Taking the long route from Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America to Mallow

Niamh’s route to ifac was not exactly what you’d call typical. She did an arts degree after leaving school, and went on to obtain her H Dip. She started teaching German and geography, but it quickly became obvious that this wasn’t the career for her, and she took a year off to go travelling to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

On her return to Ireland, she applied for a Receptionist role at ifac. "But the interview panel suggested I’d be a better fit for a bookkeeping position, and I started training straight away." What followed was the beginning of what she describes as her 'second career.'

Niamh enrolled in the Accounting Technician exams shortly after joining ifac, dedicating two years to developing her knowledge, particularly enjoying the tax modules. That interest led her to pursue CPA exams, studying through CIT and Griffith College. “I had a few exemptions from the ATI course, which helped, but getting through the CPA exams took a few years between maternity leaves and the kids being very small,” she recalls.

Once qualified, Niamh was appointed as a Senior Accountant. This role gave her deeper insight into the operational aspects of the office, where she benefited immensely from the mentorship of Stuart, whose guidance helped her grow both professionally and personally. “His support gave me the confidence to take on greater responsibility,” she says. “So when the opportunity to apply for partnership arose, I felt well prepared and fully equipped to take on the challenge. It felt like a natural next step in my journey with ifac.”

Niamh’s work philosophy is that her role is to help her clients live their best lives. “That’s not just about financial success, but can also involve creating enough time to enjoy their hobbies, their interests, their family and the good things in life.” With children of her own, aged five and seven, she’s well placed to appreciate that a successful work life is only part of the equation when it comes to having a sense of balance in your life.

“I work three days a week from the office, and the fourth day of a four-day week is from home. I get to enjoy breakfast with the kids and I really believe that this sends both adults and children alike off to school or work in the best possible frame of mind.”

 When pressed on what impresses here most at ifac, she immediately states that it’s teamwork. “Everyone works towards the same goals for their clients, and there’s very little ego around my own Mallow office or within the broader ifac organisation." She also points to the fact that hard work is noticed, encouraged and rewarded. “If you’re committed, the prospects for advancement are excellent and I find myself today working as a Partner despite knowing nothing about accountancy just eleven years ago. They’re very good here at identifying talent, then giving you every possible opportunity to make the most of that talent.”

Outside of work, running and yoga keep her fit enough to keep up with two super-active children who are a constant reminder of just how good life can be when work and home dovetail.