For many Chartered Accountants, there comes a moment a few years into your career when things start to feel real. The exams are long over, the training wheels are off, and day‑to‑day work is no longer a mystery. With that confidence, though, can come reflection. Questions start to surface about what’s next, what really matters, and where your career should go. This can be an exciting phase of your career, but one that brings its own pressures when decisions need to be made. A strong foundation and expanding opportunities One of the greatest assets that Chartered Accountants possess at this stage of their career stage is the strength of their professional qualification, training and experience. Ireland’s open, globalised economy continues to provide a wide an array of opportunities for ACA members. Multinational investment, a strong indigenous SME sector, and Ireland’s position as a European hub for financial services, technology, and pharmaceuticals mean that ACAs remain in high demand. Those with five to nine years’ experience are particularly attractive to employers, as they combine technical competence with increasing commercial awareness. Career optionality is another major advantage. Many Chartered Accountants move from practice into industry during this period, while others diversify into areas such as financial planning and analysis, risk and compliance, corporate finance, data analytics, or ESG reporting. International mobility also remains strong, with Irish qualifications recognised and valued in markets such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and across Europe. Financial stability and professional redibility With experience comes meaningful financial progression. As member progress their careers, many enjoy increased earning potential, greater job security, and growing confidence when negotiating salary, benefits, and flexible working arrangements. These years often bring a stronger sense of stability and control over one’s career. Just as significant is the professional credibility that develops over time. ACAs increasingly trusted to lead teams, build and manage client relationships, take ownership of key financial processes, and act as valued business partners to senior leadership. This expanding influence can be deeply rewarding, fostering a sense of purpose and impact that extends well beyond technical delivery. The pressure of progression and role expectations Despite these positives, this stage of a Chartered Accountant’s career can bring some challenges. Chief among them is the pressure to progress. Many organisations expect individuals with five to nine years’ experience to be transitioning into management or senior management roles. For some, this aligns with their ambitions; for others, the pace or style of progression may feel misaligned with personal goals or life circumstances. The shift from “doing” to “managing” can be particularly challenging. Strong technical performers may not always feel prepared for people management, business development, or stakeholder leadership — skills that are increasingly demanded at this level. Without adequate training or support, this transition can become a source of stress and self‑doubt. Another challenge at this stage is the somewhat narrow definition of success that can exist. Progression is often framed as a move into people management, even though not all Chartered Accountants are motivated by leadership roles. Many are drawn instead to deeper technical expertise — whether in tax, audit, financial reporting, risk, systems, or advisory — where their impact comes from judgement, insight, and specialist knowledge rather than managing teams. When organisations lack clear specialist career paths, this can leave skilled professionals questioning their options, despite having a strong sense of where they would add most value. Workload, potential burnout, and work‑life balance Workload and burnout can remain a concern. At the same time, this career phase often coincides with significant personal milestones, such as starting families, buying homes, or caring for relatives. Balancing professional responsibility with personal wellbeing can be challenging, and not all workplaces have adapted equally well to supporting these competing demands. There is also a risk of “golden handcuffing”, where strong salaries and incentives discourage individuals from making changes, even when roles no longer align with their broader aspirations or values. Over time, this can evolve into job hugging — a tendency to stay put out of comfort or caution rather than fulfilment, quietly narrowing career options and making change feel increasingly risky the longer it is deferred. Navigating career direction and identity Another key challenge is career clarity. By this stage, the question often shifts from “Can I do this?” to “Do I want to keep doing this?” Some experience uncertainty about whether to remain on traditional leadership paths or to seek alternative roles that offer more meaning, flexibility, or impact. The evolving nature of the profession can add complexity. Automation, AI, and data‑driven decision‑making are reshaping some accounting roles. While many ACAs are well positioned to adapt, there can be anxiety about staying relevant and investing time in the right skills for the future. Looking ahead: A pivotal phase For ACAs, the five‑to‑nine‑year mark is less about proving competence and more about shaping direction. Those who thrive in this phase tend to take ownership of their development — seeking mentorship, broadening their skill sets, and making deliberate career choices rather than default ones. For employers, this cohort represents a vital talent pool. Supporting them through flexible career pathways, leadership development, and wellbeing initiatives is not just beneficial for individuals, but essential for the long‑term sustainability and attractiveness of the profession. In many ways, this phase is the making of a Chartered Accountant’s career. With the right balance of opportunity, support, and self‑reflection, ACAs in Ireland are well positioned to become the next generation of trusted business leaders. For those navigating questions about progression, specialisation, or next steps, the Chartered Accountants Ireland Career Team offers confidential, specialist guidance and practical support to help members make informed, confident decisions about their future.

