Action plan for a Newly Qualified ACA in (Nov) 2025 - (3 Year Training Contract complete) If you completed a Masters Degree and as a result only need to do a 3 year training contract (as opposed to the 3.5 years) you may be looking to interview in the market before the end of this year! As such, you will need do start considering your career path and the direction you want to take. There are a number of actions that will help you when making important decisions.  Below is a list you can tick off as complete over the weeks ahead :  Action list and Key considerations as a newly qualified ACA : Build a top class CV – Template and guide here   Start a Career Plan file – Webinar here   Watch some career webinars here and articles here    Start market mapping and select your top ten preferred/potential employers – If you need advice on market mapping your Careers Team in the Institute. Follow these companies on LinkedIn and you could even reach out to other Chartered Accountants working there via LinkedIn.  Get your LinkedIn profile up to speed – Document guide available from dave.riordan@charteredaccountants.ie  Treat this as the appendix to your CV – Professional Photo and good bulleted detail.   Set up alerts on jobs boards for a variety of different roles and titles and filter into a folder for review.  Connect with a few trusted recruiters to understand the career curve of an ACA – The Career Pathway Hub here will also be a useful resource.  Explore the full spectrum of career paths that you can take post qualification  Consider whether a contract might be a good option at this particular crossroads  Connect with a few mentors and get their advice formally.  Explore the option of a stint abroad to add real-world experience to my CV  Initiate a networking mentality and start speaking to your peer group about what they are doing with their careers in the years ahead.  Examine the LinkedIn profiles of peers several years ahead of you to see what paths they have taken as they moved out of their training contract.   Establish an elevator pitch about where you want your career to go.  Based on your recent annual reviews in work write an honest SWOT analysis of your personal brand and current profile.   Start building an Interview narrative – What are your key selling points / key stories and value-add examples? Have you asked the Institute Careers Team or a recruiter for a prep session? Interview Do’s and Don'ts document here :   Consider who your referees going to be and will they sing my praises. Give them advance notice.   If October or November 2025 is when you will be leaving your training contract then start the key actions now per the above list and don’t put off contacting your Careers Team.  Get ahead of the curve.   Dave Riordan (FCA)   Recruitment Specialist & Career Coach | Careers Team Chartered Accountants Ireland.   Dave.riordan@charteredaccountants.ie  

When it comes to our events we don't like to pick favourites, but we must admit the Leinster Society Annual Christmas Lunch is up there at the top! So we are delighted to announce its return this December. When: Friday 5 December from 12.00pm Where: The Dublin Royal Convention Centre Price: €135 per person Join us, Santa, and a very special guest MC who we will reveal in the coming weeks as we kick off the festive season while raising money for charity, with a fantastic raffle, a delicious lunch and lot's of fun. Tickets are on sale now at €135 per person or €1,350 for a table of ten. A limited number of larger tables can be accommodated, get in touch to enquire. To book your tickets email us at LeinsterSociety@charteredaccountants.ie. This event is kindly sponsored by our friends in cpl. Due to limited seating at this event please note our Cancellation Policy: •    Cancellations may be made up to 2 weeks in advance and will not incur any fee. •    No shows, or those cancelling within this 2 week period of the event, will be charged in full. Regional Christmas Dinners Meath Christmas Dinner We are delighted to be expanding our regional Christmas dinners this year, with a trip to Navan, Co. Meath. Join us, and fellow local members, for an evening of good food and great company in fabulous venue; Bellinter House. When: Thursday 20 November Where: Bellinter House Price: €50pp Time: 7pm 'til late  Kilkenny Christmas Dinner When: Wednesday 26 November Where: Zuni Restaurant  Price: €55pp Time: 7pm 'til late Wexford Christmas Dinner When: Thursday 27 November Where: Kelly's Resort & Spa Hotel, Rosslare Price: €80pp Time: 7pm 'til late  To book any of these regional dinners please email  Leinstersociety@charteredaccountants.ie with the name of the location.

In Irish news, the Ministers for Finance and for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation met with the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight in advance of Budget 2026, and the ESRI has published its Autumn Economic Commentary. In UK news, the Institute advises the NI Affairs Committee that now is the appropriate time to pursue a lower more competitive rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland, and today is your final opportunity to respond to the Institute’s survey on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. In International news, the European Commission has published its implementation strategy for the VAT in the Digital Age package. Ireland 1. Read about the Ministers address to the Budgetary Oversight Committee ahead of Budget 2026. 2. Review the Autumn Economic Commentary recently published by the ESRI. UK 3. The Institute has advised the NI Affairs Committee that the time has now come to pursue a lower and more competitive rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland. 4. Take our short survey on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax which closes today. International 5. Read about the European Commission’s implementation strategy for the VAT in the Digital age (ViDA) package. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s Cross-border trading corner here.      

