“Success often comes from persistence – the courage to pursue opportunities”
My story so far: women’s career series
Lynda Deane, Corporate Affairs Manager with Water Safety Ireland, reflects on the mindset and mentors that have shaped her career journey and path to leadership
From an early age, accountancy was more than just a potential career path for me; it was a genuine interest that was nurtured at home.
My father worked as a bookkeeper and, long before the advent of modern accounting software, I was fascinated by the big red cheque ledger books he would bring home from work.
I eagerly volunteered to help him tot up the ledgers and, as I grew older, progressed to assisting with cheque entries during my school holidays.
Given this early exposure, studying commerce at NUI Galway was an obvious choice, followed by a master’s in accounting at the same university.
In 2006, I joined Ernst & Young in Dublin on a professional training contract, specialising in banking and asset management audit. I progressed from trainee to qualified senior, assistant manager and then manager.
After some years – and eager for an opportunity to return to my home city of Galway – I gained valuable hands-on experience at a local, family-run practice before joining Grant Thornton in Galway in 2015 as Audit Manager.
Subsequent promotions to Associate Director and Director reflected my growing experience and leadership responsibilities.
Alongside a rewarding professional career, I navigated the challenges of raising a young family, including a period when I had three children under the age of five.
In 2025, an exciting opportunity arose to further expand my professional experience, and in July of last year, I was appointed Corporate Affairs Manager with Water Safety Ireland. Water Safety Ireland is a statutory voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland.
And so, I embarked on the next chapter of my professional journey.
About this series
A collaboration between Accountancy Ireland and the Gender Working Group of the Institute’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, ‘My Story So Far: Women’s Career Series’ was launched in 2023 to focus on the women in Chartered Accountants Ireland’s membership. By spotlighting the experiences of one member in each issue, we aim to provide a forum through which they can share their insights into how they have managed their careers in tandem with their lives and overcome challenges and obstacles encountered along the way.
I have learned that opportunities rarely arrive neatly wrapped in ideal conditions. You have to build momentum by showing up consistently and intentionally.
Being open to opportunities when they arise is critical, even if the timing isn’t ideal. Some of our biggest career developments can happen alongside major life events.
I accepted a promotion through a job change just six months before getting married and while buying our first home. It was not the easiest time to take on more change but backing myself and stepping into the challenge opened doors that would not have been available if I had waited for “the right time”.
The experience reinforced the importance of not waiting for the “perfect moment”, because it rarely exists.
Seeking feedback for greater growth Actively seeking feedback from managers and colleagues has been central to my career development. This has helped me identify areas for development and align my goals with the needs of the wider organisation.
I have also been proactive about expanding my skills by taking on assignments outside of my usual comfort zone that exposed me to new challenges.
I believe it’s important to align yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow, while equally striving to be someone who inspires and supports others. Building strong relationships and learning from successful colleagues has been instrumental in my own development.
Rather than focusing solely on promotions, I’ve focused on demonstrating value by taking ownership of projects, proactively resolving problems and contributing beyond my core responsibilities.
Across all of this, the common thread is being proactive, visible and intentional; showing people what I am capable of, believing in my own potential and saying yes to growth even when it stretches me.
“Good mentors give you perspective”
Mentoring and networking play a critical role in developing our careers.
In my own career, connecting with experienced professionals and building a strong professional network has really helped me to gain knowledge, confidence and development opportunities.
I joined the Chartered Accountants Ireland Western Society in 2017 and continue to serve as an active committee member. I have completed two terms as Chair and have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people who have introduced me to new opportunities and challenges. It has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.
For women in accounting – in which senior leadership positions have historically been male-dominated – mentors can serve as valuable advocates who can help you identify opportunities for growth and advancement.
Professional organisations, industry events and women’s leadership groups can all be excellent avenues for building these connections.
I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to benefit from the guidance of exceptional mentors and the support of a strong network of colleagues, former colleagues and friends.
Good mentors give you something that is hard to manufacture on your own: perspective.
The support of a good mentor can provide perspective and confidence, particularly during periods of change, helping you to navigate transitions and continue moving forward. They can help you see around corners, challenge your assumptions and push you toward opportunities you might not have recognised.
Learning to switch off
One of the biggest challenges for me in establishing a good balance between work and rest is the urge to tackle everything at once. I have had to learn that meaningful progress takes time. I often remind myself of the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”.
Learning to switch off is a skill that can be difficult to get right. I am very thankful for today’s flexible hybrid working model. However, it does mean that work is always “within reach” – a potentially constant distraction.
The discipline to set boundaries and consciously step away is crucial. Without this discipline, it is easy for work to spill into personal time.
I have also learned that sometimes choices must be made. Balance is not always a perfect Monday-to-Friday, nine-to-five split between work and rest. Different seasons of life and work require different priorities. We are all balancing competing priorities, such as career, family, health and personal interests.
For me, flexibility is essential: it means recognising when to focus on work, when to rest and understanding that balance is achieved over time rather than every single day.
The power of persistence
Choosing a career in accounting has led to a transformative journey for me, opening doors to rewarding opportunities, meaningful connections and continuous professional development.
My qualification as a Chartered Accountant has shaped both my career and my personal growth. It has given me opportunities to develop professionally, broaden my perspective and work alongside inspiring colleagues throughout my career.
Beyond the technical expertise gained, it has taught me that success often comes from persistence: having the courage to pursue opportunities, staying focused when obstacles arise and trusting the process when achievements take longer than expected.
Reflecting on my career to date, I am proud of the experience, knowledge and professional growth I have achieved throughout my journey.
As I look to the future, I remain committed to embracing new challenges, driving positive impact and supporting the ongoing success of Water Safety Ireland and the wider accounting profession.