Hailed for ‘embodying dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism’, Niamh Redmond FCCA is the 2026 ACCA Ireland Advocate of the Year.
The ACCA Ireland Practitioners’ Panel member ‘exemplifies what it means to be a passionate and committed ambassador for ACCA’, and is someone who has ‘dedicated countless hours voluntarily to promote the profession’. So said Anthony Glennon FCCA, chair of the ACCA Ireland Practitioners’ Panel, who nominated Redmond for the accolade.
Glennon added that what stood out in Redmond’s commitment to ACCA was her ‘active engagement with students across Ireland, demystifying the qualification, and encouraging young talent to consider a career in accountancy’.
Flexibility and opportunity
In accepting the award, Redmond acknowledged that her work in the ACCA Schools Initiative ‘recognises something I genuinely enjoy doing’, and said she takes particular pleasure in highlighting the diverse career pathways made possible by the ACCA qualification.
‘Career paths don’t have to be linear and it is never too late to pursue a new direction’
It may help that Redmond’s own career journey is a reflection of this diversity. An occupational therapist before, in her own words, she ‘redirected to accountancy’, Redmond began her ACCA studies in 2014. Recruited by Forvis Mazars in 2016 as an audit trainee, she subsequently moved into tax and is today tax manager at Forvis Mazars Limerick.
‘My story is evidence that career paths don’t have to be linear and it is never too late to pursue a new direction,’ she said.
Redmond’s ability to talk about career-changing decisions and to understand other perspectives may also explain the rapport she quickly builds with students. Trust and respect are key, she believes.
‘Building engagement can take time, particularly at second level, when students are often unsure about their future career options,’ she said. ‘However, by the end of a session, I find the atmosphere has usually changed completely. Students are asking questions, sharing their thoughts and showing real enthusiasm. Seeing that shift in confidence and curiosity is always rewarding and reminds me why these conversations are so important.’
Focus on the future
Those experiences also give her direct insight into current thinking among this new generation around the hot topic of AI. ‘What I see is that students are certainly interested in this new technology,’ she said. ‘However, AI is less a focus for many second-level students than you might expect, certainly compared to the question of what a flexible future career would look like.’
‘Continuous learning and a positive attitude can take you further than any mapped-out plan’
Being part of the ACCA Schools Initiative also leads Redmond to question whether the current curriculum is truly serving their needs. ‘I would love to see more practical business and financial education at second level and practical exposure to the basics of tax,’ she said. ‘Developing financial literacy and business awareness earlier would give students a stronger foundation for future study and career choices.’
Continuous learning
If advocacy is central to her recognition by ACCA this year, it is also part of a broader connection that has brought deep rewards. ‘Being involved with ACCA has allowed me to build a strong professional network and connect with people across different sectors,’ Redmond said. ‘The relationships, insights and resources that come from that involvement have been invaluable throughout my career.’
Outside of work, Redmond is a keen traveller who enjoys spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with a good book when time allows. As to what has shaped her commitment to engaging with and inspiring others, Redmond explained: ‘I don’t have a particular mantra I live by, but I do think it’s important to be open to new opportunities and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Continuous learning and a positive attitude can often take you further than any mapped-out plan’.
An advocate of calibre
In the 2026 Advocate of the Year, ACCA has found an exemplary expression of the organisation’s living values of inclusion, integrity and innovation. ‘ACCA Ireland is fortunate to have an advocate of Niamh’s calibre championing the profession, leaving a lasting impact on the students she meets,’ said Glennon.
Reflecting on the path that has taken her to this point, Redmond said that ‘accountancy has provided me with such a varied and interesting career. Advocacy is my way of giving back.’
More information
Find out about the ACCA Mentoring Programme
Read this AB article on The power of mentorship
