“I firmly believe that, once you become an accountant, you can do anything you want”

David Lucas, FCA, the recently appointed Head of Corporate Finance at Azets Ireland, tells us about his career path, passion for supporting entrepreneurial businesses and plans for the future

Tell us a bit about yourself, and when and why you decided to become a Chartered Accountant?

I learned from my parents the importance of having a profession from an early age. My father was an engineer and my mother a teacher, so I was encouraged to choose a profession that would provide me with solid career opportunities. 

At school, I was strong at maths and I have always been interested in business, so the BComm at University College Dublin was a natural fit. It wasn’t until my third year at college that I decided to pursue accountancy. Upon completing my degree, I went on to do a master’s in accountancy at Smurfit Business School. 

I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG at the age of 24. From there, I moved into banking, spending eight years with AIB in corporate lending before moving into corporate finance.

My career path has blended my accountancy training with my interest in business and my entrepreneurial spirit. 

Has your career unfolded as you anticipated or were there some surprises along the way?

 There have been a lot of surprises. I firmly believe that once you become an accountant, you can do anything you want. 

I have found it to be an excellent and well-regarded qualification that can open a lot of doors to exciting opportunities. 

Once you are a qualified accountant, no one can take it away from you. Whether you work in industry, practice or become an entrepreneur or business owner, the training and experience you gain as a Chartered Accountant will always stand to you.  

I have always been interested in corporate finance and have a genuine interest in entrepreneurship, talking to owner-managed businesses and understanding what makes them tick. 

In my various roles, I have explored these interests and carved out a career in corporate finance, working with entrepreneurial businesses across multiple sectors. I enjoy what I do today, and I’ve enjoyed the journey.

Are you glad you made the decision to qualify as a Chartered Accountant?

Absolutely, yes. There are thousands of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and beyond. It is a fantastic network and the training gives you a strong range of skills that can prepare you for any challenge, both inside and outside work.

Among the people you have worked with over the years, who has been your biggest inspiration? 

 I have been lucky to have had a number of mentors and trusted friends, all of whom have influenced me in various ways. One of the best lessons I have learned is that people do business with people. 

Bearing this central principle in mind, growing my network, and building strong relationships across the business community, has been a consistent feature of my career. If you can stay connected with those around you, you can bring each other forward.

How has the role of the Chartered Accountant evolved since you joined the profession?

The role of the Chartered Accountant has evolved significantly and is now viewed as that of a broader business advisor. 

It is no longer just about balancing the books. Today, Chartered Accountants are trusted advisors, serving as the go-to person for clients on a wide range of issues, opportunities and challenges. 

The training Chartered Accountants undergo is comprehensive, covering nearly all aspects of business and finance. 

Clients can trust us not only to manage financial matters, but also to lead teams, train and develop staff, and support clients through every stage of the business lifecycle – from start-up to sale. 

We play a key role in helping business owners realise the full value of their work and dedication. 

What advice can you offer ACAs starting out on their career path today?

The Chartered Accountancy qualification is world-renowned and world-recognised. It opens so many doors and opportunities in whatever walk of life you want to take on. 

The training you receive and the people you meet will give you the tools to pursue opportunities as they arise. With this qualification, there are any number of directions you can take and potential employers and clients can be comfortable in the knowledge that you have a good grounding due to your experience and training.

 I would say it is really important to be open to new challenges, even those outside your comfort zone, as they often provide the greatest opportunities for growth. 

Networking is also key. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer guidance and support and seek to learn from everyone. 

Lastly, trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to go for things and do your best. You won’t know how to do everything and don’t pretend to know everything – no one does – but always give your best. 

Who do you admire most right now in business or public life?

I greatly admire Jürgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool Football Club, for his leadership approach both on and off the field. 

Early in his Liverpool career, Klopp emphasised the importance of building a cohesive team by ensuring that all players knew and respected the entire staff, regardless of their role. 

This inclusive leadership style is rooted in treating everyone with respect and acknowledging that every individual plays a crucial part in the success of the team.

Klopp fosters a culture of mutual respect, camaraderie and accountability. He understands that a strong team is built, not just on talent, but on unity and shared purpose. 

His ability to connect with people on a human level makes others want to work with him and be part of his vision. 

By creating an environment where everyone feels valued, he motivates the whole team to perform at their best. 

His leadership shows that when people are treated with dignity and trust, they are more likely to consistently deliver exceptional results. This is something I strive to achieve with my team: nobody gets left behind. We are all in it together and we have each other’s backs.

Tell us about your new role as Head of Corporate Finance at Azets Ireland?

Our Corporate Finance Department provides a full range of services to mid-market businesses across Ireland ranging from buy side and sell side mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and valuations to debt advisory services. 

Given our extensive service offering and the range of sectors we operate across, every day is different for me.

One day could involve advising on the sale of a business, and the next performing detailed financial due diligence or raising debt or equity to help fund growth for a  business. 

Every deal is different, and I enjoy getting to know my clients and their businesses to provide the best service possible. 

My bread and butter is the buying and selling of businesses. These transactions require a corporate finance advisor to manage all aspects of the deal from early-stage preparation through to going to market, deal negotiation, project management and liaising with legal advisors right through to completion.

My recent appointment as Head of Corporate Finance comes at an important moment in the growth trajectory of Azets in Ireland. 

Over the next three years, we aim to double the size of our department with the addition of about 20 new recruits. The expanded department will enable us to advise on the growing number of transactions expected in Ireland’s mid-market sector over the medium term.