A Bill is currently going through the Dail, that will, when enacted regulate the use of the title “accountant”, to establish criteria for recognition, and to provide for offences and penalties for misuse of the title, and to provide for related matters. Nuala McGowan, CPA, ACA, AIA and founder of McGowan Accountancy Services has long been an advocate for change, and has called on politicians to bring legislation before the Dail to regulate the use of the title “accountant”.

Nuala says the Companies (Protection of Title: Accountant) Bill 2025 is about protecting consumers. At present, anybody can describe himself or herself as an accountant.

Indeed the Ceann Comhairle and the Government Chief Whip could set up an accountancy practice called “Murphy and Butler Accountants” and there would be nothing to stop them from doing so.

Nuala says this has happened and unqualified people have set up as accountants and defrauded members of the public. Individuals with no formal training or education who have no association with professional bodies can use this title freely. This means that there is a lack of protection. It misleads consumers and damages the credibility of the accountancy profession.

Nuala says that the titles of a lot of professions are protected, for example, solicitors, doctors, teachers, architects and electricians.

When it comes to somebody trusting their finances to an accountant, it is critical that he or she is guaranteed that what he or she sees is somebody who is qualified and experienced in doing this.

Nuala says she is familiar with a number of cases of people who have gone to people who presented themselves as accountants and who then lost out. When trouble arises because these people are not members of a professional body, there is very little recourse for affected individuals.

It is critically important that this is not seen as protecting vested interests. That is certainly not the case. It is of note that all of the professional bodies representing accountants want to see this legislation introduced.

At present, the Companies Act, which this Bill seeks to amend, does provide for protection of the title of auditor so it is not possible for anybody to call himself or herself an auditor.

The sponsors of the Bill are asking that similar protection would be provided to the title of accountant so that somebody who has studied, worked hard and attained the professional qualifications would be recognised.

For more information on this topic contact Nuala McGowan on 090 66 25818 or 086 0352849 or email nuala@mcgowanaccountancy.com