Looking back to the Irish Accountancy Awards 2026, The Law Society of Ireland's Project Ignite has been named Best Use of Technology in Accounting and Finance - SME winner, recognised for exceptional use of technology to address critical business needs and transform financial operations at scale across a professional membership organisation.

Project Ignite demonstrates how professional bodies can leverage innovative technology to modernise financial operations serving large member populations. Supporting over 12,000 members, The Law Society of Ireland faced complexity typical of membership organisations: managing diverse payment flows, ensuring reconciliation accuracy, maintaining treasury controls, and delivering seamless member experience. The adoption of NoFrixion's API-first payments platform addressed these challenges through focused technology investment delivering measurable operational impact.

The implementation of NoFrixion transformed the Practice Certificate renewal process, automating payment processing and reconciliation while enhancing operational visibility and control. API-first architecture enables integration with existing systems, reducing manual handoffs and data entry errors. Automation of routine payment processing frees finance team capacity for strategic work and exception management. Enhanced treasury controls improve visibility into cash flows and financial position.

The project's success reflects several critical factors. Technology selection aligned with specific business need, modernising the renewal process, rather than pursuing technology for its own sake. Implementation in a regulated financial environment required balancing innovation with compliance and control requirements. The focus on member experience alongside operational efficiency ensures that technology improvements benefit both the organisation and members.

Judges commended The Law Society of Ireland's approach: "This entrant stood out for its exceptional use of technology to address a specific business need, setting a new standard in accounting and finance for professional bodies. Project Ignite demonstrates how The Law Society of Ireland leveraged innovative technology to transform financial operations at scale, supporting over 12,000 members. The adoption of NoFrixion to automate payments, reconciliation, and treasury controls is a clear example of how focused tech solutions can drive measurable impact. The implementation of NoFrixion's API-first payments platform revolutionised the Practice Certificate renewal process. With impressive results in efficiency, cost savings, and operational resilience, this project showcases a remarkable achievement in the application of technology in a regulated financial environment."

This recognition establishes a benchmark for technology excellence in accounting and finance as the profession and the Irish Accountancy Awards look ahead to the 2027 awards cycle, where organisations will continue advancing technology-enabled transformation, automation innovation, and member or client value delivery.

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.