Today, as I'm not the first to point out, is St Patrick's Day. So let's celebrate the high quality, niche institute that spans both north and south of the border.

Chartered Accountants Ireland was founded by charter as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland in 1888. It was the brainchild of a small group of 31 public accountants from the main cities - Dublin, Belfast and Cork. They wanted something akin to the ICAEW (founded 1880) which could allow an elite group (i.e. them) to enjoy greater social status and enjoy greater economic benefits as a result of being professionalised.

In the early years, much of their money came from bankruptcies and insolvency work. Also, their elitism led to very slow growth, with it taking over 20 years go get to 100 members.

Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. It currently has about 18,000 members and 4,000 students.

In 2009, ICAI rebranded as Chartered Accountants Ireland and has moved into swanky new offices in Pearse Street, Dublin. It has also launched the Elevation Programme, which is a new way for more experienced professionals to qualify as chartered accountants. Interestingly (and I think uniquely among UK chartered institutes; stop me if I'm wrong) the Elevation Programme does not require applicants to have a training contract.

There's a dynamism and a new confidence to the Irish Institute. On St Patrick's Day, it's good to find them in rude health and looking forward to their future prospects.

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Filed under: Institutes with tags cai