Graham shares his experience of living and working in Dublin, his tips for things to see and do in the area and how you can connect with the local ICAS community.
What is your day job?
I’m Partner, Global Statutory Audit, at Grant Thornton.
How long have you lived in Ireland?
Four years.
Where were you before?
I was in Singapore for nine years, and prior to that I was born and raised in Glasgow.
Where did you train?
The Glasgow office of Grant Thornton UK.
Which part of Ireland do you call home?
I work in Dublin but live 45 minutes away in County Wicklow.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss if visiting the area?
A ramble in the Wicklow Mountains followed by a pint of Guinness in Johnnie Fox’s Pub...incredibly touristy but worth a visit!
I’m new to the area, can you recommend somewhere for:
- A business lunch – Hawksmoor, centrally located, great steak and the traditional “booths-seating” allows for networking or business discussions.
- An evening out - a couple of pints in Keoghs, dinner in Fade Street Social followed by a nightcap in the Vintage Cocktail Club.
- A weekend getaway – Sligo; easy to get to from Dublin, great selection of bars and restaurants, and lots of really nice beaches.
Describe the local professional community in three words:
Entrepreneurial. International. Welcoming.
What are the best things about working in Dublin?
There’s tonnes going on professionally. Dublin is a very familiar and easy city for people to settle into if coming from the UK, and it’s a great place to raise a family.
And what are the biggest challenges?
The cost and availability of housing is a big issue in Dublin, not too dissimilar to parts of the UK.
What advice would you give to another CA considering an opportunity in Dublin?
Reach out to me, Ewan or Claire, your ICAS Ambassadors, and we’ll be sure to welcome you with open arms! I always encourage anyone moving to a new city to say “yes” to all professional and social invites in your first initial months on the ground. You never know what doors it will open professionally and personally.
What made you decide to get involved and become an ICAS Ambassador?
I first got involved when I moved to Singapore, it was a great opportunity to meet fellow expats and build my network so far from home. I continued my involvement when I subsequently moved to Ireland.
And what have been the biggest takeaways for you personally and professionally?
Professionally, it’s been a great door opener to meet fellow CAs working in a range of roles and industries whilst also providing opportunity to “give back” to the profession and invest time in the development of younger members who are at the beginning of their professional journey.
Personally, a number of close friendships have developed through this involvement which makes it even more enjoyable to participate!
How can I connect with you?
I’m pretty active on LinkedIn, feel free to reach out.
Connect with Graham on LinkedIn
