Yvonne Thompson is a tax partner with PwC and heads up the firm’s global aviation leasing tax network. Her work involves clients in banking and insurance as well as leasing and sees her working with colleagues and clients across multiple time zones and a business trip to San Francisco presents the opportunity to market Ireland to potential clients.

An aptitude for mathematics is a primary skill required for anyone considering a career as an actuary, but the need for this is sometimes over-stated with many professionals coming from a wide variety of backgrounds, including theology and physics, says Brona McGee, head of Royal Liver's actuarial division.