The view from H M Abdur Rahman ACCA

As audit senior at FM Accountants & Business Advisors, I support small and medium-sized entities. Sectors in focus include hospitality, NGOs, trading, manufacturing and financial institutions. I lead statutory audits and prepare financial statements for a diverse portfolio of clients. My responsibilities include planning and managing audit engagements; ensuring regulatory compliance; liaising with clients; delivering high-quality work within deadlines; and mentoring junior team members while contributing to continuous process improvements within the firm.

I am originally from Bangladesh, where I completed my ACCA qualification. I moved to Ireland in September 2024 to pursue an MSc in accounting and finance management. Since then, I have been working in Ireland, which has been a highly valuable and enriching experience. The professional environment in Ireland places strong emphasis on transparency, structured processes and regulatory compliance, while also providing exposure to diverse industries and international practices, supporting both my career development and personal growth.

FM Accountants & Business Advisors supports Irish businesses and foreign investors entering Ireland. Based in the historic heart of Dublin, the firm combines technical expertise with commercial insight to deliver tailored services, including tax planning, audit and restructuring. The team is committed to providing timely and effective advice to meet client objectives. In 2026, FM Accountants joined AAB Group, an exciting step forward in the development of our services offering.

The growing impact of AI on the accounting profession is something I see very much in terms of opportunities. It is shifting the focus from manual, routine tasks to a more strategic and advisory role. Rather than replacing accountants, AI enhances our capabilities, allowing us to work more efficiently and provide deeper insights to clients. As automation takes over repetitive work, accountants can focus more on understanding client needs and delivering value-added advice.

We aim to integrate AI-driven tools into our processes. This will streamline routine tasks, improve accuracy and free up time for higher-value activities, allowing us to strengthen our focus on advisory services, deepen client relationships and provide more insightful, forward-looking guidance. At the same time, we will continue to invest in developing skills that align with this evolving role, ensuring that we remain adaptable and client focused.

In a constantly evolving financial and regulatory environment, staying updated and being open to change is essential. Technical knowledge alone is not enough; effective communication, professionalism and the ability to understand client needs are equally important. Building trust and maintaining high ethical standards are fundamental to long-term success in the accounting and finance profession.

Being selected for the Leaders of Tomorrow programme is an exciting opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and broaden my professional outlook. I look forward to engaging with industry experts, learning from diverse perspectives and building a strong professional network. The programme will help me enhance my strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my organisation and clients while preparing for future leadership roles within the profession.

I enjoy exploring different parts of Ireland and experiencing its natural landscape and culture. I also like spending time with friends and staying socially connected. In my free time, I keep myself updated with developments in finance and technology, which I find both interesting and beneficial for my career. Additionally, I enjoy listening to classical music and occasional outdoor activities as a way to relax and maintain a balanced lifestyle.