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Explore industry news, insights, and updates from the Irish Accountancy Awards.

Accountancy Ascendant

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The accountancy profession plays a foundational role in the health of business and public life, providing the rigour, transparency, and strategic counsel that organisations depend upon. Its capacity to evolve alongside shifting economic conditions makes it one of the most resilient and consequential sectors in modern commerce. Energised by this year’s breakthroughs, the 2026 awards delivered a powerful affirmation of the talent shaping the profession, with 'Loanitt's Carrie Hanley wins Overall Winner at Women in Finance Awards 2026' setting a high bar for the recognition season ahead. It is a timely reminder that the individuals driving accountancy forward deserve the spotlight they are increasingly receiving. Furthermore, 'BDO UK and Ireland merger advances following partner approval' signals a significant shift in how major accountancy networks are positioning themselves for long-term competitiveness. Consolidation at this scale reflects genuine confidence in the profession's commercial trajectory. Lastly, 'Dains continues UK expansion with North West acquisition' points to a broader pattern of ambitious regional growth among mid-tier firms. Strategic acquisitions of this kind are steadily reshaping the competitive landscape of UK accountancy. These stories capture a profession that is confident, dynamic, and purposefully evolving. Explore each article to understand the forces driving accountancy's next chapter.

Loanitt's Carrie Hanley wins Overall Winner at Women in Finance Awards 2026

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Acknowledged for strategic leadership and governance excellence, Carrie Hanley of Loanitt was named Overall Winner at the Women in Finance Awards 2026, setting a benchmark for disciplined growth and commercial clarity in the sector.

Armanino partners with Accrual to deploy AI-driven accounting platform

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

US accounting and consulting firm Armanino has entered a strategic partnership with Accrual to deploy its AI-native accounting platform across the firm's operations. The California-based firm will gain early access to AI-enhanced tax preparation, review, and planning capabilities.

Dains continues UK expansion with North West acquisition

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

UK accountancy firm Dains has acquired North West practice Hurst in its sixth transaction since securing IK Partners backing and 16th deal since 2021. The Birmingham-based firm adds 120 professionals whilst continuing expansion across the UK and Ireland.

BDO Northern Ireland supports business challenge for secondary school students

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

BDO Northern Ireland partnered with Queen's Business School and Henderson Group to deliver the NI Schools' Business Challenge at Belfast's Riddel Hall. Dalriada School from Ballymoney won the competition for AS and A-Level students.

Ifac acquires Charleville accountancy practice to strengthen Cork presence

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Ifac, a national accountancy and financial advisory firm, has acquired Michael G Murphy Accountants in Charleville, County Cork, strengthening its presence across north Cork and Munster. The Charleville team will integrate with Ifac's Mallow office.

BDO UK and Ireland merger advances following partner approval

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

BDO UK and BDO Ireland have exchanged contracts following partner approval of their proposed merger, creating a combined firm with £1.1 billion (€1.27 billion) in annual revenue. The transaction will employ approximately 8,500 people across 19 locations.

Ambition Realised

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The accountancy sector remains fundamental to economic stability and business confidence, providing the rigour and insight that enable organisations to navigate complexity and make informed strategic decisions. Across recognition of impact, strategic acquisition and transformative consolidation, the profession demonstrates sustained commitment to enhancing capability and expanding service delivery. Carried forward by this year’s exceptional leaders, recognition of sector contribution highlights firms advancing professional standards. 'Sage is named Impact Ambassador at Irish Accountancy Awards 2026' underscores how technology providers and practitioners alike elevate the profession’s capacity to deliver value beyond compliance. Furthermore, targeted acquisition strategies signal confidence in growth through geographic and service expansion. 'Kinore acquires three Irish practices in expansion targeting €15m revenue' demonstrates how ambitious firms are consolidating market position whilst building the scale necessary to serve increasingly sophisticated client demands. Lastly, major consolidation is reshaping the competitive landscape and creating substantial new entities. 'AAB and Kreston Reeves combine to form £200m accountancy group' illustrates how strategic mergers deliver enhanced capability, broader sectoral expertise and strengthened capacity to compete in evolving markets. These developments collectively reveal a profession characterised by strategic ambition and purposeful growth. Explore each story to discover how these moves are reshaping accountancy's future.

Sage named Impact Ambassador at Irish Accountancy Awards 2026

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Sage joins this year’s Irish Accountancy Awards 2026 as Impact Ambassador, bringing decades of software innovation and digital transformation expertise to support Ireland's accounting sector through technology-led practice development.

Xeinadin expands Southend operations with TBL Accountants addition

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

UK accountancy group Xeinadin has expanded its Southend office with the addition of TBL Accountants, bringing five decades of combined experience. The integration adds 22 professionals serving owner-managed businesses and charities across Essex.

Discover What's Happening

Women in Finance Awards 2026

January 22nd, 2026

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry

Irish Accountancy Awards 2026

May 21st, 2026

Royal Dublin Convention Centre

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