dmg media Ireland has selected 40 brilliant young minds in the accountancy industry as part of the 40 Under 40 series

Dan Murphy - partner, