Online career resources

As we enter the second half of 2021 and with Covid-19 seemingly coming under control in Ireland, you might consider revisiting your original plans to travel and work abroad as a newly qualifying ACA.  Here are some tips and thoughts to help you plan the adventure:  Select your location carefully: how did it perform in the lockdown? Is it likely to suffer economically in the year ahead? What are the local trends in that market? Start your research and reading early. Connect and speak with ACAs in that location about their experience in the last year. One thing is certain…no matter what location you are going to no one has a crystal ball and change in circumstance is very possible whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Toronto or Melbourne. So bear in mind your plan B for a return home should it be needed Get your jabs, boosters, vaccines in time and know what is involved with these Do some remote interviews via zoom with Recruiters in the location to get a feel for things If the Institute has a presence there connect with it and get key contacts from us in Chartered Accountants Ireland Link in with members abroad in that city Do you know someone there that you can live with initially while you find accommodation? Follow your target companies in that city on LinkedIn and create a top 20 target hitlist of organisations you want to work for there Start your travel project now, plan ahead and allow plenty of time to assess accommodation and cost of living Assess the market for ACA’s getting short term contracts versus permanent roles as a series of contracts is likely to be your initial six or nine months Speak to your peers in Ireland about your plans and get their advice Are there new locations emerging globally or are Toronto, Sydney, London, NYC and Dubai still the main locations? Are there exciting new sectors and companies emerging and booming in these locations that are amenable to taking on Irish ACAs on contract. Construction? Nursing homes? Healthcare? Technology? Green sector etc. If sponsorship by a company is required make sure you have the correct admin detail on hand such as copies of your college results and your ACA qualification Check out the local tax and typical salary market rates - it may not be all about the base salary in some locations and the overall package may be the key, so find out what is typical in terms of benefits and bonuses in the region Is there an Irish community you can link in with - is there a group on LinkedIn, social scene / network to tap in to such as the GAA or other sporting organisations? Be aware of local laws such as alcohol and clothing if you are going to the Middle east for example How to stay on top of your CPD? Logging in remotely to the Chartered Accountants website is a good idea and no matter how far away you are you can still stay very close to your CA home as a newly qualified ACA and meet your CPD requirements via our online learning options Why not have a quick google of the demographics for where you are going – is it an ageing city or a young city? Will the move support your past-times or help you try new ones?

Nenagh transition year (TY) student, Hayley Clancy, was today presented with her prize for winning the Chartered Accountants Ireland Boot Camp Challenge 2021. Hayley is a student at St Mary’s Secondary School in Nenagh and entered the competition as a solo student of the accounting programme for senior cycle students.  The challenge is a business simulation exercise, and it is the culmination of the Boot Camp programme, an online accounting programme for senior cycle students. Entrants take on the role of CEO of their own fictitious company which is faced with a major crisis scenario. They are tasked with applying problem solving and critical thinking skills to develop a solution to overcome the challenge.   Boot Camp can be taken by full class groups or solo students, either independently or with teacher guidance. It can be taken as an introduction to accounting in TY or as revision in 5th and 6th year. Hayley entered as a solo student, with support and encouragement of her teacher Donal Linehan.  Commenting on Hayley’s submission, programme creator Brian Feighan said  “Hayley's submission succinctly identified the nub of the problem. She conducted market research in support of her business case and prepared cash flow forecasts based on two scenarios. Both forecasts were accurately prepared and supported by well-reasoned assumptions. Her proposed solution, which involved some difficult leadership decisions, was both innovative and realistic. We would like to congratulate Hayley and St Mary's Nenagh on her achievement.”  Commenting, President of Chartered Accountants Ireland Paul Henry said  “As president of Chartered Accountants Ireland, I am always happy to see the Chartered Accountants of the future displaying their creativity, hard work and motivation. These really encapsulate the values of the profession, and I’d like to warmly congratulate Hayley on her well-deserved win. Boot Camp is a great way for aspiring businesspeople to engage with accounting at school, and we’re delighted to see the programme grow.”  Commenting on Hayley’s win, her teacher Donal Linehan said  “The authenticity of the Chartered Accountants Ireland simulated business challenge adds a new and innovative dimension to problem solving…all good stories need a hero and, in this instance, one with a rescue plan. That hero is Hayley Clancy and her magnificent achievement.”   