In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about Chartered Accountants Ireland’s continued support of the UN Global Compact, the Irish Government’s announcement of a Climate Investment Clearing House, positive news on Ireland’s emissions reductions, and a call for ‘climate leave days’ and for employers to perform risk assessments during extreme weather conditions. Also covered is the UK’s consultation on the voluntary carbon and nature markets, a focus on ethical supply chains in Great British Energy, the adoption by the European Commissions of ecodesign and ecolabelling regulations, as well as the usual articles, resources and upcoming events.   Chartered Accountants Ireland Chartered Accountants Ireland recommits to the UN Global Compact Chartered Accountants Ireland has submitted its Communication on Engagement (COE) to the UN Global Compact Network, recommitting support for the UN Global Compact and its 10 principles. Since 2021, Chartered Accountants Ireland has been committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.   Ireland news Taoiseach announces Climate Investment Clearing House Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced a new Climate Investment Clearing House to accelerate progress on Ireland’s energy transition. The announcement was made following the receipt by the Taoiseach of a report from the National Economic and Social Council on Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience. The report, the first in a series on energy policy to be published in 2025, examines Ireland’s plans for decarbonising the energy grid and calls for “urgent, systematic action” to bridge strategic gaps, enhance economic resilience, and ensure Ireland’s energy transition succeeds. The Taoiseach also announced he will host a joint Government Industry Forum on Offshore Renewable Energy in the coming weeks bringing together public and private sector stakeholders.   Guidance publishes on biodiversity duty reporting for public bodies Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, has launched Biodiversity Duty Reporting Guidance for Public Bodies. Developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with support from Business for Biodiversity Ireland, the guidance provides practical steps to help public bodies fulfil their ‘biodiversity duty’ – a new legal requirement for public and state bodies to consider biodiversity in their decision making and daily operations. Under Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP), published in January 2024, public bodies must integrate biodiversity into their policies and programmes, and report annually on measures adopted and progress made.   Ireland meets EU emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants The EPA has found that in 2023 Ireland was compliant with EU emissions reduction targets across all five major pollutants which impact air quality, health and the environment: ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. Commenting, Dr Tomás Murray, Senior Manager of EPA Emissions Statistics described the news as “encouraging”, and said that “it is notable that the move away from fossil fuel use in power stations, businesses and homes can deliver multiple benefits across our health, climate and environment in the coming years.” The news follows an earlier press release stating that Irish power generation and industrial companies covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by seven per cent.   Regional and local EV charging network plan publishes Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) has published its Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, following public consultation. The plan sets targets and strategies for local authorities to drive EV infrastructure development at destination and neighbourhood locations, with government support. It aligns with both national and EU climate goals, helping to cut emissions and move towards a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050.   Decrease in SME investment in digitalisation and decarbonisation A report published by ESRI this week has found that investment by SMEs in digitalisation and decarbonisation fell in 2023, from 41 percent of firms investing in digital assets in 2021 to 36 percent doing so in 2021. The report, titled SME Investment Report 2024: Developments Between 2016 and 2023, found that while nearly 60 percent of SMEs invested in capital assets in 2023, an increase from 2020 and 2021 (55 percent of SMEs), the figures are still below the pre-pandemic levels (64 percent of SMEs). Climate- and energy-efficiency–related investments also fell, both in terms of the proportion of firms and median expenditure from €34,000 to €20,000, while the proportion of SMEs indicating that climate change adaptation is important for their business fell across all sectors and SMEs of all sizes. The report, which provides an analysis of investment trends among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland was co-authored and funded by the Department of Finance and used data from the Department of Finance Credit Demand Survey.   ‘Climate Transition Plan Scorecard’ to help accelerate corporate environmental action in Ireland Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and the DCU Institute for Climate and Society have announced a new partnership to accelerate corporate environmental action in Ireland. The partnership focuses on developing ‘Climate Transition Plan Scorecard’, i.e. a system to score organisations’ implementation plans to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions targets within a specified timeframe. The partnership is an element of BITCI’s Accelerate Campaign, which encourages and supports business leaders to set a Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) approved net-zero by 2050 target by 2030, if not earlier, and to develop a robust and credible Climate Transition Plan to guide and track implementation.   Union calls for ‘climate leave’ days The union Unite has published a set of proposals on the need for legislation to protect workers during ‘Extreme Weather’ events. These proposals include a statutory maximum working temperature, four days paid ‘climate leave’ if conditions render travel hazardous or workers need to address pressing domestic needs resulting from extreme weather, and requirements for employers to perform risk assessments during extreme weather conditions. Similar guidelines have reportedly been implemented in countries like Australia and France, where extreme weather events have led to worker fatalities.   New electricity interconnector begins powering Ireland's and UK's energy grids The Greenlink Interconnector, a new 500 megawatt (MW) subsea electricity interconnector linking Ireland and the UK has commenced operations. In addition to the existing East-West Interconnector – commissioned in 2012 – this new interconnector will double the State's interconnection capacity to 1 Gigawatt (GW), marking a significant milestone in Ireland's journey towards energy security, while supporting the transition towards a net-zero energy future.   UK/Northern Ireland   UK government opened a consultation on voluntary carbon and nature markets The UK government has opened a consultation on governance framework for a new Voluntary Nature and Carbon Markets, to help leverage the finance needed to address the scale of the climate emergency while diversifying revenue streams for British businesses. The consultation seeks to clarify and test the UK government’s proposed policy and governance framework for helping to ensure the integrity of the credits and the use of credits. The consultation is in response to calls from business, finance, farming, and environmental stakeholders for clarity on the Government’s approach, and to recommendations from the Climate Change Committee and others for a new regulatory approach for these markets. The consultation closes on 10 July 2025.   