Offaly student wins 'Be the Boss' challenge

Edenderry student Alex Harbison was crowned the winner of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Boot Camp Challenge this week.

Alex, a St Mary’s Secondary School student undertook the Boot Camp programme as a solo student. In addition to the solo route, many other participants in the nationally run accounting programme for senior cycle students complete it as part of a class group with teacher guidance.

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: 'Wild Ride', a leading adventure sports company facing a major strategic challenge. They are tasked with applying problem solving and critical thinking skills to develop a solution to overcome the challenge.

There are almost 4,500 students enrolled in Boot Camp from over 50 schools across the country. Through the programme, students get an introduction to the world of business and financial decision-making processes. They cover strategy, risk and critical thinking and hear real life insights from senior business leaders, accountants and finance professionals through podcast interviews.

Boot Camp can be taken as an introduction to accounting in Transition Year or as revision in 5th and 6th year.

Commenting on Alex’s submission, programme creator Brian Feighan said: “This was an excellent submission which was based on sound commercial arguments and well-presented supporting evidence. Alex demonstrated his leadership credentials by the way he thoroughly researched the options and carefully weighed up the risks and benefits of each. He put forward a compelling business case for his chosen strategy, highlighting its close association with the brand and the potential to reach a wider international audience. He gave a clear rationale for his budget allocation and for not pursuing certain avenues. Well done Alex.”

This year saw a record number of entries from solo students, class groups and students participating in work experience with firms. Accounting is growing in popularity as a Leaving Certificate subject choice, with nearly one in seven students opting for accounting. The Boot Camp programme is designed to show students the scope of possibilities of the accounting profession.

At the Institute’s recent AGM, newly elected President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Pat O’Neill spoke of the need to secure a strong flow of accountants into the profession to meet ongoing and projected demand and the importance of encouraging second-level students to choose accounting as a subject in senior cycle to ensure this flow.

Sharon Ryan, Deputy Principal of St Mary’s Secondary’s School, Edenderry stated:

“All of the students and staff here at St Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry are thrilled for Alex’s achievement. We will certainly be encouraging our students again to have a go at the 'Be the Boss' challenge. Boot Camp is a great way to engage students with accounting and the business world in a very real way.”

The winner was announced at an online ceremony attended by all four shortlisted finalists and their schools. The prize winners were announced by Fiona Smiddy, a Chartered Accountant and green entrepreneur who leads Green Outlook, a company that promotes sustainable living and products.

Boot Camp is currently open for enrolment. To find out more visit: chartered-bootcamp.teachable.com