Accounting is growing in popularity as a Leaving Certificate subject choice, with nearly one in seven students now choosing it in Senior Cycle. There are currently over 1,800 students enrolled in Boot Camp in over 30 schools in 20 counties. Through the programme, students get an introduction to the world of business and financial decision-making processes. They cover strategy, risk, critical thinking, decision-making and hear real life insights from senior business leaders, accountants and finance professionals through podcast interviews.   Boot Camp is currently open for enrolment. To find out more visit: https://chartered-bootcamp.teachable.com/   ENDS  

Many newly qualified Chartered Accountants can find themselves in a situation where their first move out of practice into an industry role is not what they expected. It may be that the role has been oversold to them and doesn't measure up or perhaps they don't have the support needed or the culture of the organization is not the best fit.  Whatever the reason it can be a daunting situation but here are the key points to consider if you are in your first year in your new job post-qualification and feeling dissatisfied with the situation: Don't fret: everyone is allowed a mistake or two in their career path, particularly early on In five or 10 years (which comes around very quickly!) this will be insignificant on your CV Ask yourself: can the situation be rescued or changed (?) - can you speak to HR about the situation or perhaps is an internal move an option? Level with your boss: Communication is good. If the role is not what you had expected talk it through and see if there is a way of mutually fixing the problem. This shows maturity and confidence If you are still in your probationary period you will only have to give a week or two notice but be mindful of leaving your employer in the lurch. Be polite, courteous and professional when handing in your notice and outline your reasons. The world is a small place and paths cross again more frequently than you would think. Leave on good terms.  Don’t burn bridges. Remember, future hirers may ask specifically for a reference from this employer Offer to do an exit interview if mutually beneficial Pull the plaster quickly: If the role is not working for you and not adding anything to your career trajectory then don't stay in a role that you're not enjoying. Take the decision, make the break and make it quick At least now you know what you don’t like and what doesn't work for you! File it away and move on with positive intent We all need to make mistakes in order to learn. The next time you will vet an opportunity more vociferously and perhaps ask better questions at the interview about the role, the team, the expectations etc.  I have said before many times that post qualification the first year or two is a chance to try new things. If you do that and it doesn't work out, no harm no foul Don’t blame others. You are in charge of your own destiny. Don't blame the recruiter. Don't accuse the company of overselling the role to you. Next time your due diligence will be more particular Tip : Don't leave until you have something to go to. Ride the storm out for a few weeks/months. Hand your notice in with a job offer in hand Talk to a good recruiter about the situation, one who understands the career curve of a newly qualified ACA. If a recruiter placed you in the role make sure you talk to them again prior to departure. At the end of the day this job is only the first step on a very long career pathway, learn from it and move on. As always, your career team in the Institute of Chartered Accountants is here to confidentially advise, discuss and assist you with any career decisions and blips should they occur.  Dave Riordan ACA  Career Consultant and Recruitment Specialist  Chartered Accountants Ireland 

Let’s be honest, keeping your CA Diary up to date can seem like a bit of an imposition, especially when you have so many competing priorities with a busy work, study and personal schedule. Like with most things we don’t put on the top of our priority list it can slip to the bottom and then the longer we put it off the more difficult it becomes to tackle. Well, there is a solution!   Rather than looking at the process of completing the CA Diary as a chore,  I would suggest changing your mindset and start looking at it as an opportunity to help you with developing your career. So how do I do that I hear you say?    Here are the steps: Break it down into manageable tasks Make time each month, even just an hour, to update your entries. If you are doing this monthly there is no doubt that this will be enough time to keep you up to date. By breaking the process down into smaller more manageable blocks of time it will definitely be easier to stay on top of it. You can  avoid a situation where you have months and even years to catch up on.  Form good career management habits early in your career  Your career will benefit from you investing time regularly to reflect on the skills and experience you have developed and taking the time to consider where the gaps might be and how to deal with these. This is a positive habit to develop early in your career and it can help you to avoid many of the pitfalls that can arise during your career. Proactively managing your career rather than letting it just happen is essential. Taking the time to actively invest in managing your career is a positive habit to develop and will reap rewards in terms of career success and satisfaction.  