Joe is the Head of Professional Development at Chartered Accountants Ireland, where they oversee the creation and delivery of cutting-edge learning solutions to support members’ growth and career advancement.

With a strong background in education and training, Joe is passionate about empowering finance professionals with the skills needed to tackle emerging challenges, including sustainability, data analytics, and leadership.

Joe holds a Certificate in Cyber Security and Data Incident Management from Chartered Accountants Ireland and is an accredited Executive Coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Their qualifications also include, an MSc in Education & Training Management (DCU), and a BA in Medieval & Modern History  (UCD). With extensive expertise, Joe fosters a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring Chartered Accountants Ireland remains at the forefront of professional development.

Brian Murphy is a Partner with Deloitte in Dublin. He has extensive experience in audit and assurance, working with a broad range of clients across various industries. Brian, a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, has particular expertise in IFRS, Irish GAAP, and sustainability reporting. Brian is past chair of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and a council member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Brian will host the Audit Conference 2025 drawing on his extensive expertise in audit, assurance, and sustainability reporting, Brian will guide discussions on key developments shaping the future of the profession.

Claire Ryan is a Managing Director within Dublin’s Consumer & Technology Business (CTB) Audit and Assurance department with particular focus in the area of Deloitte Private. Claire has 14 years of experience, providing audit and advisory services to a wide range of business sectors, including Retail, Construction, Real Estate, Engineering, Hospitality and technology sector’

Clare will deliver a session on Audit Regulation & Standards Update at the Chartered Accountants Ireland Audit Conference 2025. She will provide insights into the latest regulatory developments, changes in auditing standards, and their practical implications for firms. This session will help auditors stay informed and prepared for evolving compliance requirements.

Maurice Barrett is Senior Corporate Reporting Manager with the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA). Prior to joining IAASA’s corporate reporting enforcement unit in 2008, Maurice spent over 25 years working in audit and assurance with a Big 4 firm in Dublin. Maurice, who was admitted membership of Chartered Accountants Ireland in 1985, has expertise in FRS, IFRS and sustainability reporting.

Maurice will discuss the outcomes from IAASA’s 2024 corporate reporting examinations and outline IAASA’s priorities for 2025 examinations of financial reports and sustainability statements. He will also provide some early observations on CSRD examinations and set out some thoughts on the European Commission’s CSRD ‘Omnibus’ proposals

Derarca Dennis is the Partner and Lead for Sustainability Services (CCaSS) for EY Ireland. She has over 25 years of professional experience in financial and non-financial reporting, including six years based in Brussels and Finland. Derarca leads a team of climate change and sustainability specialists who focus on advising private and listed companies on climate and sustainability business solutions.

Derarca will deliver a session on CSRD/ESG Updates. She will provide an overview of the latest developments in sustainability reporting, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and evolving ESG requirements. This session will help auditors understand the key impacts on financial reporting and assurance.

Maeve Hunt is Principal with Grant Thornton (NI) LLP. She has significant experience dealing with a range of large privately held and investor led businesses, to include IT software development, hospitality, manufacturing, and construction, both in Ireland and the United Kingdom. She also has extensive project management experience, having led large teams on numerous time sensitive assignments. Maeve is former chair of Chartered accountants Ireland Ulster Society and a current council member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Maeve currently chairs the Members in Practice Board of Chartered Accounts Ireland.

Maeve will chair a panel discussion on Using Technology & Analytics in Audit at the Chartered Accountants Ireland Audit Conference 2025. The discussion will explore how firms are leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI to enhance audit quality and efficiency, with insights from industry experts on emerging trends and best practices.

Ray Daly is a Director with PwC in Dublin. He has extensive experience in audit and assurance, working with clients across a range of industries. Ray, a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, has particular expertise in data analytics, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance in audit.

Brad Van Der Merwe is a Director with Azets. He has a strong background in audit and assurance, specialising in the use of technology to enhance audit efficiency and quality. Brad has particular expertise in data analytics, automation, and risk management in the evolving audit landscape.

Ankit Gulati is a Director with RSM Ireland. He has extensive experience in audit, assurance, and advisory services, with a focus on leveraging technology to drive audit innovation. Ankit has particular expertise in AI-driven analytics, digital auditing tools, and regulatory developments impacting the profession.

Jessica has been with KPMG Ireland’s Audit Practice for 13 years, specializing in audits of investment management entities, funds, special purpose entities, service providers and management companies.

She has worked with a variety of European and global investment management clients, encompassing Luxembourg, Irish, US and offshore structures such as master/feeder vehicles and co-invest entities. Her audit experience includes UCITS, AIFs, ETFs, and unregulated structures such as private equity funds.

Jessica also has experience with the audit of Management Companies and AIFMs based in Europe and the UK.

She is a member of 100 Women in Finance and numerous Irish Funds Working Groups.

Jessica has been with KPMG Ireland’s Audit Practice for 13 years, specializing in audits of investment management entities, funds, special purpose entities, service providers and management companies.

She has worked with a variety of European and global investment management clients, encompassing Luxembourg, Irish, US and offshore structures such as master/feeder vehicles and co-invest entities. Her audit experience includes UCITS, AIFs, ETFs, and unregulated structures such as private equity funds.

Jessica also has experience with the audit of Management Companies and AIFMs based in Europe and the UK.

She is a member of 100 Women in Finance and numerous Irish Funds Working Groups.

Andrew Brennan is a Director with Mazars in Dublin. He has extensive experience in audit and assurance, working with clients across various industries. Andrew, a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, has a particular focus on project management within the audit process, helping firms implement efficient and effective project management strategies to improve audit outcomes.

Andrew will chair the session on Project Management in Audit which will explore the critical role of effective project management in ensuring the success of audit engagements. Hosted by Andrew Brennan from Mazars, the panel will discuss strategies for managing audit projects, from planning through to delivery, while ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance. Key topics will include risk management, resource allocation, client communication, and the use of technology in audit project management. This session will provide valuable insights into how firms can enhance their audit processes by adopting strong project management practices.

Paul McGrath is a Director with PwC in Dublin and has extensive experience in Asset & Wealth Management. Paul has worked in both in the Dublin & Boston offices and has considerable experience dealing with Alternative Investment Funds and Structured Entities, using Irish and offshore domiciled products and covering a wide spectrum of fund structures, strategies and GAAP. Paul is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) as well as a CFA.