession by showcasing the value of Chartered Accountancy skills and training and by highlighting the varied career paths offered by the qualification. Prior to joining Danske Bank, Mr Harkin held the role of Finance Director with Resource Services Group and worked in the Corporate Finance department of Deloitte. Mr Harkin trained as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Before becoming Vice Chair of the Ulster Society in 2017, Mr Harkin served as Honorary Secretary of the Society and has been an active member of the Society’s Committees since 2009. Away from the office, Mr Harkin is married with two children and is a keen golfer who enjoys running and boxing to keep fit. Pictured after the Ulster Society’s AGM is new Chartered Accountants Ulster Society Chairman Niall Harkin.

The Ulster Society has appointed leading legal firm A&L Goodbody as its legal partner. The partnership will see A&L Goodbody supporting a series of Ulster Society’s key events during the year. A&L Goodbody will also provide a new series of events and webcasts examining a range of legal issues that are relevant to the accounting profession. A&L Goodbody is internationally recognised as one of the leading corporate law firms in Ireland, and was named Irish Law Firm of the Year for 2017 at The Lawyer European Awards.  The new agreement will see the two organisations partnering over the next three years. Pamela McCreedy, Chair of the Ulster Society said: “We are delighted to appoint A&L Goodbody as a key partner and we look forward to a long and constructive association. “A&L Goodbody will bring expertise, along with a breadth of experience and insight which our members will greatly appreciate, whether they work in practice, in industry or the voluntary sector. The series of legal webcasts are an important part of our calendar and carry a tremendous range of benefits for our members right across Northern Ireland. Pictured at the launch of the partnership are Pamela McCreedy, Chair, Chartered Accountants Ulster Society; Zara Duffy, Head of Chartered Accountants Northern Ireland; and Michael Neill, Partner, A&L Goodbody.  

The One-hundred and Eleventh Annual General Meeting of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society will be held in the Institute’s offices, 32-38 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BG, on Monday, 16 April 2018, at 1pm.   A snack luncheon for members will be available at 12.30pm. 2017 Annual Report and Signed Accounts A copy of Minutes from the One Hundred and Tenth AGM are available HERE PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE Hard copies of the Annual Report will be available on the day of the Annual General Meeting and in addition copies are available from the Office on request. AGENDA 1. To approve the Minutes of the one-hundred and Tenth Annual General Meeting held on Monday, 10 April 2017 2. To receive the Report of the Committee, the Annual Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet and the Auditor's Report thereon 3. To elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting 4. To elect Members of Committee 5. To appoint an Auditor 6. To transact any other business If you intend being present, please register online before Monday, 9 April 2018. By Order of the Committee S Fox-Hamilton Honorary Secretary