Irish Accountancy Awards – Excellence in Education and Training Winners 2017

Saturday, May 20, 2017 - 11:45

The Accounting Group were delighted with their success at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2017 being declared Winners of the Excellence in Education and Training category.  The award which recognises excellence in the delivery and development of knowledge or skills in the Accountancy Profession was presented to Aodhdín Casey, on behalf of the Accounting Group by John McCarrick, Institute of Incorporated Public Accountants.

The Judging Panel were particularly impressed with our holistic approach in supporting career development in accountancy with a strong focus on innovation and ability to enrich development through cross disciplinary collaboration.  They were also impressed with our established curriculum with deep industry ties and academic rigour, providing students with ‘vast resources for career development’. Inclusion of accountancy as part of our Arts degree was also highlighted as a very attractive proposition to students and described as an ‘Impressive and forward thinking outreach programme’.

The Accounting function at Maynooth University sits comfortably within the Department of Economics Finance and Accounting under the guidance of our Head of Department Dr Fabrice Rousseau, where the mutual benefits of cross discipline collaboration benefit accounting, finance and economics students alike. The Accounting Function within the department is relatively young developing its first Accounting programme in 2004/05. Prior to this accounting was taught as a subject on the BA Finance degree.  Our accounting staff are qualified accountants with extensive experience in both practice and industry prior to joining the University. This unique blend of experience allows a holistic approach to module syllabi combining both technical knowledge with practical experience.  This coupled with a strong research ethos contributes significantly to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.  Working with our colleagues across the university we have developed a number of accounting designated degrees which offer students the opportunity to blend complementary disciplines, such as Finance, Business and Law with Accounting. Accounting is now also available as an ARTS subject enabling students to study it with two other subjects.

As part of our accounting education we seek to equip students with the broader skills required for a career in accountancy. Accounting at Maynooth University is strongly supported by both the professional accounting practices and significant industry employers, many of whom were in attendance at the awards ceremony held in the Ballsbridge Hotel on 18th May 2017.