by Kathryn McKenna
Laoise Toner is the Intelligent Automation Manager at EY Northern Ireland. Laoise’s background is in financial operations, account management and IT consultancy and she now works in the EY team driving the delivery of innovative automation solutions to their clients.
Laoise, you have worked as the Intelligent Automation Manager at EY NI since October 2024. Tell us about your role and all that it involves, including the different ways the role adds value to clients of EY:
I work in the AI and Data team at EY NI, alongside a great bunch of people including Tim Cush – Partner and Head of Intelligent Automation and AI for Ireland.
The practice is centred around building relationships with clients to unlock value for them, using digital and emerging technologies. My role focuses on reviewing client processes to identify opportunities for automation and working with extremely talented teams to roll out the subsequent solutions.
The objective is to identify the essential processes that can be automated to maximise the client's impact. This approach enables the client to concentrate on tasks that cannot be automated, while also freeing up time and resources to help them grow their business and align with their strategic vision.
Can you talk us through an interesting project you have worked on recently?
One of the things I enjoy most at EY is the constant rotation of fascinating projects.
Currently, I am working with a utilities provider on a Robotic Process Automation initiative designed to optimise their processes. The project's objective is to implement automation to alleviate the substantial manual effort involved in repetitive tasks. This will greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of their operations, allowing the team to concentrate on more strategically aligned work and achieve quicker turnaround times.
Growing up, did you have an inspirational role model who worked in the tech sector that helped shape your own career aspirations and at what age did your interest in technology begin?
My interest in technology was sparked during my secondary school years whenever I realised there are so many opportunities within the field. When I was in my Lower Sixth year, I had the opportunity to work with a local Belfast based technology firm which solidified my decision to pursue a career in tech. I was particularly interested in the constant evolution of technology and the subsequent constant stream of learning opportunities.
During my time at EY NI, I have been greatly inspired by Catriona Campbell, MBE, our Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for UK and Ireland. Catriona has been a driving force in harnessing technology to help our clients thrive and has made a significant impact on the industry. Catriona is not only an inspiration for women in tech but for every individual working in the tech industry.
What inspired you to join the field of Intelligent Automation in particular?
My career journey began with a degree in computer science which I was inspired to pursue following my work experience in school. Following this, I commenced a graduate scheme with a local consultancy firm in Newry, where I initially worked in IT with financial clients. I subsequently pursued a Master's degree in Capital Markets, which deepened my understanding and appreciation of the financial sector.
Finance is central to EY's core service offerings. Additionally, EY has established a robust and dynamic technology consulting division, grounded in extensive experience and the expertise of its team members. I felt that this blend aligns perfectly with my own background. I am particularly enthusiastic about Intelligent Automation, as it offers limitless opportunities for innovation and transformation. As the world increasingly embraces AI and automation, I feel fortunate to be part of this journey with EY and to learn from some of the most talented professionals in the industry.
What technologies would you say defined 2024? What made the most impact and how did you implement them in your role at EY NI?
Throughout 2024, we witnessed several impactful technologies, especially with the ongoing rise of AI and the growing awareness surrounding it. We also observed the continuous evolution of large language models and the advancements that accompany them. All of these developments can inform how we approach and deliver projects for our clients.
What technologies do you foresee making the biggest impact as we enter 2025 and the years beyond?
Looking forward to 2025 and beyond I anticipate technology will continue to evolve at a steady pace and expect discussions around AI to continue to be quite prominent as more global figures start to speak more about AI.
I expect to see a shift towards organisations understanding how they can practically apply AI at this point - moving beyond theoretical conversations to truly implement AI within their organisations.
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The tech landscape is very diverse and as the world faces new challenges, with climate change being a key issue, I believe various technologies will emerge to drive transformation. I am excited to see how this comes into play with my own projects. The changemakers at EY NI, including previously mentioned EY Partner, Tim Cush, are deeply committed to staying informed and remaining adaptable so that we can support our clients and leverage the right solutions for their needs. It is a very exciting time to be working in a career in technology.
In terms of the gender imbalance within the tech industry, as a woman working in tech what words of advice do you have for a young girl interested in studying STEM subjects at school or women interested in pursuing technology as a career?
Having been in their position myself, I encourage every young girl considering a career in technology to embrace their curiosity. The tech industry is ever-evolving, offering numerous opportunities for a diverse range of skill sets, including many beyond the traditional route of coding. There are now countless fantastic resources available that weren’t available when I started my studies. . A great example is the EY STEM app - a free-to-use app which is designed to empower girls from the ages of 13 - 18 to pursue STEM subjects using gamified modules. I believe that developing those skills and fostering interest at an early age is a key step in closing the gender gap that exists within the tech space.
It is important for women and girls to recognise and step into the significant roles they can play as leaders and innovators shaping the world’s technological advancements. To learn more about the immersive EY STEM App, visit: EY Launches EY STEM App in Schools Across Northern Ireland | EY - Ireland.
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