Accounting for loads of success

Three Cork students have won awards for academic excellence in subjects related to accountancy.

The awards were presented by CPA Ireland to Hanna Gilicze from Dillon’s Cross for data analytics for finance, Chloe O’Sullivan from Banduff for advanced tax strategy, and Tomas Jablkowski from Bandon for corporate law.

Speaking at CPA Ireland’s annual conferring ceremony in the O’Reilly Hall in UCD, CPA President Áine Collins said: “Accountancy is now well and truly a global profession, and a CPA qualification opens doors across the globe. Today CPAs from Ireland are working in over 50 countries.”

A survey of Irish accountancy, finance and business students carried out by CPA Ireland found a strong desire to work abroad in their future careers.

The survey found that 84 per cent of respondents cited working abroad as one of their key career ambitions, while for 12 per cent, it was the single highest priority.

In a departure from previous trends, half stated that continental Europe would be their first-choice destination, followed by the US with 27 per cent, Australia with ten per cent and Canada with nine per cent.

Ms Collins said: “While the trend of accountants travelling is nothing new, it is interesting to see so many now consider Europe their top choice destination. This will help Ireland build new, stronger relationships with trading partners across Europe in the years ahead. We look forward to supporting our own members on these journeys.”

She added: “Congratulations Hanna, Chloe, Tomas and to all the 2021 prize-winners who come from diverse roles in both practice and industry, and thank you to all our partner firms involved in this event.”