Episode 4: Naomi Walsh
Naomi Walsh’s remarkable odyssey from Launceston, Tasmania, to pinnacle professional and academic achievement is a testament to her indomitable spirit, unparalleled leadership, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. In the ever-evolving realms of accounting, governance, and education, Naomi stands as a beacon of innovation, integrity, and service, imprinting an everlasting legacy on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Naomi’s career unfolds as a gripping narrative, encompassing commanding roles in senior accounting, finance, and commercial management across Tasmania, Western Australia, and the UK. Her impact resonates deeply, acknowledged through the prestigious Tasmanian Telstra Businesswomen corporate sector award for leadership in the construction industry.
Yet, Naomi’s influence extends far beyond boardrooms and financial landscapes. Rooted in a profound commitment to community service, she embodies the ethos of giving back. From mentoring endeavors to her dynamic role as director and president-elect of her local Rotary club, Naomi manifests a potent dedication to service and community impact, reflecting her profound appreciation for the unique lifestyle found in Tasmania.
Watch Past Episodes On Demand
In the latest episode of Difference Makers Discuss, host Sinéad Donovan sits down with an extraordinary guest, Carla S. Vijian, a Principal with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), whose career spans continents, industries, and some of the most pressing ethical questions of our time.
In the newest episode of Difference Makers Discuss, Sinead Donovan sits down with Nicola Ellam, Managing Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) in New York — ranked number 8 among U.S. accounting firms — for a fascinating look at how the profession is transforming through technology, global collaboration, and human-centred leadership.
The newest episode of Diffence Makers Discuss is a must-watch. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Sinead Donovan, Ken Croarkin takes us from Glasgow to New York, and from audit rooms to the cutting edge of professional practice. Ken’s story is one of curiosity, international mobility and a clear belief that the chartered accountancy qualification opens doors — wherever you want to go.
Meet the Speakers
Naomi Walsh, CA ANZ Vice President Australia. Academic Lead Employability, College of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania.
Naomi Walsh, a recognised leader in business and higher education, has a multifaceted career spanning academia, board governance, accounting practice, and community service. Naomi is a difference maker, with a fusion of expertise, integrity, and dedication in her pursuits.
Recently elected as CA ANZ Vice President Australia for 2024, Naomi’s appointment underscores her deep commitment to the accounting profession. Naomi’s journey with CA ANZ is a testament to her dedication to continuous growth. From qualifying as a CA and achieving Fellowship in 2010, her involvement has included a range of leadership roles within CA ANZ including member of the CA ANZ Corporate Sector Advisory Committee, Deputy Chair Tasmanian Regional Council, member of the CA ANZ Female Focus Champions and the CA ANZ CA Program delivery.
Naomi currently serves as the College of Business and Economics Academic Lead Employability at the University of Tasmania, overseeing industry-informed curriculum and fostering stakeholder engagement to address graduate attributes for emerging jobs and skills needs of industry. As a director of ACEN Ltd, the national peak body for work integrated learning in Australia, she contributes her knowledge to institution member value and shape government and industry policies for higher education.
Her board portfolio extends to non-executive director roles on Tasmanian government and other boards. With a keen eye for emerging trends, Naomi has honed her expertise through qualifications in governance including CA ANZ Risk Specialisation and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Notably, her governance experience as a director, acting chair and chair of audit, risk, and governance committees, demonstrates her aptitude for strategic thinking and commitment to organisational excellence.
Our Host: Sinead Donovan, Chairperson of Grant Thornton and President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
Sinead is the Chairperson of Grant Thornton and in the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Sinead joined Grant Thornton in 2002 and was admitted to the partnership in 2005, becoming the first female partner. She specialising in providing services to multinational companies and is partner in an international team which services the global needs of these mature and large companies, with particular regard to central reporting on multiple jurisdictions in Irish headquarters and/or Shared Service Centres. She was instrumental in founding the Irish/US Group, which is a permanent department, consisting of an Irish directors based in the US. This link ensures a seamless service offering between the Irish and US firms to relevant clients.
Sinead has been on the Council of the institute of Chartered Accountants for some 10 years and is an advocate for the accountancy profession. She is passionate about the need to ensure the profession utilises technology and AI smartly and effectively and is also a firm believer in the global qualification of Chartered Accountancy as the world becomes more connected.
Sinead is a strong believer in the importance of Inclusion; Diversity and Equity to ensure a motivated, effective and thriving work place. She is an advocate for mental wellbeing initiatives and a former chairperson of CA SUPPORT which is the body tasked with providing support to all Chartered members and students in Ireland.
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