At VANRATH, we love being part of the buzz that drives Northern Ireland’s professional community, so sponsoring this year’s Chartered Accountants event for the third time was an absolute pleasure. The dinner, which was held at Shu, was filled with brilliant minds, engaging conversations, and a shared mission — to build a profession that’s as exciting as it is essential.

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Gillian Sadlier, Chair of the Institute, kicked off the evening with a powerful message: Chartered Accountancy isn’t just about balancing the books — it’s about people. Attracting and keeping the best talent is key, and Northern Ireland is perfectly positioned to cultivate the next wave of finance leaders who are as strategic as they are skilled.

“Today’s Chartered Accountant needs to be a strong communicator, a team leader, and someone who truly understands the complexities of our regulatory landscape,” Gillian pointed out. She highlighted areas like cross-border trade, data compliance, and risk management — huge opportunities for professionals ready to dive in and make a real impact.

With skills shortages being a challenge, now is the time to show young professionals just how rewarding a career in accountancy can be. It’s a world where you can shape business strategy, drive change, and work across a variety of industries. In short—there’s never a dull moment!

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Our Managing Director, Barbara McKiernan, took to the stage to share why this year's theme ('Attracting and Retaining Talent') hits so close to home for us at VANRATH. We’re all about connecting brilliant people with the right opportunities, and over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to help so many talented individuals carve out incredible careers, including the careers of those in that very room at the MIB Dinner.

“As a recruitment partner, we’ve played a role in shaping many of the careers in this room. Whether it was that first step into the profession, a move to leadership, or even a complete career pivot, we’re proud to have been alongside many of you at key moments in your journey.” Barbara said. “The skills shortage in Northern Ireland is real, but so is the potential for this profession to thrive — if we continue to invest in people, showcase the opportunities, and make the career path as dynamic and attractive as it truly is.”

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This event wasn’t just about celebrating where the profession stands today—it was about looking ahead with enthusiasm. By focusing on skill development, championing career growth, and highlighting the real-world impact Chartered Accountants have, we can ensure the profession continues to thrive.

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At VANRATH, we’re passionate about supporting the talent that keeps Northern Ireland’s economy moving. Being part of events like this reminds us why we do what we do — helping people build fulfilling, exciting careers in a profession that’s evolving faster than ever.

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We can’t wait to see where the future takes us and those within the Accountancy world.