Name: Ian McGill

Company: State Street

Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Studies, CPA

Ian is the Vice President of Client Relationship Management at leading financial services provider, State Street. He became a member of CPA in 2002, as he wanted a professional qualification that would allow him to learn and work simultaneously. "I wanted to obtain an internationally-recognised professional qualification and have the flexibility to complete the exams while also fulfilling my work duties."

Above all, Ian views education as the key to maintaining a successful career. "From a State Street perspective, our close relationship and accreditations with CPA highlights the extent to which we believe the development of our employees is key to the success of the organisation."

Read Ian's full profile here.

If you are thinking about a career in accountancy and want to find out more, why not drop by the Which Course Expo at the Mansion House in Dublin this weekend. CPA Ireland will be in attendance at Stand 15 at Dublin’s largest annual career fair on 19th January, this weekend.

The Expo will feature course and training providers from around the country and is completely free to attend.

To find out more about the event, click here.

The CPA Ireland Student Development Award was presented to Clodagh Dunne from Balla, Co. Mayo at an event at the CPA Headquarters in Dublin on the 6th of December. The competition was ran through CPA Ireland's Facebook page, where applicants explained why they think they would make a good CPA.

Finalists were interviewed by judges Niall Byrne, CPA President, Alex Fisher, State Street and Marc O'Dwyer, Big Red Book.

Finalist and runner-up Tina Walsh from Carrick on Suir, Tipperary received the prize of €1000 towards her CPA studies.

Second runner-up Audrey Redmond from Portmarnock, Dublin impressed judge Marc O'Dwyer so much, he sponsored a second prize of €1000 to help her pursue her studies further.

Finalist Catherine Ryan from Thurles, Co. Tipperary is pictured here with the judges and her daughter Casey, who entered her in the competition as a surprise. Casey had originally entered the competition herself, but decided her mother Catherine was more deserving of the opportunity.

Finalist Laura Flynn from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford pictured here with the judges.

UCD graduate Joseph Davis from Foxford, Co. Mayo was also a finalist in the competition, however he was unable to attend on the day.

The Brightwater Salary Survey for 2013 has positive news for the accountancy profession, reporting a continued rise in salaries across the board and an improvement in business confidence. The report found that 60% of new positions in the financial services sector have been newly created roles, with organisations more confident in their hiring. It also highlighted an increase in the need for junior accounting staff and part qualified accountants and a high demand for temporary and contract accountancy professionals.

For those working in industry, specific experience can lead to a higher salary, particularly for those with a background in FMCG, manufacturing, gaming or pharmaceutical sectors. The report found a continued requirement for candidates with strong IFRS, US GAAP, systems implementation and change management experience.

The survey brings positive news for practice firms, as business confidence continues to improve.  Large professional services firms, particularly those with an emphasis on consulting and risk, and small and medium firms in audit, tax and corporate services, can all expect positive growth in 2013.

High-demand skills highlighted in the survey include analytical, forecasting, financial modelling and Excel skills. A need for more accurate business reporting was also noted.

To read the full Brightwater Salary Survey for 2013, click here.