Awards night puts accountancy profession centre stage

The Irish Accountancy Awards returned for a fourth year, on April 26th, with accountants from across Ireland commended for their service over the past 12 months.

The awards seek to honour firms and individuals who have excelled in adding value to their client organisations. 16 awards were handed out on the night to practices and accountants working within industry.

RSM Ireland won both 'Practice of the Year' and 'Large Practice of the Year,' and RSM Managing Partner, John Glennon viewed the success as a tame effot: "RSM Ireland entered the Irish Accountancy Awards as they recognise excellence in accounting and award firms who consistently deliver significant value to their clients. Winning this award is testament to the work of the staff and partners at RSM Ireland and our commitment to always ensuring our clients to stay competitive and achieve their ambitions."

The panel of judges was led by judging coordinator Anne Keogh, FCCA, Head of Finance and Operations, Pharmapod. Speaking after the awards Anne commented about this year's success, "Entries for the Accountancy Awards increased significantly this year showing the event has really struck a note with the profession. There was great engagement with the awards clearly showing the event has been truly established as the premier event in Ireland for showcasing excellence in accountancy."

the accountancy awards are an important way to recognise excellence and innovation in the sector

Another member of the panel, Mary Rose Burke - Chief Executive Officer, The Dublin Chamber of Commerce said, "the accountancy awards are an important way to recognise excellence and innovation in the sector. I was impressed by the calibre of the applications and the strong focus on understanding and exceeding client expectations is evident in all the finalist business models especially the category winners".

One of the Platinum Sponsors on the night, OmniPro, know the industry well and their CEO, Micheal O'Neill said, "Our entire business is dedicated to supporting accountants. We believe that the accounting profession is key to the development of a thriving entrepreneurial economy. As a result, we were delighted to work with the Irish Accountancy Awards to see the nation's most progressive accountants acknowledged and celebrated."

taking a night out to celebrate how far we've come is always great fun and the Accountancy Awards do a great job each year

Larissa Feeney, of Accountant Online, was delighted to pick up both a personal and company award, with the team winning 'Medium Practice of the Year' and Larissa winning 'Accountant of the Year – Practice.' Afterwards she spoke of the journey Accountant Online has come on over recent years and the value of the awards overall:

“I really enjoyed the evening, the conversation, the food and entertainment and seeing my industry colleagues being appreciated. I felt it was a real boost for my team to take home not one but two awards this year! We work hard for our clients and we are always thinking of things we can do better; taking a night out to celebrate how far we've come is always great fun and the Accountancy Awards do a great job each year. We experienced enormous change in the last year, implementing new systems for our clients and creating new value and services and we really appreciate the recognition of the judges.”

In a first for the awards, there were double celebrations for sisters, Monica Kelly and Maria Crudden. Monica Kelly is a Financial Controller at CDE Global Limited, who received an award for 'Accountant of the Year – Industry' and as Senior Tax Manager at PKF-FPM, Maria was part of the team who received an award for 'Tax Team of the Year'.

Monica said “I was absolutely thrilled to win this award. It was a great honour to receive it whilst working with a fantastic group of people in CDE, one of Ireland’s most innovative and fastest growing companies. My Team and I had a wonderful evening and we hope to be back next year.”

The awards not only recognise those in the field but also the education centres that are preparing and training the next generation of talent. Philip Burke, Chief Executive of City Colleges Group felt their award for 'Excellence in Education & Training' is a milestone for the group:

“Being honoured at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2018 in the category ‘Excellence in Education & Training’ was a significant milestone in the history of City Colleges, and the culmination of many years of hard work and exceptional student achievement. The ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our accountancy team’s success, and to network with the most significant decision makers in the accountancy profession.”

Circit CEO, David Heath, also spoke of how his company were happy to be involved as a sponsor: "Circit was proud to have sponsored the event. As accountants ourselves, having worked in both practice and industry, this event brings the whole profession together for one night. Recognising the brilliance of teams and individual excellence, the accountancy awards really does highlight the dedication which many professionals have brought to the profession and the great work they are doing in the country."