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In this very special (and slightly self-indulgent!) episode of Study for Tax in Your Coffee Break, I’m delighted to catch up with one of my favourite ex-students of all time, John Lyons: now officially Mr ACCA. After a semester without his questions, comments and general banter, I couldn’t resist inviting him back for a chat… and I’m so glad I did.

John shares his brilliant (and very real) story of taking the long road to qualification. Starting with Accounting Technician exams, stepping up to ACCA, navigating setbacks, life “hiccups”, and still coming back stronger every time.

We talk honestly about what it’s like to study later in life when work, family, and responsibilities are all competing for your attention, and why comparison is a trap. John’s mindset of “running your own race” is one I think every student needs to hear.

We also dig into why Irish tax is such a valuable subject in the real world (even if some of the syllabus bits make you roll your eyes!), how employers view it, and why effort from week one matters more than most people want to admit.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. John’s non-traditional journey into accounting, moving from electrician to ACCA through the Accounting Technician route after a career-changing injury.
2. The realities of studying for professional exams later in life, including balancing work, family responsibilities, and maintaining focus and motivation.
3. Why persistence matters more than natural ability, with honest reflections on failing exams, building resilience, and “running your own race.”
4. The practical value of Irish tax in everyday life and why it remains one of the most employable and relevant specialisms for accountants.
5. The importance of consistent effort, student engagement, and using available supports from the very start of the course to give yourself the best chance of passing.

Get in touch with John Lyons:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lyons-acca-cat-3bb54474/

AB Magazine's "The View with John Lyons" article

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To improve your study for the ACCA ATX Exams this year, head to Paula Byrne's website to purchase the ACCA ATX IRL Revision Book for Exams in 2025 and Tax Conditions - the Spoken Word for audio-based revision.

Thank you to Matthew Bliss for editing and production of this episode. If you'd like him to edit your podcast, send an email to business@mbpod.com or head to https://www.mbpod.com/.