Caroline O'Driscoll of Deloitte has been named Women in Accountancy & Finance Award winner at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2026, recognised for remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering future female leaders in accountancy and finance. Her career exemplifies how individual achievement, combined with dedication to advancing opportunity for others, shapes sector-wide progress toward genuine diversity and inclusive leadership.

O'Driscoll has built a stellar career while simultaneously spearheading wide-reaching programmes designed to inspire and uplift young women entering the profession. This dual focus, personal excellence alongside commitment to systemic change, distinguishes her impact. Her transformative work with I Wish, an organisation dedicated to advancing female participation in STEM and professional careers, demonstrates how individuals can leverage influence and platforms to create opportunity beyond their immediate organisations.

Her impact extends across multiple dimensions. Within client advisory, she has delivered major contributions to tax and technology transformation. Her work advancing national STEM initiatives reflects understanding that sectoral progress toward gender balance requires engagement at educational and early-career stages, not merely within established professional populations. Her influence across tax, technology, education, and diversity initiatives positions her as a true role model demonstrating how professional expertise, leadership capability, and commitment to inclusion can be integrated into meaningful career impact.

Judges commended O'Driscoll's approach: "Our judges were inspired by Caroline O'Driscoll's remarkable leadership and her unwavering commitment to empowering future female leaders in accountancy and finance. Caroline has not only built a stellar career but also spearheaded a wide-reaching programme to inspire and uplift young women in the profession. From her transformative work with I Wish to her major impact with clients and contributions to national STEM advancement, Caroline's leadership exemplifies the powerful blend of innovation, advocacy, and dedication to education. Her influence across tax, technology, education, and diversity sets her apart as a true role model for the industry."

O'Driscoll's recognition reflects the Irish Accountancy Awards' commitment to celebrating individuals advancing gender balance, leadership opportunity, and inclusive practice within the profession. Her achievement illustrates how female leaders, when positioned to influence direction and mentor emerging talent, become catalysts for structural change that benefits the entire sector.

Her work across tax and technology demonstrates that female leadership excellence in technical specialisms commands equal recognition with traditional advisory or management roles. Her STEM advocacy acknowledges that sustainable gender balance requires investment in educational pipeline and early-career development, not merely promoting women into senior roles.

This recognition establishes a benchmark for female leadership and mentorship excellence in accounting and finance as the profession and the Irish Accountancy Awards look ahead to 2027, where female leaders will continue advancing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity across all sectors and specialisms.

For past winners, category details, and updates, visit the official Irish Accountancy Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive insights and coverage from Ireland's accounting sector.