Reinforcing the commitment to independent, rigorous evaluation at the heart of the Irish Accountancy Awards, John Gaynor, Programme Chair and Lecturer on the BA in Accounting at Atlantic Technological University Sligo, has been appointed Judging Coordinator for the Irish Accountancy Awards 2026, bringing over 15 years of combined practice, industry, and academic experience to the role.

Gaynor's career spans accountancy practice, industry leadership, and higher education, with a sustained focus on professional development and sector representation. He served nine years on ACCA committees, including a term as ACCA Ireland Chair in 2017, and currently chairs the resource oversight committee for the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NiBRT). His governance experience extends to voluntary board roles with Sligo Tourist Development Association, Hawks Well Theatre, and Sligo Academy of Music, reflecting a commitment to both professional excellence and community engagement.

As Judging Coordinator, Gaynor will oversee the evaluation process for entries across all award categories, ensuring consistency, transparency, and alignment with the programme's standards for innovation, impact, and strategic leadership. His role includes coordinating the expert judging panel, facilitating category assessments, and maintaining the integrity of the awards process as entries are reviewed ahead of the finalist announcement on 19 March 2026.

The appointment reflects the Irish Accountancy Awards' emphasis on independent, expert-led evaluation, where judges bring sector knowledge, professional credibility, and a commitment to recognising excellence across diverse areas of practice. Gaynor's background in education and professional advocacy positions him to support a judging process that balances technical rigour with practical insight.

Gaynor is also a strong advocate for the accounting profession, regularly visiting schools across the Northwest and hosting workshops at ATU Sligo to promote career pathways in accountancy. 

He collaborates with professional accounting bodies to deliver training and conferences that address evolving skill requirements in a fast-changing sector, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, ESG reporting, and data analytics.

With entries for the Irish Accountancy Awards 2026 now closed, attention turns to the finalist announcement on 19 March 2026, followed by the awards gala on 21 May 2026 at the Royal Dublin Convention Centre, where Gaynor will play a central role in recognising the individuals and organisations setting new benchmarks for excellence across Ireland's accounting sector.

For more information on the judging process, award categories, and programme updates, visit the official Irish Accountancy Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for the latest insights.