I graduated from the Poznan University of Economics with a degree in finance and accounting back in Poland in 2011. Initially I was not sure if I wanted to pursue a career in accounting, but I knew I was on the right path when I got my first job in the billing department in Carlsberg’s Poznan financial shared service centre.
For the next six years or so I continued to work in various accounting specialist roles, speaking both English and German. I greatly enjoyed the multinational aspect of this, collaborating on a daily basis with colleagues based anywhere in Europe. I intended continuing to progress my career in Poland, but then I met my future husband in 2015 and moved with him to Cork, his hometown, a year later.
I chose ACCA due to its reputable status and international recognition
Though I had a strong track record in various assistant accounting roles, it was initially a struggle to find a job here in Ireland. I quickly realised I would need to pursue a qualification to get back on track with my career. Having secured a junior job in accounting in late 2016, I immediately began my ACCA journey. I chose ACCA over other qualifications due to its reputable status and international recognition – I wasn’t sure at the time that I would remain in Ireland permanently, but knew I could complete my exams anywhere in Europe.
What followed were nearly three years of study and nine exams, all while working, getting engaged, married and moving house. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my employer of over five years, Oxford Global Resources, and my supervisor who had huge faith in my capabilities to complete the exams. He went above and beyond to accommodate me with my study time and, at the same time, promoted me on multiple occasions.
To my huge surprise I came first in Ireland in two of my exams (audit & assurance and advanced taxation (Ireland), having had no on-the-job experience with either. This made me wonder if my natural strengths might sit within other areas of accounting, and I made the move into tax compliance and advisory. I am currently 1.5 years into working at EY here in Cork and just recently gained a new qualification as a tax advisor. I am still expanding my knowledge of Irish taxation and growing my expertise in this fascinating area.
Moving countries and pursuing two qualifications has pushed me to grow
Cork is now my new home and, as much as I miss Poland, I really appreciate Ireland for its friendly work culture. I appreciate the fact that senior colleagues are easily approachable, and I get to receive more recognition and thanks for my work, as well as encouragement to build my skills and aim high. Moving countries and pursuing two qualifications has pushed me to grow in many ways, both in my career and on a personal level. I am not sure I would have been where I am now if I had stayed home.
None of this would have happened without the support of my loving husband and his family. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders since I moved to Ireland. Their presence in my life has made all the efforts worthwhile, and I know moving countries was the best decision I ever made.
