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A number of Northern Ireland accountants have proved to be top global performers in ACCA’s 2009 professional accountancy examinations.
With 187,335 candidates taking a total of 370,715 papers around the world Northern Ireland students are amongst the top ten performers in three of the professional accounting bodies’ exams - Audit & Assurance, Professional Accountant and Performance Management.
A record number of students from Northern Ireland sat the ACCA professional exams this year with student membership of the body rising by 12% globally in the last year alone, reflecting the strength and popularity of the profession both locally and internationally. 
Commenting at the ACCA’s graduation event, Keith McManus, President of the ACCA, Ulster branch said, “Northern Ireland students have once again demonstrated their talent and dedication by being amongst the top performers within ACCA’s exams. Not only did three of our students take top place in Ireland but we also had three performances in the global top ten with a further five in the top twenty. 
“This is no mean feat and it augers well for the accountancy profession and also for our future economic prospects in Northern Ireland.   Our students have consistently proved their ability against global competition and this year’s ACCA results are particularly encouraging, given the backdrop of the economic recession.
 “Providing our young people with appropriate skills and training has never been more important and I would like to congratulate businesses who are helping to provide accountancy students, and indeed, students across all sectors as they gain their professional qualifications,” said Keith, “After all, they represent the hope of economic prosperity in the years ahead.”
ACCA tuition providers in Northern Ireland are the University of Ulster, Belfast Metropolitan College and Richard Clarke Academy.

Presentations were made to the following students:
Performance Management
David McConnell    - 1st in Ireland & 8th in world
Taxation
Diane Livingstone – 3rd in Ireland &15th in world
Gabriela Barrionuevo Gordon – 3rd in Ireland 15th in world
Audit and Assurance
Hazel Bradbury – 1st in Ireland & 8th in world
Anne  Marie Clerkin – 2nd in Ireland & 15th in world
Professional Accountant
Denise Kennedy – 3rd in Ireland and 5th in world
Business Analysis
Susan Jane Lambe – 3rd in Ireland and 11th in world
Advanced Taxation
Jennifer Rainey – 1st in Ireland and 11th in world
    
    
For further information, please contact:
Shane Finnegan or Claire Aiken
At Aiken PR Tel:02890 663000
Email: shane@aikenpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors
1. ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. ACCA aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. ACCA have 493,500 members and students in 170 countries worldwide. ACCA Ireland has 20,000 members and students.
2. ACCA has worked with governments, national organisations and development agencies in emerging economies- for over 20 years- promoting the accounting profession, to create value for the communities, businesses and individuals it serves.
3. ACCA believes that globalisation of business means that one set of reporting standards is essential. We favour the principles-based IFRS.
4. ACCA understands the real issues facing small businesses as 63,000 of our members work in SMEs or small partnerships worldwide.