Louisa O'Brien
Doon,Co Limerick
Summary
With a strong rural and farming background, I have a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the agri-food sector. My professional journey combines practical insight with analytical expertise, having worked as a sustainability consultant, I have advised organisations on integrating sustainable practices across operations. Additionally, my foundation in accounting has equipped me with the financial acumen necessary to assess and support viable, long-term development strategies. Pursuing a Master's in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Co-operatives will allow me to bridge these experiences, further my impact, and contribute meaningfully to more resilient and inclusive food systems.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Audit trainee
BDO
Limerick, Limerick
11.2024 - Current
- Attended training sessions for professional development and skill enhancement.
- I assisted in planning audit assignments, identifying key risk areas about the client and the industry. I carried out audit testing and field work, including sampling transactions, testing controls and verifying account balances.
- I prepared accurate and well-organised working papers that support audit findings, ensuring compliance with firm and regulatory legislation.
- I interacted with clients in a professional manner to clarify details, request information and resolve any discrepancies.
- I attended client site to carry out stocktakes and also to gather audit evidence. It was vital to act in a professional manner and maintain the integrity of the audit.
Sustainability consultant
Future Planet
Cork, County Cork
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Support clients in reducing financial risk and enhancing sustainable performance.
- Gather and analyse data related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This includes researching the potential risks that businesses face in areas such as climate change, resource depletion, human rights, and corporate governance.
- Use tools like data analytics and benchmarking to identify areas where a company may be exposed to ESG-related risks or identify areas of improvement.
- Collaborate with seniors researching relevant regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends to ensure that the strategies are not only effective but also compliant.
Financial Services Advisory
Grant Thronton Ireland
Dublin
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Built and strengthened colleague relationships through positive communication and rapport building.
- Attended regular training to offer optimised customer care with exceptional service knowledge.
- Guaranteed transparent transactions, enforcing compliance with established policies.
- Coordinated administrative operations within the Debt Resolution and Management Team, streamlining processes to enhance financial solutions for clients.
- Reviewing Schedule of investments involved ensuring the funds were consistent with prior year statements in terms of formatting and ensuring each line item tied out to the backup files provided such as the trial balance, holdings report, footnote report, percentages of net assets values, total investments, transactions costs, as well as ensuring the securities named within the funds were correct.
- Gained experience in R&R, this role involved closing out receivership cases, allowing me to apply the legal aspects of my degree. I also enhanced my IT skills by using various software tools, including iManage, Visionblue, and Core.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of sustainability proposals, focusing on creating environmentally responsible business practices. Additionally, I established procedures to ensure compliance with sustainability standards, promoting long-term environmental and operational efficiency.
Customer Care Executive
Three Ireland
Castletroy, Limerick
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Maximised sales revenue growth by successfully identifying up and cross-selling opportunities.
- Resolved complaints by ensuring appropriate and timely compensation, boosting customer satisfaction levels.
- Used excellent telephone manner to optimise customer experience, cutting complaints.
- Employed active listening and communication skills to handle escalated and complex calls, achieving positive outcome.
- Drove customer retention, building engaging relationships through every interaction.
Shop Supervisor
Mace
Monard , Co Tipperary
06.2018 - Current
- Ensured regular sales floor tidying and stock replenishment for visually appealing shelf displays.
- Coached and mentored junior retail staff to improve work quality and efficiency
- Facilitated smooth store operations, performing daily opening and closing functions, including stock counting, cleaning and cashing up.
- Engaged with suppliers to facilitate smooth delivery schedules.
- Resolved complaints to achieve full customer satisfaction.
Office Clerk
PA Martin & Co Solicitors
, Co Limerick
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Increased customer satisfaction by greeting visitors promptly and professionally.
- Responded to telephone enquiries from clients.
- Maintained office files in both electronic and hard copies.
- Replenished office supplies.
- Helped senior clerical staff complete daily workloads.
Bar Manager
Moores
Doon, Co Limerick
02.2014 - Current
- Planned staffing levels based on evolving service demands.
- Resolved customer complaints efficiently and professionally while maintaining positive customer environment.
- Organised special events and functions, including funerals and parties.
- Identified and addressed underperformance and non-compliance.
- Mitigated health risks and reduced safety hazards by creating clear cleaning and sanitisation schedules.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Accounting -
University of Limerick
Limerick05.2024
Leaving Certificate -
Limerick Tutorial College
Limerick06.2020
Skills
- Time management excellence
- Ethical reasoning
- Scrutiny expertise
- Audit planning and execution
- Sustainability reporting
- Knowledge of UN SDGs
- Sustainable business models understanding
- Best practice benchmarking
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Team building
Certification
CSRD Institute- CSRD Fundamentals
References
- Ms Orla Carolan, Grant Thornton, Future Planet
orla@glasconsulting.ie
- Ms Kathleen Regan, University of Limerick
kathleen.regan@ul.ie
Timeline
Audit trainee
BDO
11.2024 - Current
Sustainability consultant
Future Planet
09.2024 - 11.2024
Financial Services Advisory
Grant Thronton Ireland
01.2023 - 09.2023
Customer Care Executive
Three Ireland
06.2022 - 08.2022
Shop Supervisor
Mace
06.2018 - Current
Office Clerk
PA Martin & Co Solicitors
09.2017 - 12.2017
Bar Manager
Moores
02.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Accounting -
University of Limerick
Leaving Certificate -
Limerick Tutorial College
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