The Companies (Protection of Title: Accountant) Bill 2025 was introduced to the Dail by Deputy Malcolm Byrne TD and Deputy Albert Dolan TD on 21 October 2025.
The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that anyone calling themselves an “accountant” meets specific standards, similar to protected titles like “doctor” or “architect”. The goal is to protect the public from unqualified individuals by ensuring that those who use the title are properly trained, insured, and subject to professional oversight.
How the term “accountant” would be protected
- Establishing criteria: The bill, if passed, would set minimum standards and criteria for using the title “accountant”.
- Professional oversight: It would ensure that anyone using the title is recognized by a body like the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA).
- Accountability: It would make it illegal for unqualified individuals to use the title, making it easier to hold them accountable for their services.
- Public confidence: This protection aims to build public trust by providing clarity and confidence that they are hiring a qualified and regulated professional.
Challenges with protecting the term
While it is welcome that the term “accountant” is to be protected like other professions there may be unintended consequences, and it will be interesting to see the final version of the Bill.
NB: The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.