Our third (and final) article in this series looking at the key changes to UK tax legislation which took effect due to the commencement of either the new Financial Year 2026 from 1 April 2026 or the new tax year 2026/27 which began on April 6 considers a range of miscellaneous changes. Part one of the series addressed Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and measures affecting tax agents. In part two we examined key changes to the capital taxes, income tax, corporation tax, and capital allowances. Personal taxes Due to the freezing of personal allowances and thresholds, there are only limited changes to income tax rates, thresholds, and allowances for 2026/27. The changes to be aware of are as follows: the dividend ordinary rate increased from 8.75 percent to 10.75 percent, and the dividend upper rate increased from 33.75 percent to 35.75 percent. The dividend additional rate remains at 39.35 percent,  the amount of the married couple’s allowance (MCA) increased from £11,270 to £11,700. The income limit for, and the minimum amount of the MCA, also increased from £37,700 to £39,200 and from £4,360 to £4,530 respectively, the amount of the blind person’s allowance increased from £3,130 to £3,250, the rate of income tax relief for individuals investing in new venture capital trusts scheme shares reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent, and the annual fixed amount for qualifying care relief increased from £19,690 to £20,440. Increases were also made to the weekly amounts as set out in the associated legislation.   Tax advantaged venture capital schemes Several changes were made to the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Venture Capital Trust scheme limits from 6 April 2026 (though it should be noted that these do not apply to specified companies in Northern Ireland):  the annual investment limit that a company can raise increased from £5 million to £10million, the overall investment limit increased from £12 million to £24 million, and the pre-investment gross assets threshold increased to £30 million from £15 million, and the post-investment threshold rose to £35 million from £16 million. Official rate of interest (ORI) HMRC has confirmed that the ORI, which is used to calculate benefits in kind in respect of employment-related loans and living accommodation, is unchanged at 3.75 percent from 6 April 2026. However, going forward, the ORI will be assessed quarterly, with any adjustments taking effect on 6 April, 6 July, 6 October and 6 January.  National minimum and living wage The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates both increased from 1 April 2026. Vaping products duty (VPD) VPD is a new excise duty on vaping products which will come into operation later this year from 1 October 2026. The duty will apply to vaping liquid which contains nicotine and either or both glycerine and glycol, or any liquid that is intended to be vapourised by a vape and is not a medical or tobacco product. It will be charged on vaping products that are produced in or imported into the UK. VPD will be charged a flat rate of £2.20 per 10 millilitres of vaping liquid, regardless of how much nicotine is contained in the product. Although the duty itself does not commence until October 2026, registrations for VPD and the VPD Stamps scheme opened from 1 April 2026. HMRC is therefore urging affected businesses to begin preparations now. VPD stamps will become mandatory for all vaping products from 1 April 2027. As a result, HMRC has also appointed a VPD Stamps scheme supplier which enables businesses to source duty stamps from one supplier.