Great British Energy focuses on ethical supply chains An amendment to the Great British Energy Bill will enable Great British Energy (GBE) to ensure forced labour is not used in business or its supply chains. GBE is the publicly-owned, independent company aimed at facilitating and encouraging the production of clean energy in the UK. The amendment is the latest move in the UK government’s work to tackle the issue of forced labour as it aims to become a global leader in clean energy. Separately £300 million has been brought forward for Great British Energy to invest in offshore wind supply chains ahead of the Future of Energy Security summit, the major international summit bringing together governments and industry from around the world to drive collective energy security. The public investment complements the £43 billion of private investment pledged for clean energy projects since July 2024.   UK survey finds SMEs moving faster on climate A survey carried out by the UK SME Climate Hub has found that small businesses are moving faster on climate than ever before, and climate action helps them satisfy customers and grow their business by meeting customer expectations, gaining a competitive edge, and attracting new customers. The survey, which includes perspectives from 471 SMEs across 53 countries, aimed to understand how and why SMEs are taking climate action, and what barriers stand in the way.   Europe MEPs discuss role of tax policy for green transition and competitiveness (From our colleagues in Tax news) The European Parliament’s tax matters subcommittee, hosted a public hearing on the role tax policy can play in bringing about the economic green transition while also ensuring that EU businesses remain competitive. The purpose of the hearing was to examine tax incentives for clean energy, aviation, and maritime transport, with a particular focus on the recommendations from the Draghi report. The meeting focused on the green transition and enhancing sustainability in key sectors. Commission adopts the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling regulations The European Commission had adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) 2025-2030 working plan. The regulation, which came into force in July 2024, marks a significant step forward in the EU’s transition to a circular economy. The new plan broadens the scope of ecodesign beyond energy-using products to include steel, aluminium, textiles, furniture, mattresses, and tyres. It sets ambitious standards for improving the durability, repairability, reusability, and recyclability of these products—supporting the EU’s wider environmental and climate goals. Together with the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation (ELFR), adopted on the same day, the ESPR facilitates consumers' choice in favour of more sustainable and energy efficient products. (In Ireland, Enterprise Ireland is supporting sectors affected by the ESPR through guidance, stakeholder engagement, and funding opportunities such as the Green Transition Fund.) Green transition a key strategic area in 2025 work programme of world’s largest research programme The European Commission has pre-published the 2025 work programme for Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation programme, which provides over £80 billion in funding to address some of the greatest global challenges. The 2025 work programme aims to contribute to three overarching, interlinked key strategic areas: the green transition, the digital transition, and a more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe. Horizon Europe has a particular focus on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and has lists of sector specialist support contacts for regions, including in Northern Ireland, who provide help and advice for Horizon Europe application. Technical Roundup From our colleagues in Professional Accounting On 14 April, the European Council approved the European Commission’s proposal to postpone the dates of application of certain sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. The proposal (often referred to the “Stop the clock” proposal) postpones by two years the entry into application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as listed SMEs, and by one year the transposition deadline and the first phase of the application (covering the largest companies) of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Following the approval by the European Council, the legislative act will be published in the EU’s Official Journal. Member States, including Ireland, will be required to transpose the Directive into their national legislation by 31 December 2025. EFRAG has launched a call for input on the revision of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs) Set 1 with comments requested by 6 May 2025. It has also submitted its work plan to the European Commission outlining the steps it will take to fulfil the specific mandate received on 27 March 2025 to provide technical advice on the revision and simplification of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Following on from the European Commission’s Omnibus Proposals, which seek to reduce the reporting burden on European Companies, Accountancy Europe has issued a statement addressing the ESRS Revision Due Process. The IFRS Foundation and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) to formalise their collaboration. It has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote the adoption and implementation of the ISSB standards across Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued its April 2025 update and podcast, published a new episode of its “Perspectives on sustainability disclosure” series entitled “Ramping up systems and processes for sustainability data” and published Exposure Draft ISSB/ED/2025/1 ‘Amendments to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Disclosures’ with comments requested by 27 June 2025. Articles EU Commission faces complaint over easing of sustainability rules (Reuters) Hybrid work critical for workplace wellness, survey finds (RTE News) Global Poll Shows Business Leaders Support Rapid Transition Away From Fossil Fuels (Business Green) ECJ rejection of Minimum Wages Directive would deal blow to social Europe programme – Tasc (Irish Times) More than €31bn in fossil fuel investments ‘based in Ireland’ (Irish Times) Why businesses should not go cold on climate resilience (Financial Times – Sustainable Views) Green budgeting: driving sustainable growth through smart planning (ICEAW Insights) Resources A4S Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) has published its April newsletter, news of how Google is aligning financial planning and transition planning, the publication of the 4th edition of A4S’s Navigating the Reporting Landscape guide, and links to events and workshops, including the Sustainability Reporting workshop in Chartered Accountant House in Dublin on 22 May.          