Advocacy FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions by members about advocacy. Please see the list of questions below and if you can't find the answer you're looking for you can get in touch and we'll try our best to help you.

1. What is advocacy?

   If you have a positive experience of being a Chartered Accountant and are proud of the profession and your achievements, then advocacy is perfect for you.

   Advocacy is telling others about the benefits of becoming a Chartered Accountant and a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. It is the active promotion and public support of the profession and the Institute.

   Advocates share a common goal, wishing to raise the profile of Chartered Accountancy in their daily lives and also seeking to attract the best new talent into the profession.

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2. What is the purpose of advocacy?

   Research consistently tells us that talking with influential members is what inspires the next generation of Chartered Accountants to pursue the qualification.

   Every conversation our members have about Chartered Accountancy could have a significant impact on someone’s decision to follow this path.

   Advocacy is about promoting the Chartered qualification and profession, and building a strong community of likeminded peers.

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3. How can I benefit from being an advocate?

   Other members, who have become Chartered Accountant Advocates, speak of the personal satisfaction they experience from encouraging young students and colleagues. On a professional level, advocacy can raise your own profile and be listed on your CV. On an industry level, it acts as the perfect way to give back to the Institute and to open up networking opportunities.

   More on the benefits of advocating here.

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4. What are the benefits to the profession?

   Member advocacy will help us continue to grow, develop and maintain our position as the No.1 accountancy body in Ireland. It will help us to attract the best talent to the profession, raise the profile of the Institute and highlight the important role Chartered Accountants play in driving the Irish economy.

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5. I’m living overseas – how can I advocate?

   Advocacy comes in many forms. For members living and working overseas, advocacy is a real asset. It demonstrates the calibre of our members and graduates and enhances our worldwide reputation. Advocacy can be a chat with colleagues, an interview in a publication or an online referral to the qualification.

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6. What is the time commitment?

   You can commit as much or as little time as you have to being an advocate. We’ll find a role that suits you and your situation. It’s entirely up to you how much time you dedicate to being an advocate.

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7. What counts as advocacy?

   Advocacy can be almost anything from a casual conversation with a colleague to a presentation to children at your local school; from mentoring a student to being involved in a member’s network or taking part in a policy group.

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8. What are the key messages for advocates?

   Advocacy isn’t just a programme, it’s a way of thinking, acting and communicating. It can take many forms, from presentations to informal discussions. Advocacy comes from the pride you have in your Chartered qualification, in the profession and the impact that Chartered Accountants can have, at home and abroad.

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9. How do I become an advocate?

   To join our panel of advocates and become part of a vibrant peer network, simply complete this form and we’ll be in touch to chat through your upcoming opportunities. We’d be delighted if you could share this information with your colleagues too. More information is available at www.charteredaccountants.ie/become-an-advocate or get in touch by email.

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