Claire shares her experience of living and working in Northern Ireland, her tips for things to see and do in the area and how you can connect with the local ICAS community.
What is day job?
I'm Director and Head of UK Financial Reporting Technical, Grant Thornton Ireland.
How long have you lived in Northern Ireland?
I've lived in Northern Ireland all my life, except for my post-graduate year where I studied at Stirling University.
Where did you train as a CA?
Through Grant Thornton, and I travelled to Glasgow for ICAS study and exams.
Which part of Northern Ireland do you call home?
I’m from Belfast, but now living in a village outside Lisburn.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss if visiting the area?
Titanic Belfast is a must-see – an amazing museum documenting the rich history of Belfast as one of the world’s leading shipbuilders in the early 1900s.
I’m new to the area, can you recommend somewhere for:
- A business lunch - The Grant Central Hotel in Belfast is a great venue for food, especially a business lunch in their ground-floor restaurant.
- An evening out- I'd recommend the Grant Central Hotel again for a drink in their Observatory on the 23rd floor. The panoramic views over the city are wonderful, and definitely to be enjoyed over a cocktail.
- A weekend getaway - the North Coast is a must-see. The Giant’s Causeway is stunningly beautiful, there are puffins and seals to be spotted on Rathlin Island. And not forgetting the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, at the Bushmills Distillery!
Describe the local professional community in three words:
Assets to the profession
(I know that’s four words…is that allowed?)
What are the best things about living and working in Belfast?
Belfast is a vibrant city and is home to many businesses both home-grown and international. It is a city full of culture and heritage, and the tourist industry has flourished in recent years, bringing people from all around the world to our wee country.
And what are the biggest challenges?
No one moves to Northern Ireland for the weather!
What advice would you give to another CA considering an opportunity in Belfast?
Belfast is a great place to live and work. It’s all I’ve known, in my professional career, but I don’t see myself ever wanting to work anywhere else now.
What made you decide to get involved and become an ICAS Ambassador?
I was “voluntold” to be an Ambassador by Graham Stirling, a fellow Grant Thornton Ireland ICAS member! I’m so glad, though, as it has been great to start building a network across Ireland and get to know other members here.
And what have been the biggest takeaways for you personally and professionally?
Building a network is vital in our profession, and having contacts to link in with can be very valuable.
How can I connect with you?
LinkedIn is the best way for people to get hold of me.
Connect with Claire on LinkedIn
