Leadership success for Nenagh student Hayley
Nenagh Transition Year (TY) student, Hayley Clancy, was presented with her prize for winning the Chartered Accountants Ireland Boot Camp Challenge 2021. Hayley is a student at St Mary’s Secondary School in Nenagh and entered the competition of the accounting programme for senior cycle students.
The challenge is a business simulation exercise, and it is the culmination of the Boot Camp programme, an online accounting programme for senior cycle students. Entrants take on the role of CEO of their own fictitious company which is faced with a major crisis scenario. They are tasked with applying problem solving and critical thinking skills to develop a solution to overcome the challenge.
Boot Camp can be taken by full class groups or solo students, either independently or with teacher guidance. It can be taken as an introduction to accounting in TY or as revision in Fifth and Sixth year. Hayley entered as a solo student, with support and encouragement of her teacher Donal Linehan.
Commenting on Hayley’s submission, programme creator, Brian Feighan, said: “Hayley’s submission succinctly identified the nub of the problem. She conducted market research in support of her business case and prepared cash flow forecasts based on two scenarios. Both forecasts were accurately prepared and supported by well-reasoned assumptions. Her proposed solution, which involved some difficult leadership decisions, was both innovative and realistic. We would like to congratulate Hayley and St Mary's Nenagh on her achievement.”
Commenting, President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Paul Henry, added: “As president of Chartered Accountants Ireland, I am always happy to see the Chartered Accountants of the future displaying their creativity, hard work and motivation. These really encapsulate the values of the profession, and I’d like to warmly congratulate Hayley on her well-deserved win. Boot Camp is a great way for aspiring businesspeople to engage with accounting at school, and we’re delighted to see the programme grow.”
Commenting on Hayley’s win, her teacher, Donal Linehan, commented: “The authenticity of the Chartered Accountants Ireland simulated business challenge adds a new and innovative dimension to problem solving…all good stories need a hero and, in this instance, one with a rescue plan. That hero is Hayley Clancy and her magnificent achievement.”
Accounting is growing in popularity as a Leaving Certificate subject choice, with nearly one in seven students now choosing it in Senior Cycle. There are currently over 1,800 students enrolled in Boot Camp in over 30 schools in 20 counties. Through the programme, students get an introduction to the world of business and financial decision-making processes. They cover strategy, risk, critical thinking, decision-making and hear real life insights from senior business leaders, accountants and finance professionals through podcast interviews.
Boot Camp is currently open for enrolment. To find out more visit: https://chartered-bootcamp.teachable.com/