Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants (CISPA) hosted their 2012 Annual Gala Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton in the Grand Cayman Ballroom.

15 Newly qualified Caymanian Accountants received awards for their achievements comprising certified Professional Accountant (CPA) or attaining their bachelors degree in accounting.

Over 300 accounting professionals and supporters were there including Minister of Education Rolston Anglin, representatives from government and leaders in the financial services industry.

In addition to the CPA and Bachelors awards nine others were presented by their mentors with an award and a small gift for earning their professional accounting designations this year.

CISPA was formed in the Cayman Islands in 1970 and has evolved into one of the largest professional societies in the Cayman Islands.

On January 2nd 2007, the Public Accountants Law and its associated Regulations came into effect, inaugurating a new era of regulatory oversight of the accounting profession on the Island. Under this regime, CISPA took on the responsibility of licensing accounting practitioners in the Cayman Islands, significantly increasing its regulatory responsibilities.

In 2008 CISPA broadened its global relationships and became an Associate Member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the worldwide organization representing the accountancy profession. This represented a significant milestone in their history and enhanced CISPA’s reputation in the international community as a respected professional association and regulatory organization.

CISPA operates through its governing Council and various Committees CISPA is actively involved in training its members and developing relationships with educational institutions on the island. CISPA is proud to be one of the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) “Partners in Education” and participates in numerous initiatives at Cayman Islands colleges, schools and other educational establishments.

The ICCI graduates were Paula Cribb, Zimiri Rochez and Tiashia Williams. The UCCI graduates were Joel Burke and Megan Powell. Mr. Burke also received his qualification as a certified public accountant.

The other new CPAs honoured Saturday were Rachael Brendel, Daphnie Frederick, Christy Gaus, Christopher Glasgow, Stuart Gorter, Owen McLaughlin, Melanie McTaggart, Shanna Ruiz, Sharla Taylor and Angela Whittaker.

“The path to becoming a qualified accountant is not an easy one,” said Jennifer Collins of CISPA’s Membership Development Committee.  “It takes a lot of dedication to finish a degree and then go onto complete a professional qualification like a CPA or a CA. By welcoming new accountants into the profession with this Gala, we want to celebrate them as they start this next step into their careers.”

The officers and council members of CISPA believe it is important to show their appreciation for these students’ efforts and dedication.

CISPA President James George said, “The CISPA Gala allows the community to come together to celebrate and recognise the achievements of these young Caymanians who have clearly spent many hours in obtaining their undergraduate degree or professional qualification.”

The Keynote speech at the gala was delivered by Sir Tim Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a former vice chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, adviser to the United Kingdom government and frequent speaker on leadership and management of universities and on the role of higher education in economic development. He spoke on the effects of globalisation on higher education and the erosion of traditional boundaries separating business, government and higher education.