UN Global Compact 2025 Catalogue and User Guide The UN Global Compact is promoting its Academy, a digital learning platform helping business leaders develop practical skills to tackle sustainability challenges and drive impact aligned with the SDGs and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. Featuring accessible webinars, on-demand courses, and case examples available anytime and in multiple languages, the Academy provides insights and best practices to support businesses at every stage of their sustainability journey. Participants can also earn certificates to showcase their achievements. Find FAQs, and access the Academy User Guide for detailed guidance including the Employee Engagement Toolkit to help get the most out of your experience. Events Enterprise Ireland, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation This webinar is relevant for all industry involved in a value chain of a company operating in the EU, including product manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and service providers. Virtual, 7 May 2025, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM   Cork District Society Chartered Accountants Ireland, Sustainability for Success Join us on Thursday, 15 May from 1-2pm for the first webinar in the Cork Society Chartered Accountants in Industry Webinar series on Sustainability for Success: How Freefoam is Building a Future-Fit Organisation with Kevin Cronin, COO and Sustainability Lead at Freefoam. Virtual, 15 May 2025, Free, 12.00-13.00   Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Strategic Sustainability Leadership This course is tailored for business leaders and managers aiming to enhance their expertise in sustainability leadership. It delves into strategies for driving sustainable change within top organisations, the intricacies of crafting impactful sustainability reports, and the art of communicating sustainability initiatives to stakeholders. Virtual: Fri 16th - Mon 19 May 2025 | 9.30am - 12.30pm   Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Internal Sustainability Integration - Building a Sustainable Workplace Culture This workshop is for professionals in internal-facing roles, such as finance, operations, and HR. It focuses on integrating sustainability practices within an organisation’s internal mechanisms, highlighting how these practices can enhance employee engagement, operational efficiency, and the workplace environment.   Virtual: Mon 26 May 2025 | 9.30am - 12.30pm   EPA, EPA Annual Climate Change Conference 2025 The EPA Annual Climate Change Conference will be held on Wednesday 28 May 2025 in Dublin Castle. Please save the date for this event. In person, May 28, 2025   Enterprise Northern Ireland, Funding for Growth: Transitioning Your Business to Net Zero The third session in a three-part in-person series for Micro and Small Businesses, which also includes events on Accessing Debt Finance and Grant & Equity Finance, this session will cover the importance of net-zero in future-proofing your business, support available to help finance your transition to net-zero, and how small businesses are leading the charge to net-zero In person, Thursday 26 June 2025, 9:30am to 1:30pm, Venue: Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation, Portadown, Cost: Free     Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.    

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, the Central Bank of Ireland has published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2024.  The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released the March edition of its Podcast covering the latest developments in sustainability and financial reporting. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published its annual review of structured digital reporting highlighting key areas for improvement in how UK listed companies present their digital annual reports. The FRC has released two new podcasts in their “in conversation” series. Discussing the FRC’s end-to-end enforcement process review Transforming access to company data The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released the March edition of its Podcast, covering the latest developments in sustainability and financial reporting. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has announced that it has started its Post-implementation Review of IFRS 16 Leases. The IASB expects to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for this in June 2025. In preparation for this, the UK Endorsement Board has invited preparers who are lessees to complete a survey on the ongoing costs and benefits of applying the standard. EFRAG has called on stakeholders in the field of corporate reporting to participate in the European Commission’s (EC) consultation on the future EU long-term budget. This consultation runs until 6 May. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has released its April 2025 podcast and its Q1 2025 IFRS Interpretations Committee podcast. The CCAB has published an updated draft of its LLP SORP. This will be open for public comment for a 12 week period until 22 July 2025. The draft SORP contains updates which take into account the amendments to FRS 102 following the 2024 periodic review, as well as other factors. Once finalised, it is proposed the SORP would be effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2026. Auditing IAASB are consulting on a Proposed Narrow-Scope Amendments to Standards Arising from the IESBA’s Using the Work of an External Expert Project These proposed narrow-scope amendments are aimed at maintaining interoperability between IAASB standards and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code). Responses are due by 24 July. The targeted amendments focus on the following IAASB standards: ISA 620, Using the Work of an Auditor’s Expert ISRE 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements ISAE 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information ISRS 4400 (Revised), Agreed-upon Procedures Engagements IAASA has released its first publication as part of its 2025 AQS Insight Series which focuses on key messages on auditing related parties. IAASA has published its annual Profile of the Profession for 2024.  The Profile of the Profession provides a statistical profile of the five Prescribed Accountancy Bodies (PABs) within IAASA’s supervisory remit. It includes information on members and students, approved statutory auditors and statutory audit firms, and the regulation and monitoring of members, statutory auditors and statutory audit firms. Sustainability EFRAG has submitted its work plan to the European Commission outlining the steps it will take to fulfil the specific mandate received on 27 March 2025 to provide technical advice on the revision and simplification of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The IFRS Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote the adoption and implementation of the ISSB standards across Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published Exposure Draft ISSB/ED/2025/1 ‘Amendments to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Disclosures’ with comments requested by 27 June 2025. The ISSB has published a new episode of its “Perspectives on sustainability disclosure” series entitled “Ramping up systems and processes for sustainability data”. Central Bank of Ireland The Central Bank of Ireland has published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report, which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2024.   