It was a night of celebrating milestones and achievements at the 12^th Annual CIIPA Awards Gala held Saturday at the Kimpton Seafire Resort.

Fellow accountants, government officials, educators, and friends and family enjoyed the awards evening which recognized fourteen Caymanians for completing their Bachelor’s in Accounting, five for earning their Master’s, and fourteen who attained their professional accounting designations. CEO Sheree Ebanks noted, “Since the beginning of the gala in 2008, we are celebrating themost newly qualified accountants this year.”

The evening included three special awards – Samantha Hennings was named Rising Star for her contributions to KPMG’s scholarship programme, and CIIPA’s Training and Education Committees; Outstanding Member went to Ben Leung for his leadership of the CIIPA Training Committee, and his community work both personally and through his firm EisnerAmper; retired Deloitte partner Michael Pilling was recognized as a Pioneer for his contributions to the profession including seeing through the first accountants legislation in the Cayman Islands, as well as his work in the community through Cayman Arts Festival and Friends of the Library.

CIIPA President, Chris Gauk congratulated the newly qualified accountants noting, “What you have accomplished is no easy feat, but I can assure you, the hard work pays off. You have opened the door to a world of opportunity.”

The night was made possible by number of community-minded organisations: Excellence sponsor, RBC Royal Bank; Distinction sponsors Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC; Champagne sponsor Car City Mercedes-Benz; Honouree sponsor, BDO; Supporting sponsors EisnerAmper and Walkers.