Set the time aside in your calendar and stick to it. Arranging the process like this will actually save you time as it will be so much easier to identify and highlight what to include in your CV Diary rather than having to rack your brain to remember the pertinent aspects of your experience. This approach combined with the Career Planning tool (include details) will help you to successfully manage your career.  Build and update your CV and interview preparation notes as you go If you update your CA Diary as you progress with your exams you will also be better equipped to draft a CV when it comes to the time to start looking for a new role should you wish to do so when you qualify. Having an up to date and comprehensive CA Diary makes this process much easier as you can use this content as the basis for your CV and take the pain out of the process. You can also use this information to keep your LinkedIn profile updated which is an essential tool for building and managing your personal brand.  Similarly, the detail you have included in your CA Diary will also provide you with solid examples and content for interviews, particularly for competency based questions. Again, taking the time as you go along will ultimately save you a significant number of hours and potentially even days.  Build greater awareness of your skills and strengths  An important part of ensuring a successful career is to play to your strengths and to leverage the skills that you are naturally good at and enjoy using. The process of completing the diary on a regular basis will help you to identify and increase your understanding of the skills and competencies that will help to set you apart. With this awareness you can set about using this understanding to your advantage to advance your career. The earlier you build this awareness the more beneficial and motivational it will be and it will help you to drive your career forward.  Likewise, you will also be able to identify any gaps or areas that might be holding you back and you can address them and seek support quickly before they have the potential to become an issue and impede your career progression.   Stay motivated  Maintaining your motivation levels can be a challenge. We are all human after all! However, regularly reviewing your progress and reviewing your CA Diiary entries can be really motivational as can using a Career Planning tool as you feel more in control and can clearly see the progress that you are making which will drive you on further. Remember to take time out to congratulate yourself on the progress you have made and treat yourself to a celebration.  In summary using the CA Diary and the career planning tools provided by The Institute will ultimately make your life easier and they designed to set you up for career success.  Dave Riordan ACA Career Coach and Recruitment Specialist  

After qualification you have a year or two to try out a few different organisations, roles and sectors.  It is worth being vigilant however about whether a corporate path or an SME path is the one that will suit you once your career is up and running. So here are a few suggestions on what to consider in each regard: Q Are you coming from a large or small training practice and is your client base large corporates or family based indigenous business? Q Do you enjoy the large scaled busy corporate enterprise culture and environment or, looking into the future, do you feel a family sized operation with a small finance division is more your style? In an SME you will enjoy a smaller working environment, flatter structure, closer contact with clients and more of a local feel Would you like to go beyond the confines of finance and have added commercial business responsibilities getting involved in operational decisions and strategic decision and perhaps directly impacting the growth of employees and revenue in the organization? An SME can be more greatly impacted by macroeconomic forces in the future but at the same time it can be very exciting to be part of an accelerated expansion in a small business When deciding to join an SME first assess if the sector is robust into the future.  Is it a future proof business? Many qualifying ACAs have strong communication skills and professional relationship building acumen and this lends itself well to a Corporate multinational culture If you display good EI and are savvy when it comes to internal politics these can assist your ambitions to move up through the corporate ladder to C-suite level Strong leadership attributes are often highly regarded in the corporate space Work-life balance often can be less of a feature with multinational life versus SME Multinationals tend to remunerate better than SMEs and have better benefit packages in general.  Speak to a few mentors who know you well and are commercially knowledgeable and ask them to judge which track might be best for you.  Compare a variety of job specs for ACA newly quals in both the corporate and SME sector and review what is being sought.  Take a look at the profiles of ACAs three, five or eight years into their career path in both MNCs and then SME businesses by comparison and get a sense of where you might fit best.  When planning for your career five or 10 years ahead there is no magic recipe or template. More often you will decide your direction on a gut feeling and impression but make sure that feeling is well researched. Dave Riordan ACA Career Coach and Recruitment Specialist Chartered Accountants Ireland

