CPA Member: Brendan McLarney

Title: Lecturer in Accounting

Company: TUS Athlone

Qualifications: Bachelor of Business, CPA Qualification

 

Route to CPA Qualification

Having completed a Bachelor of Business (Hons) Degree in 2002 at Athlone Institute of Technology, I took up a position in Quinn Direct Insurance (now Liberty Insurance) in the Commercial Insurance Underwriting Department. In 2006, I took up a position in Athlone Institute of Technology (now Technological University of the Shannon Athlone) as a Business Tutor. Whilst working full time, I commenced the CPA qualification, taking evening and weekend classes at Cavan Institute and Griffith College Dublin. My Business Degree provided me with generous exemptions and I qualified as a CPA in 2010. Since then, I have been awarded a fellowship of the institute and became a FCPA in 2020. I am now a Lecturer in Accounting in the Faculty of Business and Hospitality Studies at TUS Athlone.

 

A day in the life 

A work day generally starts with a 6:15am alarm for the commute from Cavan to Athlone. Traditional lectures can be timetabled between 9am to 6pm, so I typically arrive home between 6:30 and 7:30pm. Midweeks evenings are taken up with involvement in my son’s sport, be it Gaelic Football, Soccer, Swimming or Athletics. If the schedule permits, I like to get some exercise for myself. Cycling and Running are my go-to sports.

 

Fun fact 

I once sat two CPA exams on the same day – Corporate Reporting in the morning and Taxation in the afternoon. Thankfully, I passed both exams!

Advice for someone considering the CPA Qualification

Considering the CPA qualification for me was a no-brainer. It has opened many doors for me and provided me with endless opportunities. Having a professional qualification also provides you with a distinct advantage when applying for a promotion or a new position. The fact that the qualification can now be completed mostly online (lectures, revision courses and exams) makes it much more convenient than when I was a student. The drive from Cavan to Dublin for night and weekend classes was challenging to say the least! The suite of CPD courses on offer from CPA is second to none and they ensure that you are fully up to date with all aspects of the accounting profession, regardless of what area you specialise in. The staff at CPA are extremely helpful and willing to assist, regardless of what your needs are.