I had a great Accountancy teacher at school, Noel Kiely, he always made the subject interesting and enjoyable. After leaving Cert I completed a business studies certificate in Dundalk, after which I got a Trainee Accountant position in Frank Lynch & Co., from there I have never looked back.

The practice where I trained was a CPA practice, there were 10-15 trainee accountants studying both ACCA and CPA. There was no Internet for research available at the time, so I chose CPA on the advice of some of my peers, lectures were convenient, and the exam structure suited my social and sporting activities.

I joined Frank Lynch & Co. in 1991. I trained there until 1995 under great mentors Frank and Ciaran Lynch and Tony McBride. In late 1995 I moved to a practice in Navan, I qualified in 1996. In 1998 I set up my own accountancy practice. Over the years as well as normal CPD I have upskilled in many areas including Insolvency and Corporate Restructuring.

Opportunities

Setting up my own Accountancy Firm at 27, Although stressful at times, the practice has given me a good lifestyle and allows me to live and work where I am from.

I am lucky to have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in business, while no one individual totally inspires me I take attributes from each of them.

Be proud of your qualification, CPA will open doors for you, embrace the journey.

I am involved in athletics, I have been race director for a number of road races, I train a Running Group three times a week, that is my escape. I am also involved with Longwood Senior Hurling Team as a coach/selector.

The ability to shut off.