BDO collaborates with ACCA in new initiative to create pathways for next generation

The initiative was developed alongside an innovative new game, the “ACCA, Entrepreneurial Challenge” that sets ‘Dragon’s Den’ style tasks to students, challenging them to consider the broad business and strategy skills now required in the profession – busting the myth that a career in accountancy is still focused simply on number crunching.

Stephen O’Flaherty, Director in BDO Corporate Finance & Recovery and Chair of ACCA Ireland said, “This programme is a reflection of ACCA’s commitment to support the NCCA’s (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) review of the entire senior cycle which is seeking to create better pathways from the Leaving Certificate into the workplace. One key element within NCCA’s review is to seek ways of developing better links between employers and schools, and ACCA’s new initiative creates a direct and interactive partnership between leading professional employers and the education sector.  This approach enables students to experience first-hand the role, expertise and skills required within accountancy”.

A pilot initiative in the Mid-West has already achieved success with public and private sector organisations including BDO, IDA Ireland, Northern Trust and Cook Medical partnering with local schools to help build the skillsets of students and outlining the significant opportunities provided by a career in the accountancy profession.

As part of the initiative students also had the opportunity to spend time in the BDO offices. BDO welcomed winners Emer Ryan, Rachel Naughton, Alison Reeves, Moya Byrnes and Bronagh Dollard, Transition Year Students from the Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh. During their visit, the students developed an understanding of the central place a modern accountant plays while shadowing an ACCA member within BDO for tuition and guidance throughout the day.