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Thought Leadership

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Important Work

A history of the profession

Celebrating the profession

On 19 March 2025, we celebrated the history, influence, and future of the Irish accountancy profession.

The event marked the launch of Important Work: A History of Irish Chartered & Certified Public Accountants, a new publication by Brenda Clerkin, Bríd Murphy, and Martin Quinn. The book traces the development of the profession from the late nineteenth century to the present day, highlighting its enduring impact on economic life, public trust, and social progress across the island of Ireland.

The evening also marked the centenary of the founding of CPA Ireland, recognising 100 years of contribution, leadership, and service to the profession.

It was an engaging and enjoyable occasion to catch up with fellow members, enjoy light refreshments, and look back at the story of our profession while also looking confidently ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Read a recap of the event

See photos from the event

Keynote speaker

Professor Stephen Kinsella delivered the keynote address; as one of the most respected and compelling commentators on the Irish economy, Head of the Department of Economics at UL, and Economic Advisor to An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, Stephen brings an exceptional depth of insight into the forces shaping Ireland’s economic landscape and the role our profession plays within it. At a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty and potential economic disruption, his perspective on how trusted business leaders provide stability and clarity for organisations was especially valuable.

See Professor Stephen Kinsella's LinkedIn

Important Work: A History of Chartered and Certified Public Accountants

In 2024, the Irish accountancy profession witnessed the historic amalgamation of Chartered Accountants Ireland (the Institute) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants Ireland (CPA Ireland).

Building on previous histories of these two professional accountancy bodies, this new text has been written and published to:

mark and honour the centenary of the foundation of CPA Ireland;
augment prior histories by providing broader insights into the work of accountants;
capture the nature and events of these rapidly changing times, socially, economically and technically, as a record and analysis for Irish accountants of the future.

Written by three recognised accounting historians, this book updates the history of the Irish accountancy profession, focusing separately on the work of accountants, the work of auditors, and their relationship over the years with evolving technology. It concludes by considering the disruptions of the present and looking to the future roles and relevance of a profession committed to continuing its important work and contributions to the economies and societies on the island of Ireland.

Buy the book

Download the PDF

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The authors

Brenda Clerkin

Brenda Clerkin, FCA FCPA, is a Senior Lecturer of Practice at Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast. With a background in accounting practice, she is passionate about understanding how technology can play a part in the profession and the wider business environment. Her published work to date has centred around emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI and data analytics.

Bríd Murphy

Bríd Murphy, FCA FCPA, is Associate Professor of Accounting at Dublin City University Business School. Her research focuses on the evolving accountancy profession, professional accounting education and the impact of regulatory and technology changes on the profession.

Martin Quinn

Martin Quinn, FCMA, is Professor of Management Accounting & Accounting History at Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast. He has published numerous historical articles on the accounting records and accounting practices of breweries, the ESB and local authorities. In 2016, together with Bríd Murphy, he authored a history of CPA Ireland – The History of CPA Ireland 1926–2016 – to mark 90 years’ serving Irish businesses.