Our Thriving Stories series dives into the real-life experiences of members in our profession and what they do to prioritise their wellbeing. In this edition, we hear from Joseph Grant, Financial Accountant External Reporting and Compliance, Primark and past Chair of the ACA Professionals.  What role does physical activity play in your daily routine, and how do you stay motivated to maintain it? Physical activity plays a big part in my daily routine. I attend circuits classes 2 or 3 times a week, I find that classes work well for me as it's a short time commitment and at a set time so I can plan my week around it. Attending classes is a great way to also meet people so there is a social element to it and would recommend it to anyone. I am very lucky that my job also has exercise classes, I attend these on most of my in office days. For me, the fact that the classes are planned for you and at set times helps keep me motivated as I have the time in my diary and just need to show up.   How do you approach nutrition, and what are some of your favourite healthy meals or snacks? I regularly meal prep for the week as working in the office then coming home to cook every night can feel like a chore. The slow cooker is great for meal prep and really takes a lot of the effort out of cooking. My favourite meal in the slow cooker would be a chicken curry, TikTok is great for finding recipes! I have incorporated lots of small changes to my nutrition over the past 12 months, cut out milk from my coffee, sticking to sugar free drinks or dilute. For me small changes overtime have worked well and allow me to be consistent.   How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially during busy times? For me breaks are very important. There are often times during the year I have to work late or work through lunch but I always ensure to take my break even if it's later as this gives you a chance to relax, and sometimes a break from the screen helps you figure out a solution. I also have a great manager who often will you give you a bit of the time back when needed so this really helps balance out those busier times.   What are some self-care practices you incorporate into your life, and how do they benefit you? I don't keep my work emails on my phone, I think its important when you finish for the evening or the weekend you take the time to unwind and put healthy boundaries between work and home life. For me, maintaining the 'to do' things I enjoy are a big part of my self care, be that going to the gym, meeting up with friends or even just taking the time to sit down and watch a movie.

3 in 4 organisations are already relying on Chartered Accountants to ensure data integrity against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and eroding institutional confidence. This is according to new research which finds that Chartered Accountants rank among the world’s most trusted professions in an era of AI and misinformation.This research is the fifth iteration of the Trust Survey conducted by Edelman DXI for Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), and it finds that the profession ranks third globally for trust, just behind doctors and engineers.Data accuracy and misinformation emerge as a key challenge in the current business environment and a growing concern for financial decision makers, with 3 in 4 respondents agreeing that these are key concerns for their business.  Trusted partners in times of transformation Today, finance and business leaders are increasingly turning to Chartered Accountants to help them navigate digital transformation challenges – including AI integration and the threat of misinformation – and provide strategic leadership in adapting to a fast-changing landscape. Commenting, Rosemary Keogh, CEO of Chartered Accountants Ireland said  “Since the first wave of the Trust Survey in 2018, the research has shown a strong demand for our members to act as trusted business leaders in times of uncertainty, providing guidance through global crises such as COVID-19, Brexit, economic shocks, and the cost-of-living crisis. The last time this research was conducted, 67% of business leaders reported that they turned to Chartered Accountants for their services or advice to navigate economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis. Fast forward to 2025, and while the challenge has evolved, the reliance on Chartered Accountants for strategic guidance remains.  “In 2025, data accuracy and misinformation are key challenges in the business environment. 76% of respondents identify these as key concerns for their business, with Ireland and Northern Ireland recording some of the sharpest increases in concern among all the markets surveyed. We will continue to work to support our members across the island of Ireland in meeting this demand.”  Growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) When it comes to AI, the research shows that Chartered Accountants will be key to helping navigate the challenges brought on by its adoption. While AI can process data, 83% agree that the profession provides the critical analysis for business decisions, and 74% say the profession play a crucial role in driving business AI investment.   The rise of the data guardian and ethical steward The Edelman DXI study reveals that three in four businesses now rely on Chartered Accountants to ensure data integrity: a +6-point rise since 2023. Their role is seen as fundamental to both financial stewardship and safeguarding ethical decision-making in an age of algorithmic risk. “At a time of eroding trust in institutions, Chartered Accountants are bucking the trend,” said Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide.  “In a world shaped by AI, disinformation, and rising demand for accountability, our profession is standing tall – not just for technical excellence, but as guardians of trusted data and ethical leadership. Across CAW’s global network, member institutes are leading the way in equipping Chartered Accountants and students to meet emerging challenges and opportunities head-on. This is more than a vote of confidence – it’s a mandate for leadership,” said Ms van Onselen. “Chartered Accountants are being called to lead not only in financial stewardship, but in helping businesses navigate ethical and digital frontiers.” About the research The Trust Survey, conducted by Edelman DXI in partnership with Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), has been running since 2018. The 2025 wave explores public and business trust in the accountancy profession during a period marked by global disruption and transformation. This year’s focus includes themes such as trust, AI adoption, misinformation, purpose-driven leadership, and talent. The Trust Survey offers a longitudinal view of how the Chartered Accountant designation is perceived by business leaders globally, particularly in relation to shifting expectations around technology, transparency, and ethics. The research had a sample size of 1,725 finance decision-makers (Director level and above) within businesses across 10 markets.

