With over 30 years’ experience in investment management and today a Senior Portfolio Manager at Goodbody, Maura O’Neill FCCA AITI QFA, reflects on her career highlight of being named ACCA Ireland’s National Advocate of the Year 2021/2 and why she thinks women will naturally be attracted to the industry …
Our Investment Club journey began in October 2021 – and our experts from Goodbody have been with us every step of the way, sharing practical tips on investing and insights on pensions and inheritance tax, among other topics. We thought it was time to get know our experts a little better – from their career journey and how we can attract more women to the financial services industry to their favourite podcasts and TV series, we invite you to explore our Women in Wealth series.
Meet Maura O’Neill FCCA AITI QFA
With over 30 years’ experience in investment management and today a Senior Portfolio Manager at Goodbody, Maura O’Neill FCCA AITI QFA, reflects on her career highlight of being named ACCA Ireland’s National Advocate of the Year 2021/2 and why she thinks women will naturally be attracted to the industry.
My journey to a career in financial services…
I qualified as an Accountant (ACCA), sat the Institute of Tax exams, and obtained the QFA qualification. In the early 1990s, I applied for a job in the investment department of New Ireland that required a “professional qualification”. Ever since then, I have worked in financial services.
What females bring to the industry…
In addition to their technical skills, I think women are especially aware of the benefits of networking and the importance of maintaining good business relationships.
Career highlight to date…
My highlights are definitely my move into the “world of investments” and being awarded ACCA Ireland’s National Advocate of the Year 2021/22.
Three investing tips for beginners
Give it time (be patient), keep it simple and stay diversified.
Currently reading/on my list
I don’t have much time for reading aside from “holiday fiction”, but I have enjoyed the Richard Osman books which were entertaining reads.
What I’m watching
I try to watch some short dramas on BBC, when I get time. I usually record these and recently watched “Sherwood”, which had links to the mining strikes in the UK in the 1980s.
A podcast I loved…
I don’t really listen to podcasts to be honest.
On attracting women to the financial services industry
This should occur naturally as I think it is obvious in recent years that women are succeeding in the industry.
Advice for Investment Club members
The same tips I’d give beginners – give it time, keep it simple and stay diversified.
Memorable financial news stories of the year
I am not sure if memorable is the right word, but the re-emergence of inflation after many years of low interest rates and low inflation is certainly newsworthy.