Other news Carmichael, a specialist training and support body for non-profits in Ireland has published its latest Governance Dilemma Newsletter. These newsletters look at a real-life challenge that a Board has faced and consider a range of responses to that challenge. The most recent edition considers the issue of procurement contracts being issued where there is a conflict of interest in place. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of Elaine Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Cedar Foundation, as the new independent Chair of its Stakeholder Engagement Forum. The Charities Regulator has issues the latest edition of the Charities Regulator News. In it you will find information including more details on charity financial reporting in Ireland. The news includes information  on the updated  Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and details on  a (UK) public consultation on the updated Charities SORP which is now open. The deadline for completion of the consultation is midday, Friday 20th June 2025. It is also noted in the magazine that under changes in the (Irish) Charities (Amendment) Act 2024, accounting regulations will be introduced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development (who is the Minister responsible for charities) that are likely to include the Charities’ SORP. There are also updates in the magazine on trustee recruitment and retention and on the Charities Regulator stakeholder forum. They expect to be able to announce the members of the forum by early May. Accountancy Europe has issued its April 2025 SME Update and Newsletter. The UK Insolvency Service published guidance relating to director disqualification sanctions, which prohibit individuals designated under the UK sanctions regime from acting as, or being involved in the management, promotion or formation of, a company. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.    This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

AAB named winner in Employer of the Year category and Tax Team of the Year category at the Irish Accountancy Awards last night      Business leader Feargal McCormack has been recognised for his contribution to the accountancy profession. He was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy award at the 2025 Irish Accountancy Awards in Dublin marking his achievements over a career that has spanned more than 30 years. AAB, in which McCormack is a Senior Partner was awarded Employer of the Year and Tax Team of the Year at the event.  This Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy category recognises a senior individual who has made a significant contribution to the profession. Previous recipients of this award include Elaine Coughlan, FCA, Dr Laurence Crowley, CBE, FCA, Dr Margaret Downes FCA, Terence O’Rourke FCA and Professor Patricia Barker.   Feargal McCormack founded FPM Chartered Accountants in Newry in 1991 which he grew over many years to become an award-winning practice with a presence across the island of Ireland. The company merged with AAB in 2022 and Feargal remains there as Senior Partner and Head of Family Business. Feargal McCormack said that he was very humbled and honoured to receive the award, and addressing the gathering, added “Looking to the future, ethics must be embedded at the heart of the business landscape. An Irish Chartered Accountancy qualification is a global business and leadership passport for life. Go forward with confidence, have fun, embrace and enjoy the journey. Onwards and Upwards.” Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Barry Dempsey said  “Feargal is an exemplar of this profession and a role model for anyone currently in it or aspiring to join it. In founding FPM Chartered Accountants, he created a highly successful cross-border firm with the best interests of small to medium and family-run businesses at heart – businesses which are the lifeblood of our economies. He steered the firm through to its recent merger with AAB and remains a key Partner in it. As a former President of this Institute, he actively promoted the profession and truly connected with members. “His contribution to the profession has previously been recognised in his and his firm’s many awards and recognitions, but Feargal’s interests extend far beyond his work. He sits on numerous committees and boards contributing to academia, sport, community ventures and is a Patron of Special Olympics Ireland. I warmly congratulate Feargal and his family on this well-deserved recognition from his peers and entire Chartered community”. The Irish Accountancy Awards were launched in 2016 to celebrate excellence in the accountancy profession and now cover a total of 28 categories.  

In every issue of The Bottom Line, we ask students for their thoughts on a particular topic. This month, we want to know: What do you think about the possible tariffs from the US? Patrycja Pisarczyk Grant Thornton Donald Trump’s tariffs, particularly on goods from China and the EU, risk destabilising global supply chains Irish companies rely on.  Businesses, especially Irish SMEs, will face significant pressure in formulating contingency plans to address potential outcomes due to the imposition of tariffs.  While this is disruptive to the economy we know today, I believe that where there is risk and uncertainty, there is also opportunity.  Such instability in the market will no doubt test the resilience and adaptability of Irish businesses, but there is potential for entering new markets and supply chains which have been disrupted by the US–China tensions, allowing firms to position themselves advantageously in this shifting landscape.  I anticipate increasing dependency on advisory and cross-border tax services. From a professional development perspective, I am excited to gain invaluable first-hand experience in the rapidly evolving economy. Varun Reddy Varala PWC In 2024, Irish goods exports hit a record €224 billion, with €72.6 billion flowing to the United States — much of it made up of pharmaceutical products.  With around 80 percent of these exports comprising medical and pharmaceutical goods, a 25 percent tariff would threaten investments, tax receipts and nearly 80,000 jobs. Ireland’s role in global supply chains raises the stakes even further.  For Instance, County Mayo is home to the world’s only facility that manufactures Botox, making it a vital player in international pharmaceutical production. It is particularly vulnerable if tariffs are widened to cover medical goods. Still, there are grounds for cautious optimism. Exports to the EU (€88.5 billion) continue to grow steadily, and Ireland’s strength in food, IT and services markets provides a valuable buffer.  While the risks are real, Ireland’s strong regulatory environment, export reputation and ability to adapt may help us weather the storm ahead. Egle Urbonaite EY The recent tariffs imposed by Donald Trump have caused some concern for people in Ireland.  In 2024, almost a third of Irish exports went to the US, which provides some perspective on how many businesses will be affected.  One of Ireland's most exported industries includes dairy products. As the US customer is paying these higher prices, sales of Irish-sourced products are expected to decline.  There is a considerable concern for US pharmaceutical companies located in Ireland, as most of them have significant dealings with the US. If they were to relocate due to decreasing profitability, this would massively impact local economies within Irish towns.  The tariffs currently imposed on Ireland aren’t significant, but the impact we may see further down the line is still of concern.   