In January, the job market can sometimes be slow to get started. The good news in 2021 however is that the market appears to have kicked off quickly with some good prospects in both practice and industry. We are delighted to bring you this positive news during these challenging times. During 2020 we saw multiple moratoriums on hiring and slower-than-usual turn-around of recruitment processes. Entering 2021 there seems to have been a ‘refresh’ with many hiring managers looking to re-activate recruitment processes again for roles outstanding from 2020 with a renewed sense of urgency to fill these roles. We have also been contacted by numerous other organisations seeking to hire talent for new roles also. Remote working is now the new norm as most have had over nine months to adapt. This new way of working has brought with it new opportunities and enables members to consider a wider variety of options not just around the country but overseas also.  Like any year there will be peaks and troughs and seasonality issues that impact recruitment activity during 2021 but notwithstanding the effects of Brexit the market should stay reasonably solid. Key features of the market for 2021 will include: • Continued buoyancy in sectors such as technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, logistics  • Challenging employee retention within sectors such as entertainment, leisure and hospitality  • The financial services market remains positive with demand in funds in particular and potential opportunities arising out of Brexit • Salaries will remain broadly similar to last year  • Increased opportunity for part-time working  • Continued strong demand for talent at all levels in chartered accountancy practices across the country • Increase in availability of contract opportunities during the year  We are here to support your career development and we are available for virtual career consultations. Please reach out to use and stay close to your institute to ensure you don't miss an opportunity to engage with your careers team.  Dave Riordan, ACA Contact Dave  

The annual “Chartered Star” prize has been jointly awarded to two entrants from Co. Donegal and Co. Down by Chartered Accountants Ireland. The decision reflected the high calibre of entrants this year, and both winners will now go on to represent the Irish chartered accountancy profession at the ‘One Young World’ conference in Munich next July. The winners are Aisling McCaffrey, Associate Director with Grant Thornton and Dr Caroline McGroary, Assistant Professor of Accounting in Dublin City University (DCU).  The ‘Chartered Star’ award recognises exceptional achievement amongst young and trainee accountants around the island of Ireland. Each year, it is awarded to someone who will lead, motivate, and inspire as they build their career. In 2020, entrants were challenged to demonstrate to the judging panel the ways in which they are making a difference and working towards, or supporting, the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Paul Henry, President, Chartered Accountants Ireland said “My heartiest congratulations to both winners. It is in all our hands to create a strong and sustainable accountancy profession into the future and Aisling and Caroline’s achievements at a still relatively early stage in their careers are to be commended. I look forward to following their achievements in the coming years, and on behalf of the Institute I wish them success in their engagements in Munich in July. We are fortunate as a profession to be so ably represented on a global stage.” Aisling McCaffrey, Associate Director with Grant Thornton is originally from Holywood, Co. Down and works in Dublin. A member of the FinBiz2030 Irish taskforce, she is also a NextGen committee member for 100 Women in Finance, a global network of professionals in finance working together to empower women at every stage of their career. Sport also plays a huge role in her life. A tag rugby player, she has represented Ireland in two World Cups and is a World Cup silver medal winner.  Her work to support the Sustainable Development Goals is focused on achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and empowering women and girls, as well as climate action (SDG 13). She currently acts as project manager for the team responsible for the creation of the Green Team Network – a forum for connection and empowering change towards a sustainable environment within the Irish Funds Industry. In Grant Thornton, she sits on an internal ESG working group through which she promotes sustainable activity across the firm. Aisling commented “I feel really proud and humbled to have been awarded Chartered Star for 2020/21 by Chartered Accountants Ireland. My qualification has provided me with technical knowledge and skills that I have been able to utilise in all aspects of my life and I am delighted to be representing the profession on an international stage at the One Young World Summit. I am