14 Nov, 2023

Blazing a trail in our Food & Agribusiness Team

Oisín is one of the Covid generation at ifac! On completing his Ag. Science degree in UCD in 2020, his first interview with us was in person, but his second interview was online as we were catapulted into a virtual world. Oisín points out that his decision to apply to ifac was a very natural and logical one. With a background in farming and a degree in the sector, he was always interested in the business side of farming and agribusiness.

As a dedicated member of our Food & Agribusiness Team, Oisín has played a pivotal role in the team's success. His work revolves around collaborating with clients to enhance value in their food and agribusiness. His contributions have been instrumental in crafting strategic plans that support clients' growth and success. “I get great exposure to our clients, and because so many Irish farm and agribusinesses are family-driven, there’s great satisfaction in knowing that you’re making a real contribution to the lives of the people whom you support every day as part of your day-to-day job.”

One of the key facets of Oisín's role is to provide sector-specific expertise to clients, ensuring that their unique needs and challenges are addressed effectively. This includes offering guidance on navigating funding applications, a critical aspect for businesses in the food and agri sector. Oisín and the team also act as trusted external marketing advisors, assisting clients in developing strategies to promote their products and services in competitive markets. Oisín works with a diverse range of clients, spanning from start-ups to internationally trading enterprises. This versatility highlights his ability to adapt to the specific needs of each client, offering tailored solutions that drive their success.

"Ifac have been instrumental in nurturing my professional growth and development."

Oisín lives in Ashbourne, County Meath, and works primarily from home. Once a week he joins the rest of the team in our Dublin office, and once a month, he joins the broader ifac team in Kilkenny for a catch-up. Oisín points to the need to keep in close contact with your fellow staff members. “We have a virtual water cooler chat first thing every day – just to keep us all on the same page and set out our plans for the day.”

Ifac have been instrumental in nurturing my professional growth and development. They have provided me with extensive support in achieving additional qualifications such as my CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting and my Diploma in Leadership and Management from UCD. My qualification as a GDPR Practitioner demonstrates ifac’s commitment to ensuring team members have the expertise and knowledge required to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of data protection and privacy.” ifac's investment in Oisín's career development underscores its dedication to empowering its team members with the tools and knowledge necessary for success. This commitment not only benefits Oisín but also translates into enhanced service and expertise provided to clients in the food and agribusiness industry.

Oisín is a member of our Pathfinders Group at ifac. This is an initiative that allows us to get input and opinions from younger team members (under 30 years of age) on potential developments, processes, workflows, career pathways, recruitment, and retention strategies. This ensures that everyone in the team, at all levels, has a voice, and Oisín is quick to praise a scheme that looks to keep the firm up-to-date on new developments. “It’s fantastic that they take the time to really listen to the people they hope will lead the company in the mid-term future. They’re very open to input and feedback, and you really do feel listened to.”

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Packed with key trends, industry insights and tips from business owners, our report provides a complete overview of the food and agribusiness SME sector.