ACCA Ireland has three sector networks for members – for business, the financial sector and practice. The three networks reflect the diverse career paths and professional experience of ACCA members and recognise that continuing professional development (CPD) is enhanced by opportunities to network, collaborate and give something back to the profession and the wider community.
All ACCA Ireland member networks share the same structure. They are led by panels that are elected annually by the membership, meet quarterly and provide leadership, insight and support for ACCA Ireland’s evolving CPD programme.
‘By getting involved, you have the opportunity to greatly extend your network’
Business
In 2022, the business network – officially, the Business Leaders Forum – led with events on topics such as the post-Covid evolution of working (in conjunction with the Ulster member network), and risk management and sustainability from leadership perspectives (the latter in conjunction with the Ulster and Connaught member networks).
In 2022, in line with ACCA’s digital-first policy, all panel meetings were held virtually. Orla Carolan FCCA, chair of the Business Leaders Forum, cites several benefits. ‘Our members are from very diverse backgrounds and not all are Dublin-based. The virtual approach makes the most efficient use of their time.
‘We have seen increased collaboration with other panels as a result of meeting virtually, and are reaching more members with a wider range of topics. There is also greater sharing of ideas. Members recognise the advantage of learning and gaining CPD from events that also provide opportunities to connect and network.’
Becoming a panel member offers excellent opportunities on both fronts, she adds. ‘Everyone comes to the panel with different perspectives and ideas. By getting involved, you have the opportunity to become part of a strong, diverse team and to greatly extend your network.’
‘ACCA is full of individuals of the highest calibre who want to give something back’
Financial services
Evolving global and national concerns were to the fore in the work of the financial services network in 2022, says its chair Stephen Kenny FCCA. Highlights included roundtable discussions on anti-money laundering activities and the opportunities and threats for the sector in countering the financing of terrorism.
The latter saw keynote contributions from Sean Fleming, at the time the minister of state with responsibility for financial services, and Raluca Pruna, head of the EU’s financial crime unit, which resulted in a number of policy recommendations at ACCA global level.
Equally topical was an event on sustainable finance for the banking industry, while the annual credit union conference proved its worth to a sector of huge importance to communities across Ireland.
The return of the annual Christmas lunch in 2022 brought many network members together for the first time in almost three years. Kenny’s advice to anyone curious about playing a role in the network is simple. ‘ACCA is full of individuals of the highest calibre who are rightly proud of their qualification and who want to give something back,’ he says.
‘I have learned to be a better listener and presenter. I have even become better at remembering names!’
Practice
For Audrey Hennessy FCCA, taking up the role of chair of the practitioner network in 2022 was a chance to give something back, and an opportunity to build on skills. ‘I took up the position with very little previous experience and through the role my listening, presenting and mentoring skills have greatly improved. My ability at remembering names has surprised me!’
The focus of the practitioner network in 2022 was to connect members in practice with each other and to raise ACCA’s profile by highlighting the work and support available through ACCA.
As an example, Hennessy cites the setting up of the Kildare/West Dublin network. ‘We launched it in April with the aim of providing support and sharing knowledge among the smaller practices in that area. The network meets once a month and currently has 27 members. The success of the network reflects a yearning to connect and was followed by the roll-out of similar networks in Galway and Cork.’ The focus for the year ahead will continue to be on network expansion, with similar initiatives planned for Waterford/Wexford and Limerick/Kerry.
Joining a panel is, she says, ‘a fantastic opportunity to meet likeminded professionals, to get an insight into ACCA and the work it does to support members and the wider communities. For me, as a sole practitioner, what resonates from participation is recognition that there are lots of members like me, with the same concerns.’
Making a difference
All three sector panels also actively supported the roll-out of ACCA Ireland’s schools initiative during 2022, which involves a presentation on ACCA by a panel member to second-level students followed by an on-site visit to their workplace.
The ACCA Ireland website has information about standing for election to a member network. The next round of elections is scheduled for the end of 2023.
‘Joining the panel of an ACCA member network is undoubtedly a great opportunity to expand your skillset and grow your network,’ says ACCA Ireland’s member engagement manager Lloyd Meredith. ‘I would encourage members who are interested to connect with panel members and learn more in 2023. The positive feedback from the variety of initiatives undertaken last year is proof that participation really can make a difference.’
This is the first of two articles on how ACCA members can share their experience and knowledge during the year. Next month we look at the regional networks.
