A belief in delivering professional services that benefit society as a whole and the view that we are better together have guided much of my career, and were top of mind when I became chair of ACCA Ireland.
The appeal of the position undoubtedly lies in the opportunity it provides to effect change and throw light on the ability of ACCA to transform and empower.
In setting out my three key priorities or themes for my time as chair – a particular focus on the ACCA Schools Initiative; supporting regional networking opportunities; and delivering impactful CPD events through greater co-ordination and collaboration – I was keen to reflect the ACCA values of inclusion, integrity and innovation.
I have always been passionate about equality of opportunity, and having attended a primary school that is now designated as DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) I know how important education is in creating opportunities in an unequal world.
As chair I focused on bringing the ACCA Schools Initiative to DEIS schools with the clear message that, if you have the ability, there is no impediment to becoming a professional accountant.
The work of the Schools Initiative sub-committee has helped ACCA Ireland deliver strongly on this. By February this year, eight schools will have participated in the programme since I became chair, with an additional 12 schools set to follow by the year’s end.
The move to virtual meetings may has proved to be a catalyst for considerable innovation
Equality of opportunity was also at the heart of one of the first events I was invited to chair. The Disability Inclusion Information Session saw Christabelle Feeney, director of Employers for Change, deliver a powerful presentation on recruiting, employing and retaining employees with disabilities.
As we grappled with the pandemic and its aftermath, the work of our Networking and Collaboration sub-committee, the ‘Any1know’ initiative sought to create a seamless link between networking and knowledge sharing, with events in Galway, Antrim, Waterford and Naas in 2022, and more to follow this year.
The move to virtual meetings may have been imposed on us by the pandemic, but it has proved to be a catalyst for considerable innovation. As CPD moved largely online we have seen greater creativity and wider collaboration in the development and delivery of content.
The growing collaboration between sectoral and regional panels that online events allows has undoubtedly delivered a topical programme, high-calibre speakers and large audiences, with opportunities to deliver more for our members in the years ahead.
Any success enjoyed in translating my aspirations into real outputs must be credited firstly to the ACCA Ireland Committee and the wonderful group of people I have been fortunate to work with over the past 16 months. Their support was evident from the very first meeting, as the creation of highly focused sub-committees allowed us to actively progress each work stream.
I don’t believe real trust is possible without ethical and honest behaviours and true accountability
At the heart of any good team is trust, and I don’t believe real trust is possible without ethical and honest behaviours and true accountability. These core ACCA values have been integral to the ability of the ACCA Ireland committee to make a difference.
Let me sincerely thank my colleagues in the committee, the ACCA Ireland team, my colleagues at Centrus and my family for the unstinting support they gave me throughout my time as chair. I know I will take inspiration from the experience far into the future.
It only remains to wish Stephen Doyle FCCA every success as the baton now passes to him.
