Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, representing Ireland's accountancy profession, will determine the winners of the Irish Accountancy Awards.

We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the accounting industry.

Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.

This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com

2026 Judging Panel

John Gaynor (Judging Coordinator)

Programme Chair and Lecturer on the BA in Accounting, Atlantic Technological University - Sligo Campus

John is Programme Chair and Lecturer on the BA in Accounting at ATU Sligo. He served nine years on ACCA Committees and was ACCA Ireland Chair in 2017. He is chair of the resource oversight committee for NiBRT and volunteers on the boards of Sligo Tourism, Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo Academy of Music. VIEW MORE

Siobhan Blackwell

Director, Head of Business, Regulatory & Supervisory Management, TD Securities

A passionate and distinguished leader, Siobhan Blackwell, FCCA, MBA, has led multiple functional areas across Finance and Global Markets over a 20-year career. She is a voice and champion for the continued professional development of working women, in particular mothers, in financial services. VIEW MORE

Peter Brophy

Managing Director, Floirin Corporate Finance Limited

Experienced Corporate Finance professional who provides M & A, Strategic Planning and debt advisory services. VIEW MORE

Brendan Brophy

Senior Cost Accountant, Square

Brendan, a Chartered Accountant and Senior Cost Accountant at Square, experience in financial reporting and taxation. Chairperson of the ACA Professionals Committee (23/24), qualifications from Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and Chartered Accountants Ireland and Master's in Finance. VIEW MORE

David Endersen

Managing Director, White Bear

David Endersen FCCA is Managing Partner of White Bear Studios, a creative agency based in London and Dublin. VIEW MORE

Peter Gillen

Sustainability Disclosures & Ratings Manager, AIB

Peter Gillen is a Sustainability Disclosures & Ratings Manager at AIB, with experience of working in financial services audit and sustainability advisory. Peter was the Chartered Accountant Ireland’s 2023 Chartered Star Winner recognising his work in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. VIEW MORE

Pauline Haughey

Project Manager, Queen's University Belfast

Pauline is a Project Manager at Queen’s University Belfast, a member of the Russell Group of UK research intensive universities, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos. VIEW MORE

Niamh McCarthy

Finance Business Partner, Primark

Niamh, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants, and a Finance Business Partner at Primark, a leading Irish retailer. Former vice-chair of the ACA professionals from 2021 until 2024. VIEW MORE

AISLING MCDEVITT

DIRECTOR, PGIM IRELAND

Aisling McDevitt is a Director at PGIM Real Estate Loan Services. Ms. McDevitt supports strategic projects within real estate and she sits on several innovation councils. She is also a Director on the board of PGIM Ireland, responsible for strategic initiatives and external engagements. VIEW MORE

Dr. Caroline McGroary

Chartered Accountant, Lecturer in Accounting and Fulbright Scholar, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Dublin City University and Boston College

Dr. Caroline McGroary is a Chartered Accountant, Fulbright Scholar, Research Fellow at Boston College and Lecturer in Accounting at Dublin City University (DCU). VIEW MORE

Angela O Leary

AG Associates Accountants, AG Associates Accountants

Angela O'Leary, a CPA Accountant and CTax Advisor, is the Founder and Managing Director of AG Associates Accountants, an award winning practice based in Cork. With over 20 years of experience, Angela has steered AG Associates in providing invaluable support to a wide range of SMEs across Ireland. VIEW MORE

Anand Kumar Pandey

Head of Finance, Actavo

Anand is a global finance leader currently working as Head of Finance with Actavo leading a team of Finance professionals covering Group Audits/Consolidation/Payroll/Accounts Payable/Tax & Treasury. Prior to Actavo, Anand had worked with General Electric (GE) since 2002 in India, Germany, UK and now Ireland. He is a qualified ACCA and CTA. During his time in GE Anand has extensively worked and led teams in areas of Controllership, Treasury and Financial Reporting. In his current role, Anand is responsible for financial reporting of GE's global Discontinued Operation. Prior to GE Anand had worked in an audit practice for 4 years in India mainly focusing on Bank audits. Anand is also actively involved with ACCA Ireland and is currently serving as vice-chairman of ACCA Ireland's Leinster Panel. VIEW MORE

Eoghan Quigley

Immediate Past President, Dublin Chamber

Eoghan Quigley served as the 136 th President of Dublin Chamber in 2025 and has been a member of Dublin Chamber Council since 2015 and a member of the Board of Directors for over 6 years. VIEW MORE

Sean Quigley

Non Exec Director and Consultant, Non Executive and Corporate Governance Consultant

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Masters in Organisational Behaviour Masters in Executive and Team Coaching. Extensive experience at Senior Leadership level including as Finance Director. Non-Executive Director across different sectors. Corporate Governance Consultant. VIEW MORE

Michael Shovelin

Lecturer - Strategy & Finance, Atlantic Technological University

Michael is currently a lecturer in Business Strategy and Finance at Atlantic Technological University - Sligo. He has previously taught at a number of other colleges including DCU, University of Malawi and the University of Vorarlberg, Austria. VIEW MORE

Olivia Smith FCCA

Corporate Sustainability Advisor, Good Force Corporate Sustainability Partners

Olivia is a Corporate Sustainability Advisor and Chartered Certified Accountant. With cross-sector experience, she focuses on integrating sustainability into core decision-making and operations, enabling businesses to lead with purpose and become a force for good. VIEW MORE

Edel Walsh

Edel Walsh Coaching and Consulting, Edel Walsh Coaching and Consulting

Edel Walsh is a strategic partner for accountants, tax, and finance professionals. She provides coaching and mentorship to help them achieve academic success and career advancement. Edel collaborates with firms to design efficient exam preparation programs and offers career and wellbeing programs. VIEW MORE