really excited to collaborate with other young leaders at the summit who are passionate about making a social impact and finding effective solutions to global issues.” Fellow winner, Caroline McGroary, originally from Donegal, is an Assistant Professor of Accounting with DCU. Before joining DCU she trained as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte. Over the last seven years she has worked between Ireland and Saudi Arabia through a partnership between DCU and Princess Norah University (PNU), the largest female only university in the world. Caroline particularly impressed the judging panel with an initiative she developed to help women at risk of financial exclusion in Saudi Arabia. The initiative, which was supported at governmental level, had a social media campaign which reached over 1 million users, was nominated for a number of awards and was presented at international conferences. Her work to support the UN SDGs is focused on SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 5 Gender Equality by improving the financial literacy levels of students; educating students about the UN SDGs; empowering them to help achieve the goals through community engagement; while her PhD research is centered around professional education. In addition, Caroline promotes the UN SDGs in the business community in Saudi Arabia and Ireland, and was a founding member of the Irish Business Network - Saudi Arabia. Caroline commented “This is an award that I am immensely proud to hold and I look forward to representing the profession at the One Young World Summit in Munich, in 2021. I hope to use this summit as a platform to meet with leaders and activists from all over the world, and to identify ways in which we can work together to achieve impact. I'm also looking forward to working with the FinBiz2030 taskforce, whose aim is to mobilise the finance and business community globally to help achieve the UN SDGs.” ENDS  About Chartered Accountants Ireland Chartered Accountants Ireland is Ireland’s leading professional accountancy body, representing 28,500 influential members around the world and educating 7,000 students. The Institute aims to create opportunities for members and students, and ethical, sustainable prosperity for society. An all-island body, Chartered Accountants Ireland was established by Royal Charter in 1888 and now has members in more than 90 countries. It is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, the international network of over one million chartered accountants. It also plays key roles in the Global Accounting Alliance, Accountancy Europe and the International Federation of Accountants.  About One Young World: One Young World is an international conference that brings together inspiring young people from 190+ countries that are committed to making a difference. The summit will take place in Munich in July 2021. One Young World provides a platform for young leaders to speak alongside Presidents, Nobel Prize Winners, Global business leaders and other inspiring global leaders. Delegates are an international cohort, sharing their impactful work, personal experiences, views and opinions with around 1,300 Summit attendees and an audience watching around the world.

What is mentoring? The concept of mentoring is not a new one. The term mentoring comes from Greek mythology and Homer’s Odyssey. When Odysseus went travelling, he asked his trusted friend, Mentor, to care for and guide his son into adulthood. Today the definition of mentoring on Wikipedia ‘is a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.’ Essentially mentoring is an open dialogue which facilitates the transfer of knowledge and wisdom. It is typically a voluntary arrangement and the mentor is usually, but not always more senior. Reverse mentoring is now being increasingly recognised in terms of the benefits of having a younger person mentor a more senior professional, for example in the area of technology. In most cases mentoring takes the form of face-to-face conversations between two people and the discussions are shaped by the development needs of the mentee. The meetings allow not only the transfer of knowledge and experience but also of ideas, options and opportunities. Great possibilities can emerge from mentoring. The levels of interest in mentoring have been growing internationally. Companies and individuals alike have identified that they can benefit from the valuable learning and insights of those who have life and career experiences behind them. The benefits to be gained from mentoring have been experienced and recognised not just in the world of business but also in academia and education, sport, politics, medicine and many other areas. In the world of film and literature mentoring is often a key theme. ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ and ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ are just two films that come to mind. What’s in it for you? Mentoring is a two way learning process and there are immense benefits to be gained for both the mentee and the mentor. ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’ - Isaac Newton. Mentee perspective A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight. Mentoring will help you see things that you may not have recognised in yourself. This will enable you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and generally improve self-awareness. The quickest way to succeed is to learn from people who have been successful. Various studies have shown that being mentored is linked with achievement. The mentor can provide the mentee with valuable insights that they may otherwise not obtain. Mentees can gain an unbiased opinion and overview. This can be enlightening and help them to see themselves and their careers from a completely new perspective and enable them to unveil new possibilities. Mentoring provides the mentee with a forum in which to relax and open up whilst dealing with the real issues that are on their mind. These issues may not be addressed otherwise and major career ‘roadblocks’ can be removed. Mentoring is a powerful intervention. Many mentees report a boost in their confidence levels following a meeting with a mentor. This can in turn lead to an improvement in motivation and performance levels. If sustained, these new levels of drive may result in career progression or promotion. Mentees often gain an increased understanding of an area, sector or discipline. This new information allows them to consider new areas and explore other options, broadening their horizons and providing them with more possibilities. Mentor perspective There is a huge amount of satisfaction to be gained from the mentoring process and from being able to ‘give something back’. This can prove motivational and can reinvigorate the mentor’s own enthusiasm, recognising the difference they can make and the value they can add. The mentor too will learn from the process and it can often provide them with a new perspective on different areas, other generations or developments. It affords the mentor the opportunity to build on their experience and to enhance their communication and leadership qualities. The relationship often allows the mentor time to reflect on broader issues and to gain some perspective themselves. Choosing a mentor Choosing the right mentor is pivotal to the process. One option is to consider, ‘Who are the people in your life that could potentially act as your mentor? Ask yourself the following questions: Who has managed to get the very best out of me? Who has inspired and motivated me in my life? Who do I look up to, respect and trust? The other option is to consider using the structured Career Mentor Programme provided by Chartered Accountants Ireland. The Chartered Accountants Ireland Career Mentoring Programme The Career Mentor Programme was established by Chartered Accountants Ireland to provide members with access to a panel of carefully selected members. These members are a valuable resource due the experience, leadership skills and intellectual capital they have acquired throughout their varying careers. The role of the Career Mentor is to provide advice and guidance to other members in relation to their career development. The mentor has no obligation to assist mentees in job searches. The Career Mentoring Programme is a process for the informal transmission of knowledge, social capital, and the psychosocial support perceived by the recipient as relevant to career or professional development. It is an unofficial, voluntary, mutually-agreeable, and self-selected interaction between Chartered Accountants. It takes place when the mentee needs advice, guidance and support. The mentors are willing to freely share their own experiences and skills with the mentee. "It was a fantastic experience to speak to somebody with such knowledge, insight and passion for their role. He was extremely helpful and very generous with his time, giving me close to two hours. It really was very beneficial and something that I personally found very enlightening." - John Farrell Qualities to look for in a mentor The mentor you choose has to be right for you. Your choice of mentor can have a huge influence on how successful the relationship and process is for you and what benefit you obtain from it. Critical mentoring competencies include: Being a good listener and knowing how to give effective feedback. High levels of self-awareness Knowing how to help with goal setting and planning. Helping you to test the reality of your goals Knowing when to give and conversely when not to give advice. Providing constructive feedback and insights The ability to build trust, instil confidence and motivate people. Strategic questioning abilities. The ability to communicate professional experiences effectively. An effective mentor will: Offer challenging ideas and wise counsel Help build your self-confidence Offer inspiration Listen to career problems and offer encouragement Confront negative behaviours and attitudes Trigger self-awareness Provide knowledge of the career area sought Mutual Reward The most productive mentor/mentee relationships are those that result in a reciprocal exchange of knowledge. The mutual benefit results in a more equal and open relationship and this in turn can lead to a higher quality discussion, ideas and knowledge exchange. Conclusion Mentoring is a very positive and empowering process and experience which benefits not only the mentees but also the mentors and organisations. Mentoring is generally provided on a pro bono basis and provides the opportunity to give something back and create a legacy. Having a good mentor can significantly boost your career prospects and growth potential. So what are you waiting for? Find that mentor now!  