The European Commission has published its implementation strategy for the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, addressing new digital reporting requirements, challenges in the platform economy sector and a more streamlined single VAT registration process. The strategy outlines actions to support businesses and Member States with the practical implementation of the EU’s VAT framework updates. 

Revenue has extensively revised ‘Part 1 Interpretation’ of the Stamp Duty manual to provide more comprehensive guidance on the definitions and concepts outlined in Section 1 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999.

The Institute recently responded to the Northern Ireland (NI) Affairs Committee call for evidence ‘Economic growth in Northern Ireland: new and emerging sectors’ which closed earlier this month. As part of the UK Government’s growth mission, the Committee is examining plans to deliver economic growth in NI. The Institute’s view is that now is the time to pursue the implementation of a lower rate of corporation tax (CT) as a means of accelerating economic growth in the region. Our full response to this call for evidence will be published in due course in the Tax Representations section of our website. The Institute’s response follows on from the launch in June of a refreshed campaign to pursue a lower rate of CT. A key part of this is the Institute’s position paper ‘Enhancing Our Competitiveness’, which sets out how Northern Ireland’s economy is at a crucial inflection point. In the increasingly competitive global race to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), NI cannot rely solely on the benefits of dual-market access to attract inward investment. The region needs to broaden its FDI proposition to be competitive; a lower rate of CT would be a vital tool in helping to achieve this.

The Institute’s short eight question survey on Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax remains open for completion and will close on Friday 3 October. With just over six months to go to commencement, we are inviting tax agents and businesses to share their views on this seismic change in UK tax administration. Take the survey now.  HMRC is also holding further in-person MTD for Income Tax events as part of its work to support agents and taxpayers with their preparations. The events will provide an opportunity to discuss technical MTD queries directly with HMRC. There will also be an opportunity  to meet software providers and find out about their products. Events are taking place as follows between now and the end of 2025: Leeds: 28 October, Edinburgh: 11 November, and Belfast: 19 November. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis to agents who have not previously attended an in-person HMRC event earlier in 2025. Should you wish to attend one of the above events, email mailboxmakingtaxdigital@hmrc.gov.uk to enquire about availability.

Sunday 5 October 2025 is the deadline to notify HMRC of a new source of income or gain for 2024/25 where there is a requirement to register for and file self-assessment returns. Those required to register for self-assessment includes anyone who: is self-employed or a sole trader in a business which commenced in 2024/25, is not self-employed but who had a new source of income or a gain in 2024/25, or became a partner in a partnership or any new partnership which commenced in business in 2024/25.  Failure to register by the deadline can result in HMRC charging a failure to notify penalty.  

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous update which you can read more about below, HMRC has sent an update on the UK’s Pillar Two legislation. In other news this week: The use of AI by a taxpayer to support their appeal has been criticised in the Upper Tribunal case HMRC v Marc Gunnarsson [2025] UKUT 00247 (TCC), Meanwhile, in another Tribunal case, Elsbury v The Information Commissioner [2025] UKFTT 00915 (GRC), the First Tier Tribunal ruled that HMRC must disclose if and when AI was used in cases involving research and development tax reliefs, The House of Commons Library has published a research briefing exploring the National Insurance system, and the debate around integrating National Insurance Contributions with Income Tax, and a briefing which examines the way that Parliament scrutinises the Government's proposals for taxation as set out in the annual Budget statement has also been published, and HMRC has confirmed in an issue briefing that it has recommenced the use of direct recovery of tax debt from bank accounts. Pillar Two update Draft legislation was published in the summer for  amendments to the Multinational Top-up Tax and Domestic Top-up Tax for inclusion in Finance Bill 2025/26. According to HMRC, these amendments aim to ensure that the UK’s Pillar Two legislation is up to date with administrative guidance. The amendments also take into account previous stakeholder comments. A guidance manual was also published on the UK’s Pillar Two rules. More information on the manual is available on the introduction page. HMRC invites any feedback from stakeholders on the manual.

In this week’s cross-border trading corner, the most recent Trader Support Service bulletin is available as is the latest Brexit and Beyond newsletter from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs team. HMRC has also sent a range of updates on the implementation of ICS2, the implementation date for which has been pushed back to 31 December 2025. The minutes and slides from the latest meeting of the Joint Customs Consultative Committee meeting, which the Institute is represented on, are also available. ICS2 update HMRC has sent an email update on the implementation of ICS2. ICS2 is an advance cargo information system designed to improve security in the international transportation of goods and involved supply chains. This confirms that ICS2 must be implemented in full by 31 December 2025 for movements by road/rail from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Also available is ICS2 operational guidance.