The promotion of opportunities for life-long learning and continuous professional development are key priorities for new Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) President, Kathya Rouse. Accounting Technicians Ireland is the leading professional body for accounting technicians on the island of Ireland with a community of over 10,000 students and members working in industry, practice and the public sector. It offers a highly regarded professional diploma and apprenticeship, as well as professional supports for graduates and members.
Ms Rouse, a founding partner in McMoreland Duffy Rouse, a Sligo town audit and tax consulting firm, has a strong track-record in the business and voluntary sectors, and brings expertise in corporate governance to the role. A Sligo Town native, Ms Rouse is chair of both the boards of Sligo Volunteer Centre, which connects volunteers to non-profit groups, and the State’s Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) for the North Connacht and Ulster regions. Ms Rouse succeeds Limerick-based Mary Gleeson in the position.
A member of the Accounting Technicians Ireland Board since 2018, Ms Rouse has said she would champion the life-long learning opportunities offered by the Institute. “Having benefited from second-chance education and continuous professional development, I have a fervent commitment to the promotion of life-long learning,” said Ms Rouse. “Accounting Technicians Ireland’s strategy plan for 2020-24, ‘Shaping and Responding to the Environment’, will guide the Institute through these evolving times to ensure the continued provision of innovative professional accounting technician education across Ireland.” Ms Rouse co-founded her own firm in 2008 at the start of the economic crisis, following nine years with a local practice, during which time she qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and then as a Chartered Tax Advisor.
“It was the right time for me, and now, in what is another period of national uncertainty, continuous development and learning is vital to support the advancement of the accounting technician professional, and with them, the wider finance and accountancy sector.” Ms Rouse has also pledged to work to implement strategies aimed at safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of Accounting Technicians Ireland members. “I have found outside interests which help my wellbeing in mindfulness, yoga and painting. Whatever the situation, it is critical everybody carves out time for themselves during the busy working week. “As we emerge from the pandemic and gain new perspectives on its long-term impact on our own individual and personal situations, it is a necessity that mental health remains at the forefront of our priorities.”
Ms Rouse has served as chair of ATI’s Audit and Risk Committee. She holds Diplomas in Forensic Accounting, Governance for the Charitable Sector and Corporate Governance. She is currently studying part-time for an MA in Law.
Pictured: Kathya Rouse, new President of Accounting Technicians Ireland. Pic credit: Donal Hackett.