Five years ago, Nitish Sachar, Assurance Associate at EY and a Chartered Accountants Ireland student, was in India drawing up his plan for the future. Now, in Ireland, he has a master’s degree in accountancy and is on his way to becoming a Chartered Accountant Five years ago, where did you think you would be now? Have you lived up to your own expectations?  Five years ago, I was fresh out of my graduation. I wanted to move far away from India and experience life. At the same time, though, I didn’t want to leave my career. This led me to dream about doing a master’s degree.  In the past five years, I have fulfilled some of my goals – getting a master’s and being financially independent but there is still more to achieve.  What has been the biggest challenge of your career? My biggest challenge has been getting back to studies after working for three years. This wasn’t an isolated challenge, as I was also facing hurdles moving countries and trying to establish my roots in a different city and culture. However, it was more difficult (and more fulfilling) than I had anticipated. What do you wish you had known earlier in life?  I wish I had known earlier the true value of networking and mentorship.  While technical skills and hard work are critical, building meaningful professional relationships and seeking guidance from experienced mentors can open opportunities and provide valuable insights.  Early in my career, I focused mainly on individual performance, but I have realised how collaboration, feedback and connections play a major role in long-term career development and personal growth. Where do you see yourself this time next year?  I hope with a salary increment — just kidding!  Hopefully, by this time next year, I will have completed more than half of my Chartered Accountancy exams and I will be well prepared for those that remain.  I also plan on having my driving license sorted by then.  Right now, my focus is on steady progress, both professionally and personally. Who inspires you, personally and professionally?  I am personally and professionally inspired by my brother.  We have shared a very similar path — attending the same universities and following almost the same career trajectory.  Throughout my journey, he has been a mentor, guide and constant source of encouragement. Watching his progress in overcoming professional challenges and building a strong career has given me a clear example to aspire to.  His work ethic, resilience and willingness to support others have had a lasting impact on me. If I can achieve even half of what he has accomplished in the next five years, I will consider it a great success.  His mentorship has taught me to stay patient, focused and committed to continuous learning, and it motivates me every day to push myself toward higher goals. How do you think being a Chartered Accountant will change the course of your career?  Becoming a Chartered Accountant will give me a globally recognised qualification that opens doors to opportunities across industries and geographies. It will offer greater career mobility and make it easier to work internationally, which is something I aspire to.  On a personal level, achieving the ACA designation would represent a significant milestone — a validation of years of learning, persistence and growth. Beyond the technical expertise, the training will deepen my understanding of how businesses operate strategically and financially, sharpening my ability to think like a business leader. In the long term, I believe this broader perspective will be invaluable as I work toward building and managing my own business in the future. If you weren't training to be a Chartered Accountant, what do you think you'd be doing?  If I weren’t training to be a Chartered Accountant, I would likely work in a people-focused industry.  I genuinely enjoy talking to people, understanding their work and learning about their experiences. Any career that allows me to engage with individuals and gain insight into different perspectives would have been a great fit.  Interestingly, this is also one of the aspects I appreciate about training as a Chartered Accountant — it offers opportunities to work closely with clients, understand their businesses and build meaningful professional relationships. What advice do you have for those considering training as a Chartered Accountants?  My advice would be to plan the journey a little in advance and be ready to balance work and study — it's definitely a juggling act, but a rewarding one.  Having some real-world experience can make the learning much more relatable. From my own experience, it’s never too late to study (trust me, late-night study sessions become a lifestyle!). Becoming a Chartered Accountant means committing to continuous learning, but the skills and confidence you gain along the way make every effort worth it.  

Becoming a newly qualified accountant opens the door to many opportunities. Bernie Duffy outlines what you need to keep in mind as you look for new roles You’ve worked hard, completed all your requirements and have passed your exams. You’re nearly a newly qualified accountant. Here are five things to remember if you are thinking of changing roles after becoming a Chartered Accountant. 1. Availability of roles As you can see from Chart 1 (below) of job postings on LinkedIn in 2024, the quantity of finance roles advertised ebbed and flowed throughout the year, with quieter times in December, January and April.  Assuming 2025 is similar, you should be mindful of this and consider taking a more proactive approach to your search if you want to start something new in May or June.  2. Understanding the mix of roles Titles in industry mean nothing without context and in many cases do not correlate between companies. Two companies can be looking to hire a financial accountant, but the nature of their roles can be vastly different. Newly qualified accountants’ roles generally fall into the following categories: Financial accounting: 65 percent – the balance of activity in these roles will matter. Larger companies often come with more specialised roles. Financial analysis: 15 percent – this isn't easy to get straight out of contract. Internal audit: 10 percent – this is an excellent route often overlooked. Other: 10 percent. Chart 2 (below) is a visual representation of the activity in a basic finance team, along with some of the variables that come with the context of the role. The percentage of time you will spend on either side of the line in a role below is a critical consideration. 3. Hybrid working is the norm As you can see from Chart 3 (below), three days a week in the office was by far the most common work-from-home policy for newly qualified accountants in 2024, with over 40 percent of positions at this level adhering to it.  Another interesting takeaway is the lack of fully remote opportunities at the newly qualified level. We’ve already seen a shift towards more office-based working in 2025; however, with many US multinationals calling for five days in the office, we would expect the four and five-day in-office policies to continue to increase over the coming year. 4. Rewards package Base salary is only a part of total compensation (base + package) – want to know about total compensation for newly qualified accountants? In Dublin:  The average salary for the second half (H2) 2024 was €65,083. The average bonus for H2 2024 was seven percent. The average pension for H2 2024 was five percent. The average Annual Leave Days for H2 2024 was 25 Days. Outside Dublin, you would typically apply a 10 percent reduction on base +/- 2.5 percent, depending on location.  You may hear of people getting salaries outside this, which will usually take into account factors such as travel, higher intensity of work, a niche/specific role, or no additional benefits offered as part of the package.  These are all important factors to consider when assessing the compensation package attached to a specific role. 5. The wider economy The jobs economy over the medium term is uncertain. As a result, we are seeing a lower volume of roles on the market compared to last year. There may be increased contract roles and likely a drop in permanent roles. What does this mean for you, and how can you increase your chances? If you have 10 important factors you are looking for in a new role, a compromise may be needed, and maybe a need to focus on six of these factors.  This could involve taking a role in a company of interest, on a contract basis, or in a not-so-ideal location.  This may not be a market where you can have it all, but there are still opportunities to be had. Bernie Duffy is Senior Associate of Recently Qualified Accountants, Leinster at Barden

