North America resources
Zara Duffy, Executive Head of Global Engagement
Zara Duffy is the Executive Head of Global Engagement for Chartered Accountants Ireland, where she represents and manages services for nearly 40,000 Chartered Accountants based on the island of Ireland and globally. In her previous role as Head of Northern Ireland with Chartered Accountants Ireland, Zara was specifically responsible for members and member representations in that region.
Before joining Chartered Accountants Ireland, Zara served as Director of Finance and Operations with Employers for Childcare. She brings significant experience at senior finance director and board level within the professional services, voluntary and charity sector, financial services, retail, and construction markets.
Zara is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. She began her career with Price Waterhouse, specialising in small business audit and advisory services.
Gillian Duffy, District & Global Member Manager
Gillian Duffy is Districts & Global Member Manager, responsible for managing the District Societies at Chartered Accountants Ireland and, since 2019, has also led global engagement with our members overseas. Gillian has been committed to building and strengthening relationships with members worldwide by supporting the establishment of international chapters and facilitating meaningful connections among members. Since 2019, overseas chapters and networks have expanded from just one chapter in early 2019 to 15 presently. Gillian encourages these groups to connect with relevant Institute services and assists them in developing strong local Chartered Accountant networks. As part of Strategy 27, Gillian Duffy, Zara Duffy and the team at Chartered Accountants plan to put a bigger focus on global engagement ensuring that our members are represented and supported wherever they are in the world.
Dual designation Chartered Accountant and CPA
Following the amalgamation with CPA Ireland in 2025, members of Chartered Accountants Ireland can use a dual designation. This means, as a member, you can choose to use ACA or CPA, or FCA or FCPA for those with over ten years of membership.
This benefit may be of particular interest to members living outside of Ireland, as the CPA designation is prominent in places such as the U.S. and Canada.
If you are a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland and are thinking about working in the U.S., it's essential that you always consult state-specific regulations, and that you familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations surrounding the use of the CPA title and practicing public accounting. Our 'use of the CPA title in the U.S.' page below will give you more information.
CAW Network USA – our global partner in the US
Chartered Accountants Worldwide Network USA is one of our global partners. It was established in November 2020, uniting ACAUS and Chartered Accountants Worldwide to support over 7,000 Chartered Accountants in the USA. The network has since expanded to Canada and the Caribbean, with chapters in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Grand Cayman, and Bermuda. CAW Network USA aims to strengthen the profession’s reputation in North America by offering accessible Continuing Professional Development courses, live and on-demand events, and networking opportunities. The organisation is dedicated to fostering a connected global community, maintaining high standards of excellence, and enhancing the visibility of the Chartered Accountancy brand.
You can read more about CAW Network USA here
CAW Network USA – Chartered Accountants Ireland representatives and Trusted Business Leaders
Shane Rogers FCA – President CAW Network USA
Shane is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and has an MBA in Finance and International Business from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.
Read more about Shane here.
Alan Fagan FCA
Alan is an Irish Chartered Accountant and was appointed CAW Network USA Treasurer in March 2021 and stepped down in November 2024. He continues to support CAW Network USA as Assistant Treasurer.
Read more about Alan here.
Claire Iball FCA
Member organisation representative - Chartered Accountants Ireland
Claire is the Chartered Accountants Ireland representative for CAW Network USA. Claire has over 20 years of strategy, financial and operational leadership experience. She graduated from University of Limerick, Ireland with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Read more about Claire here.