As ETL GLOBAL celebrates 10 years of empowering SMEs, the spotlight turns to the firms and individuals shaping its growing international presence. In this interview, we meet Anthony Casey and Roseann Heavey of Noone Casey, the Dublin-based firm leading ETL GLOBAL’s expansion in Ireland, as they share their story, their vision for the profession, and the values driving their collaboration.
Early Years and Career Foundations
Anthony Casey was born in Dublin in 1963 and grew up during a time of economic change, as Ireland began to move towards a more outward-looking economy. “There probably was very little money around, but no one knew any different. There was music, there was sport, and it was a great place to grow up”, he explains. Life moved at a slower pace then, but change was underway, and new professional opportunities were starting to appear across the country.
After completing his studies, Anthony decided to train as a chartered accountant, beginning in 1982 and qualifying four years later. His first international experience came soon after, when he joined Deloitte in London and worked on major financial institutions, including the flotation of Abbey National, then one of the UK’s largest financial services transactions. Those years abroad offered valuable perspective and helped clarify where he wanted to focus his work. “I discovered I preferred dealing with owner-managed businesses. The SME sector really was where I wanted to finish up”, he says. With that in mind, he returned to Ireland in 1992 to establish Noone Casey together with his colleague Andrew Noone.
In 1992, the pair started from scratch. “We bootstrapped the business. There was Andrew and myself initially, and we recruited an administrator. We built it from zero”, Anthony says. What set Noone Casey apart from the start was their focus on relationships. “Clients wanted more than just numbers. They didn’t want a compliance-focused business, so we were always advisory.” Over the years, that philosophy paid off and the firm grew steadily, earning the loyalty of both clients and employees. Some team members have been with them for nearly three decades, something Anthony sees as a reflection of their values. “Our focus on our clients and how we manage those relationships is also relevant to how we treat our people. We’ve built a business we would like to work in ourselves.”
That approach created a workplace culture based on trust, respect, and continuity. “Andrew and I always had a simple policy: the day you stop enjoying the business is the day you walk away. Thankfully, I’m still here 33 years later”, he says smiling.
A new generation of leadership
One of the professionals who found her place in Noone Casey is Roseann Heavey, now a partner at the firm. Originally from Galway, Roseann’s career path wasn’t a straight line into accountancy. “I did psychology and maths at university, then a year in business. I didn’t have a huge business background, but I was drawn to the learning and development you could do while working”, she explains. Persistence paid off when she convinced Noone Casey to take her on board as a trainee. “I’m forever grateful for that opportunity”, she says.
After qualifying as an accountant, she spent four years in London with Ernst & Young before returning to Noone Casey, where she was encouraged to grow her own client base. “Anthony and Andrew gave me the space to develop, to get involved in initiatives that would help the firm and everyone within it. It was a supportive environment but also ambitious.”
Today, Roseann embodies the firm’s blend of tradition and renewal. Her leadership reflects the same spirit that has guided Noone Casey since its founding growth grounded in people and long-term relationships.
Joining ETL GLOBAL
The story of Noone Casey’s integration into ETL GLOBAL began, like many partnerships, with a coincidence. “I had an entertainment client with some UK tax issues and was introduced to Nick Muir from mgr in London”, Anthony recalls. “We solved the client’s problem and got on very well. Nick then suggested I speak with Dr. Gorny about ETL.”
Although Noone Casey was already part of another international association, the ETL model immediately resonated. “If I were to set up an international group, I would have set it up exactly like ETL GLOBAL, allowing entrepreneurial independence while providing support and shared ownership. It really met our requirements.”
In December 2022, ETL GLOBAL invested in Noone Casey, and Anthony became Master Partner for Ireland, making it a new focus country within the network by establishing ETL Ireland. “It’s been very good, very enjoyable”, he says. For Roseann, the integration represented both growth and continuity. “It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the acquisition. For me, it was about growth and succession planning. It gives senior partners the chance to retire gradually while allowing younger people to move up the ranks.”
She also highlights the practical advantages. “We’ve been part of networks before, but ETL GLOBAL is different. We receive business, we share opportunities, and we’re developing future acquisitions together. What seemed like a dream a few years ago is now taking shape.”
ETL Ireland team at the 2025 ETL GLOBAL UK & Ireland Meeting in Birmingham.
Building ETL Ireland
Since joining the network, Noone Casey has taken on the challenge of expanding ETL GLOBAL’s presence in Ireland. “Part of my role as Master Partner is to identify new member firms”, Anthony explains. “We’re only two years into the operation, so it’s still early stages. But there’s real momentum. Firms that wouldn’t have considered a partnership model before are now open to it.”
He sees ETL GLOBAL’s strength in the way it combines structure with independence. “The aim is to help firms grow while allowing them to remain true to themselves. That balance is key, particularly in Ireland, where collaboration is becoming more valued,” he says.
For Roseann, the same principle applies on a personal level “Collaboration only works when there’s understanding and trust. Meeting in person and taking the time to build real connections is what ultimately strengthens the network”, she adds.
Both Anthony and Roseann mention the strong sense of community within ETL GLOBAL. “What struck me was how well all the master partners get on. There’s no sense of competition and everyone is working towards the same goal”, says Anthony. “The meetings are wonderfully social, but we also come back having learned a lot.”
Their experience with ETL GLOBAL UK has been particularly meaningful. “The UK team, Sarah and Peter Brassington, have welcomed us fully. This year’s conference was co-branded ETL GLOBAL UK and Ireland, which shows the spirit of collaboration. I think that’s a wonderful model”, he adds.
Roseann sees the same dynamic reflected in their day-to-day work. “We’re starting to collaborate more with other firms, offering shared services and adding value for clients. It starts with friendship and trust, and then naturally leads to professional cooperation.”
Looking ahead: technology and change
When asked about current trends shaping the industry, both point to technology and talent. “AI is huge for the accounting industry,” says Roseann. “We’re still figuring out what it really means and where to invest. It will definitely change how we work and we should be involved from the start, so we don’t miss the opportunity.”
Anthony adds that automation will go hand in hand with AI. “It’s crucial to start shifting from manual processes to automated ones, which then allow us to apply higher-level techniques. The accounting profession won’t disappear but rather evolve into a more advisory role. The compliance work will be automated, but the human advice and mentoring, especially for SMEs, will remain relevant.” He believes this is where ETL GLOBAL’s focus on small and medium-sized enterprises will continue to stand out. “Our clients need guidance, not just data. The human contact will always matter.”
Their advice for the next generation is clear. “The profession is changing, but I’d still encourage anyone to join”, says Roseann. “It’s a few years of hard work, but the personal and professional development you gain will stay with you. Keep learning, push yourself, and surround yourself with supportive people.” Anthony adds, “Come into the profession with the intention of enjoying yourself. Drive your career forward, but in a way that’s good for you. On a Sunday night, you shouldn’t be afraid of what Monday will bring.”
More than three decades after its founding, Noone Casey remains true to its original spirit: human, ambitious, and grounded in trust. Today, as part of ETL GLOBAL, that spirit continues to grow, empowering professionals and businesses across Ireland and beyond.