Edel Walsh explains study techniques that will help you shift from surface learning to deep learning that prioritise quality study over quantity When studying for professional accountancy exams, many students find themselves overwhelmed with lots of information, complicated calculations and unfamiliar concepts.   Students often tell me they have spent many hours studying, only to not remember anything they have studied later.  This, in fact, is just the way our brain operates. It’s important to understand how we can transfer knowledge from our working memory to our long-term memory and why this is so important for exam success.  Working memory When new information or an insight from our studies reaches our brain, it does not automatically get stored in our long-term memory. Instead, the information is stored in a temporary limbo.  In other words, it is stored in our working memory.  For example, when you are reading a case study or solving a calculation, your brain uses working memory to process each new piece of information.  Our working memory is limited. In his book The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two, George Armitage Miller shows that some people can hold as few as five things in their working memory at any time. Some people can hold as many as nine things, but the number seven seems to be the magic number for how many things we can hold in our working memory.  Unfortunately, those seven things only stick around for a few seconds and will not be remembered at all if we are distracted.  To put this in perspective, if you read a paragraph from a textbook, it will only be held in your working memory for a short period. It will not automatically transfer into your long-term memory. This begs the question: How do we transfer information from our working memory to our long-term memory?  For Chartered Accountancy exams, we need information to be stored in our long-term memory so we can call on this information when we need it.  From working memory to long-term memory Long-term memory is where knowledge is stored more permanently. Once a concept is embedded into long-term memory, it becomes easier to retrieve and apply, even in high-pressure exam settings. The goal of study and learning should be to move information out of working memory and into long-term memory. To do this effectively, we need to move beyond “surface learning” and towards “deep learning”. Surface learning relies on taking information at face value and not getting under the skin of a topic or concept. It is where we learn information without a real understanding of what we are trying to learn.  Reading, writing notes and highlighting can lead to surface learning. Often, we cram information right before an exam, resulting in surface learning. This information will only reach our working memory.  On the other hand, deep learning is where we focus on getting a deep understanding of topics and concepts so we can apply this information in whatever scenarios come up in the exam.  To engage in deep learning, our learning must feel a little harder and require more effort. Study techniques, like repeatedly testing yourself, encourage deep learning and the transfer of information into long-term memory. Techniques to encourage deep learning Practice testing (also known as retrieval practice) Testing yourself on what you have learned helps reinforce learning. Flashcards (a question on the front of the flash card and answer on the back, shuffle your flash cards and then test yourself), past exam questions, quizzes, brain dumps and explaining concepts out loud are all methods of retrieval practice.  Spaced repetition Instead of cramming your study sessions, break them into smaller, manageable chunks. Spacing your learning gives your brain time to consolidate knowledge.  Elaboration Ask yourself questions like “Why does this happen?” or “How does this relate to what I have already learned?” The more connections you make between new material and existing knowledge, the more likely it will be stored in long-term memory. Interweaving Mix topics or question types within a study session. For example, instead of doing 10 income tax questions in a row, mix them with corporation tax and VAT.  Cramming If you favour cramming over spacing your learning, be aware that this can overload your working memory.   You might feel like you know the information, but without testing yourself, the information is unlikely to be retained in long-term memory. Study quality over quantity Studying for your exams is less about the quantity of hours you study and much more about the quality of your study.  Prioritise techniques that move knowledge from your working memory to long-term memory and focus on deep learning strategies that help you understand, not just remember. Edel Walsh is a student coach and mentor. She supports her clients with their studies and exams by focusing on academic success, personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie

US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on EU imports are already reshaping trade flows. The implications for Ireland and the next generation of Chartered Accountants are immediate and complex On 2 April 2025, President Trump introduced a 20 percent blanket tariff on a wide range of European Union (EU) goods entering the United States. Trump’s rationale is to reduce the US trade deficit and repatriate manufacturing jobs. Citing what he described as “unfair advantages” enjoyed by EU exporters, Trump declared the tariffs a “long-overdue correction”. While he implemented a 90-day pause on tariff enforcement on 9 April following market disruptions, Ireland could emerge as one of the EU’s most exposed economies at the end of this pause. According to the Central Statistics Office, Ireland exported a record €72.6 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024 – a 34 percent increase over the previous year. The US is Ireland’s largest non-EU trading partner, with most of those exports coming from the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. Pharmaceutical exports alone reached €10.5 billion in February 2025, up from €9.4 billion the previous month, as companies rushed to beat the tariff deadline. This last-minute export surge may give way to a slump in the coming months as demand softens under the weight of new import costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has publicly criticised the US tariffs as damaging and unjustified. He has called for a coordinated EU response, emphasising the importance of a unified stance from the bloc. Ireland is unlikely to take unilateral retaliatory action. The tariffs may also affect investment flows. The US has long been a major source of foreign direct investment in Ireland, particularly in technology and finance. Uncertainty surrounding trade policy could cause US multinationals to reconsider a future in Ireland. Implications for Chartered Accountancy students The impact of this trade dispute goes beyond exporters and political leaders. For those looking to become Chartered Accountants, the tariffs present both challenges and opportunities Financial reporting: Accountants must accurately reflect the increased cost of doing business in financial statements. Affected firms may see reduced margins and increased volatility. This will require closer collaboration with finance teams to ensure transparency and compliance. Advisory services: Accountants will play a crucial role in helping clients reconfigure supply chains and explore alternative markets to reduce US dependency. Strategic scenario planning and cost-benefit analysis will become vital advisory tools. Tax planning: Cross-border tax considerations may shift as firms relocate operations or restructure to minimise tariff exposure. Understanding the nuances of tax will be increasingly important. Risk management: Scenario planning is more important than ever, particularly for firms in export-heavy sectors. Accountants will be called on to assess exposure, and model worst-case outcomes for business continuity. From trade policy to practice The tariffs announced by Trump on his “Liberation Day” represent a seismic shift in US-EU trade dynamics. This is a timely reminder for Chartered Accountancy students that geopolitics and trade policy are not abstract topics – they shape the very real business environments in which accountants must operate. Understanding international trade, tax and advisory skills is no longer optional for your success. Global finance is in a period of turmoil and Chartered Accountants must be just as comfortable navigating trade wars as they are auditing the books.

Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland, shares practical advice on mastering study techniques, managing times and using Institute resources to confidently take your exams The requirements for professional-level exams can be a big step up for many, requiring more time and better techniques than are typically needed at university. Add to this is the fact that many students are juggling full-time work and study commitments, and you’ll see why time spent learning good study techniques is so valuable.  Know your resources Before getting stuck into a study routine, take a step back and take note of all of the Institute’s available study resources. At this stage, you’ll be aware of the Learning Hub and your textbooks. But other resources may also prove very useful as we enter the final weeks of study.  The Competency Statement is a list of every topic examinable in a subject, and the level expected of the candidate. It’s effectively your table of contents for each subject, so make it the first thing you look at to start your plan.  You can regularly return to the Competency Statement to cross off completed tasks and highlight areas of weakness.  Similarly, you’ll want to work through all the sample papers, which are produced by the Exam team and contain exam-standard questions. Solutions are also provided. You can get the sample papers and the solutions on the Institute's website.  Your mock exam paper is effectively another sample paper for you to attempt, with exam-standard questions.  Don’t forget the Professional Examination Committee (PEC) reports, where the examiners gave feedback last year, highlighting where students made common mistakes. All exam students should reference the PEC Report and the corresponding Final Admitting Examination Committee Report for FAE students.  Managing your time When preparing for any exam, you’ll know that time is your most important resource – use it wisely. You’ll need to be organised and efficient, so before starting any revision, your first task should be to draw up a study plan to cover the final month before the exams. This plan will be crucial in organising your time and ensuring that you focus on areas of challenge.  Allocate your first day of study to compose your plan – a skill you’ll use throughout your Chartered Accountancy studies.  Your plan will list all the subjects you must study and allocate specific time slots for each.  With your study plan in place, you’ll feel organised, a little less stressed and you’ll hold yourself more accountable.  With this plan in place, if you miss a study session, you’ll know specifically what you need to go over later. Study times So, how long should each study session last? Best practice suggests that, after 40 minutes, our brain becomes less effective in taking in knowledge. Aim for slots no longer than 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break to grab some fresh air or make a cup of tea.  Instead of setting a goal of studying for a minimum duration, try the opposite and set a maximum time limit, something that we all find much more motivating and energising.  If you’re really fighting against procrastination, try the two-minute rule, where you commit to working for just two minutes and then take a break. Often, starting is the hardest part, but once you begin, you’ll be more likely to continue. After four sessions, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Use your breaks to relax, stretch or have a snack.  To stay focused, avoid picking up your phone during each break as scrolling can extend beyond the intended downtime. Your plan will give you clear and achievable goals for each study session, and can help to keep you motivated and focused.  Keep an eye on your progress as each week ends, and celebrate each achievement to keep you motivated and on track. Use active learning techniques At this stage, you’ll probably want to move away from reading over slides and watching videos on the Learning Hub.  Instead, as we approach exam time, it’s time to get active with our learning.  Active learning techniques involve ‘doing’ rather than more passively reading or listening. Studies show that people remember 10 percent of what they hear and 20 percent of what they read, but about 80 percent of what they perform. When you attempt questions during a study session, it helps improve your understanding and retention of information.  One example of active learning could be starting each session with a blank piece of paper and writing down everything you can remember, unprompted, on a topic. Try the same exercise at the end of the session to get a benchmark of how effective your session has been.  You should also attempt to answer questions in every session in the Learning Hub, then review the answers. Don’t be discouraged if you end up getting some questions wrong – making mistakes in practice is a great way to learn.  By following these study tips and staying committed to your preparation, you can approach your exams with confidence and achieve exam success. 

Alisha Mullins, CASSI PRO, highlights how your student society can help you build a successful career long after you qualify Embarking on a training contract with Chartered Accountants Ireland is a pivotal milestone in your accounting journey. But your training contract is more than just a route to qualification — it’s a launchpad for your long-term career success.  To make the most of this opportunity, you need more than technical knowledge. You need commercial awareness, a strong network and the right support system. That’s where the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI) comes in. CASSI offers every trainee a place to connect, grow and thrive. By getting involved, you’ll meet a vibrant community of peers who are navigating the same challenges and milestones.  One of the standout highlights each year is the CASSI Weekend Away, which take place in October. This event provides a fun and relaxed space to build lasting connections.  Throughout the year, regional committees host a range of events designed to help you stay connected and supported. Upcoming events include the Chartered Accountants Students Society Ulster (CASSU) Park Run and Coffee Morning on 10 May in Ormeau Park at 9.30am, and the always-popular CASSU Ball on 30 May at Ten Square Hotel at 6.30pm.  Chartered Accountant Student Society Dublin is hosting a Sauna and Lunch event at Helios Dundrum on 17 May at 1pm — an ideal way to recharge and connect with fellow students in a more relaxed setting.  Looking ahead to November, the Women in Business event offers a chance to hear directly from professionals who’ve walked the same path and built meaningful and rewarding careers. Beyond events, CASSI actively supports your professional development through tailored workshops delivered in collaboration with Barden, and well-being initiatives run alongside Thrive.  These resources are designed to help you navigate the pressures of exams, heavy workloads and career planning.  When things feel overwhelming or uncertain, don’t hesitate to turn to your CASSI community — there is always someone who is ready to offer advice and support. While you’re on the job, take every chance to understand the business behind the numbers. Learn how your work supports your firm’s bottom line, seek feedback often and aim to work with a variety of clients. The more commercially aware you become, the more impact and value you’ll deliver. By combining initiative and curiosity at work with the unique opportunities CASSI provides, you’ll not only qualify, but stand out, thrive and build a career that lasts.

