Transforming Professional Education: AI, Innovation, and the Future of Learning
In this episode of Tried and Tested, host Isabelle Gonthier sits down with Ian Browne, Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland, to explore how the Institute is transforming professional learning for more than 8,500 students across Ireland.
Ian shares insights from his decade-long journey leading one of the most ambitious education transformations in the accounting world. From modernizing assessment and launching Project Athena to integrating AI-driven adaptive learning, Ian discusses how technology and innovation are reshaping the way future accountants learn and succeed.
Drawing on his background in both academia and industry, Ian reflects on how adaptive, data-informed education aligns with the evolving needs of the profession and why this approach represents a powerful model for the future of credentialing and lifelong learning. Tune in for an insightful conversation about how to prepare professionals with the skills, adaptability, and mindset needed to excel in a rapidly changing world.
Ian Browne ACMA, CGMA, MSc, BBS
Director of Education, Chartered Accountants Ireland
Ian Browne is the Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland, where he leads the strategic transformation of professional education for over 8,500 students across the island of Ireland. Since joining the Institute in 2015, Ian has been instrumental in modernising the education framework, overseeing a major syllabus re-launch, and pioneering the shift to digital assessment.
Through Project Athena, Ian has championed the integration of AI driven adaptive learning technologies into the Institute’s curriculum. Under his leadership, Chartered Accountants Ireland partnered with global edtech leader Area9 to launch a bespoke, AI data-driven learning platform. This platform personalises the educational journey for students, using real-time analytics to tailor content delivery and enhance mastery of complex topics. The adaptive model represents a significant leap forward in professional education, aligning learning outcomes with the evolving needs of the profession.
Ian’s background spans both academia and industry. Prior to his current role, he served as Academic Course Leader at Dublin Business School and lectured at UCD Smurfit School and Trinity College Dublin. His earlier career includes senior finance roles in sectors ranging from entertainment to consulting, with a focus on turnaround and growth strategies.
Ian holds an MSc in Strategic Management from UCD Smurfit, a BBS in Accounting and Finance, and is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant. He is a passionate advocate for innovation in education and continues to drive initiatives that ensure future chartered accountants are equipped with the skills and agility to thrive in a rapidly changing world.