New Leadership at the Helm of Chartered Accountants Ireland
Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) has officially appointed Joan Curry as its new president. The announcement was made during the organization’s 138th annual general meeting held in Dublin, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the island’s most influential professional bodies.
Curry brings a wealth of expertise to the role, particularly in public financial management. Her career includes a tenure as the head of the Finance division at the Department of Transport, alongside extensive experience working across various government departments. She has been an active member of the CAI council since 2018 and previously served as the chair of the organization’s Public Sector Committee.
Global Influence and Strategic Vision
Beyond her domestic contributions, Curry has served on the board of the International Federation of Accountants. In this capacity, she played a role in the development of global standards and policy, positioning her well to lead the institute during a period of rapid technological change in the accounting sector.
Commenting on the current state of the profession, Curry highlighted the institute’s recent milestone of reaching 40,000 members. She emphasized the importance of the organization’s modernized education program, which has been adapted to meet the demands of a digital-first economy.
“Since 2018, our syllabus has evolved to include areas such as robotic process automation, data analytics, cybersecurity, blockchain and accounting for digital assets to meet the needs of business,” said Curry.
Growth and Future-Proofing the Profession
The appointment comes at a time of robust growth for the accounting sector in Ireland. According to the Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority’s (IAASA) Profile of the Profession 2025 report, 1,164 CAI trainees became members last year, accounting for 62% of all new entrants to professional accountancy bodies in the country.
The institute continues to focus on future-proofing the profession, having recently released a position paper regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence in accounting. This focus on emerging technology, combined with a 79% pass rate in final exams, remains a cornerstone of the institute’s strategy to maintain a pipeline of highly skilled professionals.
Supporting Leadership Team
Alongside Curry’s appointment, the organization has confirmed the following leadership changes:
- Niall Walsh, a partner at Deloitte Ireland, has been appointed as deputy president.
- Michael Kavanagh, chief executive of the Compliance Institute, has been appointed as vice-president.
