ACCA Financial Services Network invites you to an evening panel discussion on the Charities/Not for profit sector.

Guest Contributors Suzanne O’Brien and Liz Hughes will address Charities from a UK perspective and the Opportunities and challenges in the Irish charity sector including governance and reporting issues.

On the night Suzanne and Liz will be joined by contributors from Goodbody who will provide an update on the Irish Economic landscape for 2020 and beyond and the implications for the charity sector.

Prior to the presentation Tea/coffee and sandwiches will be provided from 5.30 pm onwards.

Suzanne O’Brien is a qualified accountant specialising in taxation, with over 30 years’ senior management experience working in Dublin and in London for multinational companies. 

She has a portfolio career; leadership consultant with AdvanceHE, lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, Business School and an experienced non-executive director.  Currently, she chairs the Board of The Fifth Trust, a charity that supports adults with learning difficulties.  Partnering with the executive team and supported by the Trustees, she is determined to develop creative solutions, leading on strategic direction, so that the Trust can continue to support students develop essential life skills and the confidence to make informed choices about their own lives. 

Suzanne is Vice-Chair of the Board, and Chair of the Finance Committee at Cross Keys Homes, the largest social housing landlord in Peterborough.  She is committed to providing excellent financial oversight, ensuring the organisation is effectively resourced so that it continues to deliver high-quality and affordable housing.

Passionate about excellence, equality and education, she believes in leading by example and is inspired by the capacity we each have to transform. 

Liz Hughes is CEO of Charities Institute Ireland (Cii)

Charities Institute Ireland’s goal is to enhance the impact that can be made by charities and not for profits for people, communities and society. Cii works with charities who aspire to the highest levels of professionalism in relation to governance, fundraising and financial reporting.

Liz has over 20 years’ experience in developing and delivering strategy across a variety of sectors including not for profit, accountancy, law and IT. Prior to joining Cii, Liz led the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Ireland and Europe where she was responsible for key recruitment, conversion and retention strategies. During her time with ACCA, Liz led a comprehensive review of corporate governance structures which resulted in more transparent, diverse and accountable membership committees. Liz is secretary and a committee member of the International Women’s Forum (Ireland) and a trustee of the Irish Online Giving Foundation.