This International Accounting Day, together with our Baker Tilly International colleagues around the world, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore is proud to celebrate our profession and what’s changed in the industry. Following another busy year, our Business Services Manager Michael Boylan joins us for a look back on his career, which began 15 years ago as a graduate trainee with Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.
What initially drew you to a career in accounting?
At school, I developed a strong interest in maths, finance and business. When it came time to consider my next step, studying accounting at university felt like a natural choice.
How has your perspective on the profession changed over your 15 years?
When I chose to pursue a career in accounting, I saw the profession as being primarily focused on numbers and providing reliable financial information. Fifteen years on, I now understand that the role is much broader and more complex.
Today, accountants are trusted advisers who help clients make informed business decisions. The role involves staying up to date with legislative changes, understanding how these may affect a client's business, and providing strategic guidance alongside the preparation of financial statements and tax returns.
How did you go from being a graduate trainee to being a Manager in the Business Services team?
During my three-and-a-half-year training contract, I had the opportunity to work across several areas of the firm, including Business Services, Internal Audit and External Audit.
After attaining my professional qualification with Chartered Accountants Ireland, I continued to gain experience across different departments before settling in the Audit team. I progressed from Senior to Assistant Manager and then to Manager, taking on greater responsibility at each stage. When an opportunity arose within the Business Services team, I saw it as a chance to broaden my experience further and made the move into the department.
How do you ensure that you're servicing clients to the best of your ability?
While we plan as much as possible, no two days are ever the same, and that's one of the aspects I enjoy most about the role. Every day brings new challenges and priorities, with some periods naturally busier than others.
For me, delivering the best possible service comes down to three key areas: organisation, clear communication and embracing technology to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their individual needs is also essential.
How has the profession changed in your 15 years in it?
When I started my career in 2011, many clients still relied heavily on paper-based records. Over time, businesses have embraced technology, moving from paper records and ledgers to spreadsheets and now to cloud-based accounting platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
Artificial Intelligence is now the next major technological development. Used correctly, AI can help accounting professionals improve efficiency and automate routine tasks, while also giving business owners greater access to insights from their financial data to support decision-making.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in accounting?
Accountancy offers an excellent and rewarding career path. Training within a medium-sized firm provides a wide variety of experiences, exposure to different industries, and the opportunity to gain a highly respected professional qualification.
The skills and knowledge developed through accountancy, particularly understanding how businesses operate and how to interpret financial information, create a strong foundation for a wide range of careers in business and finance. Whether you remain in practice or move into industry, the opportunities are extensive.