The purpose of National Workplace Wellbeing Day is to raise awareness of the importance of wellbeing in the workplace at a national level, to educate all stakeholders and help employers evolve and excel in their wellbeing strategies. But what is workplace wellbeing?  Generally speaking, it means promoting wellbeing at work and empowering staff with the knowledge and tools to be proactive in boosting and protecting their own wellbeing. Corporate wellbeing programmes are becoming more and more popular. Once seen as an added perk for employees, they are now becoming an integral part of the business agenda. However, research from University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU) found that while 76% of the employers said they see employee mental health and wellbeing as their responsibility, a whopping 80% are not investing in workplace mental health. No matter where employees are situated, how small or large a firm it is, it’s important to foster a culture of good wellbeing to positively influence both employees and the company. Fostering a culture that places importance on employees' mental health and wellbeing can help prevent work induced stress and create a positive and healthy work environment where employees and the company can thrive. On average, we spend a third of our adult life at work. That is a significant amount of time and how we feel about work has a big impact on our day, life, home, and on our general happiness. Another study carried out by HR Buddy found that 9 in 10 workers feel their work negatively impacts their mental health and wellbeing.  Mental health related illnesses are one of the most common reasons for long-term absence, and it is estimated 1 in 5 employees have missed work due to stress, anxiety or depression.  Employee stress and ill mental health can directly impact levels of absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced performance - all at a high cost for employers and adversely affects business performance. As a result, implementing wellbeing initiatives and strategies should be seen as a key business driver. Businesses have a duty of care to employees both physically and psychologically and employers hold a responsibility for the wellbeing of their staff. There is a wealth of evidence that points to a positive correlation between workplace wellbeing and improved business KPI’s. Fostering a culture of good wellbeing not only produces a happier workforce but the benefits to the company are just as happy: Improvement in staff productivity and engagement Can help with staff retention Increase in employee morale Reduction in absenteeism Stronger employer brand and reputation A resilient workforce Increased profits A global wellbeing survey by Aon points to these positive outcomes. The survey showed that companies that improve employee wellbeing by 4% see a 1% increase in company profits and a 1% decrease in employee turnover. In recent times, our collective interest in health and wellbeing has expanded and the role and value of workplace wellbeing is recognised more than ever. The new era in our working lives has proven how fundamental employee wellbeing is to company resilience and creating a healthy workplace is something employers are becoming much more aware of. National Workplace Wellbeing Day is a great starting point and opportunity for organisations looking to promote the wellbeing of employees.   Evidence suggests there is a holistic and cyclical effect of promoting wellbeing in the workplace both for employers and employees. Therefore, companies should take the steps to support employees and demonstrate their commitment to promoting positive mental health. Like most workplace initiatives in order for it to be successful, leadership buy-in is essential. This obstacle has been cited as one of the biggest barriers to implementing workplace wellbeing strategies. By linking employee wellbeing with success metrics, increased business performance and clearly demonstrating how it will positively impact all aspects of the business is a sure way to ensure clear, consistent and visible support from the top down.   There is a plethora of ways of how a culture of workplace wellbeing can be embedded into an organisation through internal policies and offerings. The most popular strategy is an employee assistance programme, however there is a wealth of additional supports employers can put in place. For example, some organisations run employee wellbeing events such as mindfulness or exercise classes, a no meetings Fridays’ policy, provide mental health training for managers and employees to identify signs of mental stress, offer flexible working arrangements, promote a culture that fosters a healthy work-life balance, and raise awareness of mental health challenges within the workplace. If you would like more advice or assistance on wellbeing whether an employee or an employer, the Thrive Wellbeing Hub provides counselling, wellbeing coaching, information, advice and lots more to all members of the Institute.  You can contact the Thrive wellbeing team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

In Irish news, the Economic and Social Research Institute has published an economic overview of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the extended ROS pay and file deadline for the 2024 tax year has been announced.  In UK news, HMRC has published updated guidance on several major legislative changes effective from 6 April 2025 and we bring you a range of updates for employers. In International news this week, Members of the European Parliament discuss the role of tax policy for the green transition. Ireland 1. A high-level comparison of the economies of Ireland and Northern Ireland (NI) over recent years is outlined in a recent report published by the Economic and Social Research Institute. 2. Revenue has confirmed Wednesday 19 November 2025 as the ROS 2024 return extended filing and payment date for certain self-assessment taxpayers. UK 3. Read a range of updates from HMRC which are relevant for employers. 4. In this week’s miscellaneous updates, HMRC has published updated guidance on several major legislative changes which took effect from 6 April 2025. International 5. The European Parliament’s tax matters subcommittee hosted a public meeting on the role tax policy can play in achieving the green transition while maintaining competitiveness. 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 EU exit corner here.