Emma Guilfoyle, Trainee Chartered Accountant, Eisner Amper (formerly MKO)

Degree Bachelor or Commerce (NUIG)
Job title Trainee Chartered Accountant
Employer Eisner Amper

I studied International Commerce with Spanish in NUIG and I really enjoyed both the business and language elements of the course. But accounting was where my real interest was. When I completed my degree, I was looking for a dynamic environment in which to complete my accountancy training. Eisner Amper offered me the opportunity to gain experience across a variety of sectors and to play an active role in winning and managing business from an early stage.

My current role

I provide audit, outsourcing and accounting services to Eisner Amper’s international and Irish clients. These clients operate across a range of sectors from MedTech and IT through to the property and financial services.
In any one week I could be assisting an overseas client with compliance matters in terms of setting up in and operating from Ireland, completing bi-monthly VAT returns for one of our start-up clients, or working on a set of management accounts. Working in Eisner Amper has given me the opportunity to work with colleagues across all departments and gain experience by working closely with senior management and partners.

Professional development

I am currently studying for my Chartered Accountant qualification. The course at Chartered Accountants Ireland can be quite demanding, but it is also rewarding at it is internationally recognised. Eisner Amper also organises training events on subjects relevant to work and study.

Advice for students

While many people are aware of routes for graduates in the biggest accountancy firms, there are similar excellent graduate opportunities in other firms that you’ll meet in the Milkround. My firm, Eisner Amper is focused on developing rounded business professionals, not just technically competent Chartered Accountants, so an understanding of what’s going on in the business environment is beneficial. It’s important to consider how you are going to work, study and life balance, so have a plan for how you will manage it all.

Emma Guilfoyle was interviewed for the gradireland Finance sector guide 2015