To pass your CAP2 and FAE exams you need to implement a rigorous study plan during the year as you approach qualification. As an ACA finalist, you will need to implement the same approach and format to your job search and career plan. If you don't structure your job steps through a considered strategic plan, you risk your career pathway making random jumps and just falling into opportunities. Here are a few suggestions to help you build the beginning of your effective long-term career plan:In 10 years when you are an FCA, what role do you think you will want to be settled into? What does this picture look like?  Map it out for yourself in detail At five years PQE (post qualification experience), what role do you anticipate holding?  It should be a good springboard to your 10 year target. It should be in line with the Career Pathway map Do an honest skills set audit: Document the skills you are strong on and identify what you are lacking and will need to shore up / develop if they are important to your 5/10 year plan Speak to people – a lot!  Make your career map part of your business conversations and put your ambition to go out there in a particular direction with peopleDocument your plan: Write it down – keep a detailed spreadsheet.  Track and analyse it like a full ongoing long-term project that you give monthly priority to. (I have seen very average performers reach lofty career heights by giving sufficient time and attention to their career projects and ambitions – don’t put it low on your to-do list). If you aim to move on after qualifying then take a look at the key actions and considerations hereStart meetings with a few mentors and document the tips they give you in your career fileBuild your personal brand both in work and online/LinkedInStart to build your personal network in line with key career influencersPut a slot in your diary each month to spend a few hours on your career projectConsider a mentor: We can put you in touch with an advisor who will share experience, knowledge and tips. Find out more about the mentoring programme hereThere is of course a lot more to building a formal career plan but these are a few initial considerations and initial building blocks to put in place. Once you qualify make sure you connect with your Chartered Accountants Ireland Careers team to map out the rest of the plan and review the wide variety of ACA paths and market opportunities.Dave Riordan (ACA)Recruitment Specialist and Career CoachContact Dave here 

For the three and a half years of my training contract I remember that all of my interactions with the Institute were around lectures and exams and that when I qualified it was such a relief to be free from all that administration and exam pressure. When you qualify as an ACA it is very tempting to just ignore any communication and networking opportunities with the Institute and indeed this may be your first reaction. However, before you make this decision you need to consider what you are missing out on in terms of the potential to build a solid professional network, develop your career and of course have some fun with other members. With no exams on your plate and all that free time one of the best things you can do as a qualified member is to explore how the Institute can now be leveraged to the advantage of your personal brand and career trajectory! Another consideration of course is that by demonstrating that you have an ongoing relationship with the Institute and where this is evident from you CV it will indicate to an employer a certain positive dimension to your personality such as loyalty, communication and relationship management skills as well as displaying your career ambition and motivation. Here are a few specific ways to build and maintain that relationship with Chartered Accountants Ireland in the years after qualification :Explore a range of committees and special interest groups that you can join and get involved with including the Young Professionals, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, the Technology committee to name but a fewGet involved with the district societies from a social and committee perspective. Playing a key role in a committee can be a great way to build a range of skills such as public speaking and presentation skills as well as getting to understand how a committee operates including from a governance perspective. These skills can all be very beneficial when you are seeking to advance your career. There is also huge potential in terms of building important relationships both on a personal and professional level.When the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, as a member you can use rooms in CA House for meeting purposes. This is a tangible benefit to members and also represents a good way for you to visit the hub of Chartered Accountancy and to meet other fellow members and staff. Again when it is safe to do so there will be the opportunity for you to attend a range of relevant and interesting events in CA House. Events typically have a social and networking dimension to them and you will get to meet members from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors. We often hold events offsite and we like to explore new and exciting venues. We are always looking to try out new events too and in recent times we have held virtual quizzes, health and welling being sessions, fun runs and beach clean ups.The Careers and Recruitment service provides you with a great touchpoint with your Institute. You can meet with a member of the Careers team for a confidential career conversation that will help to guide you as you make important career decisions and it will help you to achieve your career goals. We can work with you to help you to set and achieve your career goals.Our panel of Career Mentors is another way to engage with us and to gain the benefit of an expert panel of experienced Chartered Accountants who are available free of charge to provide you with career advice based on their own career journey to date.CPD courses are another way in which to leverage the resources available to you as a member. Not only will you get to hear from some of the best lecturers and speakers you will also get to engage with your fellow members and learn from them as they share their experiences during our interactive sessions. A carefully selected CPD course can not only help you to build your knowledge it can also help you to build your network.Join the Chartered Accountants LinkedIn group and contribute content or simply add some comments. This will open up a whole new network for you and can be a useful resource when you are looking for guidance and advice.Volunteer to speak to trainees and students in the Institute about your career path. We are always interested in speaking to members