HMRC has recently clarified the rules for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax in the context of the taxpayer having completely ceased their sole trade and/or property business before April 2026. The taxpayer (or their agent) should notify HMRC by phone or webchat if their 2024/25 income means that they would otherwise be within MTD for income tax from April 2026 but they ceased both these sources in 2025/26. Cessations must also be recorded on the 2025/26 self-assessment (SA) return as normal. By way of reminder, taxpayers must use MTD for income tax from April 2026 if their combined gross income from any sole trades or property businesses (MTD sources) conducted in 2024/25 exceeded £50,000, unless they ceased all their MTD sources in that year. As set out earlier, for complete cessations in 2025/26 the taxpayer or their agent should call or use webchat to inform HMRC of the cessation which should make clear that there is a cessation of all MTD sources.  HMRC will subsequently confirm that the taxpayer is not required to use MTD income tax for 2026/27 onwards and will update the taxpayer’s record to reflect this. Written confirmation will also be sent to the person who notified HMRC of the cessation, though there may be a delay in receiving this. HMRC can also be notified of cessations by letter, though HMRC has advised that telephone or webchat are preferrable.   If all MTD sources have not ceased, taxpayers still need to use Making Tax Digital for income tax from 6 April 2026. After signing up, they will be able to enter the end date of the ceased business using HMRC’s online service and they must also report the cessation as normal in their 2025/26 SA return. HMRC has updated its guidance on cessations as follows: Work out your qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - If your circumstances change – Guidance, and Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - Guidance - GOV.UK.

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, we update you on a range of matters including HMRC’s guidance recently published on the treatment of statutory sick pay (SSP) where a sickness absence includes time before and after the changes to SSP from 6 April 2026. In addition to the SSP changes, readers should also note the following updates: HMRC is holding a webinar later this week on payroll annual reports and tasks, In a recent guidance update, HMRC has confirmed that with effect for all previous and future tax years, employers are no longer required to report non-tax advantaged Employment Related Securities data if the employee is a short term business visitor who is covered by an EP Appendix 4 arrangement and no UK income tax or NIC would be due, An exemption from income tax on income earned in the UK by certain non-UK resident individuals in connection with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been provided by draft secondary legislation, and The exemption from electronic filing of expenses and benefits forms for employers who cease to trade during a tax year (or insolvency practitioners who act on their behalf) has been put on a statutory footing with effect from 6 April 2026. Changes to SSP and sickness absences starting before and ending after 6 April 2025 HMRC has published guidance about the changes to SSP from 6 April 2026 and the impact this has on sickness absences which started before and end on or after the changes came into effect. From 6 April 2026, SSP: is available to all eligible employees regardless of their earnings, is payable from the first full day of sickness absence, and is paid at the lower of 80 percent of an employee’s average weekly earnings (AWE) or the weekly flat rate of £123.25. Employers are advised to: review their sickness absence policies, check their payroll provider is prepared, and share the changes with employees. Detailed guidance on how to treat SSP has also been published for sickness absences that started before and end on or after 6 April 2026.

In this week’s cross-border trading corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications. The most recent Trader Support Service bulletin is also available as is the latest Brexit and Beyond newsletter from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs team. The House of Lords also recently debated the  Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee Report ‘Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework’ and the House of Lords European Affairs Committee recently held an initial evidence session on its new inquiry on Dynamic Alignment. Miscellaneous guidance updates and publications This week’s miscellaneous guidance updates and publications are as follows: Community and Common Transit UK offices list, Regulated aerodrome location codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, External temporary storage facilities codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, Data Element 2/3: Documents and Other Reference Codes (Union) of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Exports, Appendix 2: DE 1/11: Additional Procedure Codes, Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM) and UK Carrier (UKC) Scheme: Additional Procedure Codes, and Data Element 2/3: Documents and Other Reference Codes (National) of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Revenue has published new guidance on the tax treatment of payments and other benefits provided by a voluntary body. The guidance highlights key areas such as the tax treatment of travel and subsistence, payments to volunteers, and expense reimbursements.

Revenue has updated its guidance on the Charitable Donation Scheme to include an appendix illustrating the interaction of medical expenses claims and an approved body’s entitlement to relief on donations under section 848A TCA 1997.

Revenue has published new and updated guidance on the treatment of leases for stamp duty. The guidance notes on the schedules and appendices to the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 (SDCA 1999) have also been updated and incorporate all subsequent legislation changes up to and including Finance Act 2025. The updates to the stamp duty manuals include: Updated guidance on Part 5 TDM: Provisions applicable to particular instruments. New guidance on Part 5: Provisions applicable to particular instruments - Leases Updated guidance on Schedule 1 TDM: Stamp Duties on Instruments. New guidance on Schedule 1: LEASE Head of Charge.  

