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 …
The Investment Club was created in 2021 and our Goodbody experts have been with us every step of the way, providing practical tips on investing, and insights on pensions and inheritance tax, among other key topics. From tracing their career paths and how to attract more women to the financial services industry to their sage advice and hobbies, we invite you to explore our Women in Wealth series.
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:
1. Give it time (be patient).
2. Keep it simple.
3. Stay diversified.
On my reading list: I don’t have much time for reading aside from holiday fiction, but I 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.
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.
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.