On finishing school I completed the IATI accounting technician course. I then entered a chartered accounting contract but left after being lured in to the bank by a 400% pay rise.
While in the bank I did the Financial Services exams and the Investment Advisor exams through the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. However, after two years of what I like to regard as time off for good behaviour I re-entered the Chartered Accountancy fold. I haven’t looked back since.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
The main reason I’d advise someone to train as a Chartered Accountant is that you get to apply the theory you learn at college the very next day in work. Unlike some other accountancy qualifications, a trainee Chartered Accountant is required to enter into a three to three and a half year training contract with an approved Institute of Chartered Accountants training partner. This coupled with the fact that you are being trained by other Chartered Accountants, means that the training is second to none. As a result, the candidate is hitting the ground running in their early to mid twenties.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Everyday I learn something new. And, to date I’ve done ten years of third level education. So, I’m in no rush to do any additional exams in the near future. Saying that, I do around forty hours of structured professional development courses on an annual basis. These would vary from taxation and auditing to practice marketing and development.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Actually, I didn't do any accountancy for my junior or leaving certificates. It wasn't until I started college that I encountered the world of double entry which was quite daunting. Saying that, I have no regrets choosing not to do accountancy in school.