Revenue has published updated guidance on farm consolidation relief and the repayment of stamp duty where land is used for residential development to reflect amendments introduced by Finance Act 2025. The amendments include an extension of the reliefs to 31 December 2029 and 31 December 2030 respectively. The following Finance Act 2025 changes have been reflected in the guidance on the repayment of stamp duty where land is used for residential development: An extension of the relevant time limits on acquisition to commencement, and commencement to completion from 30 months to 36 months for large-scale residential developments (LRDs), To allow for a full repayment of stamp duty to be claimed in respect of a multi-phase development once the first phase commences, To provide that Revenue will be precluded from repaying stamp duty if any of the conditions to avoid a clawback of a repayment are not met, and To provide that where a residential development is carried out in phases and a repayment is claimed in respect of the entire residential development, the last phase must be completed within 30 months of the date of the commencement to avoid a clawback (36 months in the case of LRDs). Finance Act 2025 also provided for the farm consolidation relief to be extended to include transfers of non-commercial woodland in cases where the person acquiring the land intends to retain ownership of it, and use it for conservation purposes, for a period of five years. In addition, the examples in the guidance have been updated to provide greater clarity on how the relief operates in respect of multiple transactions.  

Revenue has published updated pension guidance relating to employer contributions providing clarification on ‘special’ contributions, contribution refunds and the minimum contribution requirements under the  Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme. Where a contribution is a special contribution, generally there is a requirement for the relevant allowance to be spread over a period of years. The guidance now states that spreading the allowance is not required where an employer’s special contributions in a chargeable period do not exceed its ordinary annual contributions. The guidance also confirms that pension schemes may refund employer contributions paid in error without Revenue approval, provided the period over which the overpayment occurred was less than a year. However, if an employer has taken a tax deduction for the amount overpaid, any amount repaid will be taxable under section 782 TCA 1997. The table in paragraph 4.1 of the guidance outlines the minimum pension contribution levels required to ensure an employee is not enrolled in the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System.

The Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have published the Fiscal Monitor for March 2026 which confirms an exchequer deficit of €0.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026. This compares to a surplus of €4.1 billion recorded for the same period last year. Although the underlying Exchequer balance fell by €1.2 billion (excluding Apple State Aid receipts), this decline is largely attributable to transfers to the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The combined tax receipts collected in the first quarter of 2026 were €22.6 billion. While this was €1.0 billion lower than the same period last year, if the once off receipts arising from the Apple case are excluded, then total tax receipts were up on last year by €0.7 billion. Income tax receipts for the quarter were €8.7 billion which was an improvement of €0.5 billion (6.1 percent) on the same period in 2025. Corporation tax receipts of €2.1 billion were collected in the month of March which was an increase on the same month last year by €0.1 billion. On a cumulative basis, receipts of €2.9 billion were marginally lower than the first quarter in 2025, down by €0.1 billion. VAT receipts for the first quarter of 2026 were €8.0 billion ahead of the same period last year by €0.4 billion. Commenting on the figures, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris said: “All in all, the performance of tax revenues in the first quarter of the year was robust. The continued strength in income tax and VAT is a testament to the fundamental resilience of the Irish economy. This is of course a period of profound uncertainty. The uncertainty in the international environment also underlines the importance of keeping our approach to overall budgetary policy balanced and sustainable. This is the best way to ensure we have the necessary resources to respond swiftly and decisively to future challenges”

Revenue issued a press release last week confirming that it will work with taxpayers that have been adversely impacted by the rise in fuel and other costs to ensure that good compliance records can be maintained. In the press release, Revenue outlined its strong track record in successfully agreeing flexible and appropriate payment arrangements where businesses are facing temporary cash flow difficulties. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue filing returns on time and to engage with Revenue early if they are experiencing or anticipating difficulties in paying tax, so that mutually suitable arrangements can be agreed. Revenue’s Collector-General Division can be contacted on 01 738 3663, or through MyEnquiries.