who would like to share their experiences with other members or indeed with students. This is a great way not only to support others but will also help you to raise your profile. Another option is to perhaps consider part time lecturing for the Institute or getting involved with exam invigilation.Write an Article for Accountancy Ireland. We are always looking for subject matter experts to contribute content to our publications including Accountancy Ireland. This is an opportunity for you to share your knowledge, develop your writing skills and also to raise your profile.These are just a few ideas how you can use your Institute to your advantage as a qualified member and really harness the network and energy of the largest professional business community in Ireland not to mention international linkages. It is important to remember that peer-to-peer support is an essential ingredient for career success and of course having fun is essential too and you will find both when you connect with your Institute. Dave Riordan ACARecruitment Specialist and Career Coach Chartered Accountants Ireland     

As a newly qualified ACA, you may look to decide whether to stay with your training practice or make a move into industry, financial services or even move to another firm.  Largely, the state of the employment market has a bearing on this decision and must be taken into consideration. In normal times, traveling or spending a year away would be another option. Currently however the choice facing most 2020/2021 newly qualified ACAs is whether to remain on a practice career path or make the move into and industry role. Here are a few points to consider in this regard:PracticeBeing invited to stay in your training practice is a positive endorsement of your track record and calibre With exams finished, staying in your firm will allow you the time to focus on client relationships and to  add new softer skills to your repertoire, like people management or delivering senior level presentationsPractice can sometimes be regarded as slightly more insulated from harsh market forces, but it is important to note that the professional services sector is impacted by any economic dips too The path is clear in practice. There is a hierarchical ladder to climb with regular increments and you know what your next step entails. If your plan is to achieve partnership, the path is clearly defined  If you enjoy interacting with clients, the practice model of client relationship management is very rewarding Working with multiple clients and evolving varied projects in practice provides nice variety and many ACAs enjoy this new monthly change. Moving to a new firm can give you an exciting new client portfolio to representIndustryThe earlier you move into industry after qualification the easier the move will be and the more options you will have Remaining in practice to senior management or director level can make it slightly more difficult to take that step into industry although far from impossible  A move into industry can introduce you to business and strategic decision making. Involvement in the commerciality of the business itself can become a feature of a move to industry  There is greater variety and flavours of roles and titles in industry and financial services Moving into industry, you can find a company or organisation with a culture and energy that really fits your personality and strengths You can forge a new career path towards FD, CFO or head of finance positions. It may allow you use your qualification in a very different way ultimately ending up as CEO of a  charity for example or even leading a semi-state body as is the case with FCA Imelda Hurley Pay in industry and particularly financial services is usually a little better than practice equivalent roles There is no right answer in deciding whether to stay in practice or to move to industry. Both have their merits and it really depends on the person. It is worth noting that once you make the leap into industry it can be a little more difficult to go back in to practice. As always your Careers Team is here to advise and discuss decisions like this and any other career related issues so don’t hesitate to contact us upon qualification. Dave Riordan (ACA) Recruitment Specialist & Career Coach 

In an article in ICAEW's Insights publication, KPMG’s Director of Sustainability Services Richard Betts describes the sustainability sector as offering a bright future for ACAs beginning their careers.Sustainability is a rapidly developing area and with many companies only just getting started, providing opportunities for ACAs to bring added value in many ways.  Sustainability work, Betts explained, matches the ACA skillset. Betts himself says he never thought about working in sustainability originally, and started in financial audit, transferring to KPMG’s sustainability department.  "The ACA training gave me a really good foundation and transferable skills. Doing the ACA and working in financial audit gives you discipline and rigour, project management skills and attention to detail. Even though our data is not financial data, you still need the same skills.”As a job sector for ACAs Betts emphasised that sustainability is a growth area, and is extremely active, despite COVID-19 presenting short-term difficulties in the economy, with a lot more work to be done in the coming years. The majority of large accountancy firms now have sustainability teams, which could be a focus for ACAs searching for work. The work of sustainablity is also integrated into core business: “At KPMG, we have sustainability engagements working with our financial audit teams but also with our tax and advisory teams,” he said. Betts describe the his own work in the area of sustainability where his ACA provided transferable skills enabling him to thrive in these fields, as well as existing and potential work for ACAs in the area:non-financial reporting and assurance (for example GRI Standards, CDP, ISAE 3000, AA1000 and IIRC Integrated Reporting)integrating key non-financial information into primary annual reports, for example to align with TCFD recommendations to include climate-related financial risk disclosures within their annual reportsustainability strategy and implementationsustainable financingenvironmental due diligenceclimate change advisory services (TCFD and climate risk, GHG monitoring and reporting, decarbonisation and renewable energy)social value circular economy auditing non-financial impactThe article states that "In the future, companies will need to report far more extensively on non-financial data that is now material to all businesses. More ACAs will be needed to do the necessary work."For more resources see our Sustainability Centre on the Chartered Accountants Ireland website.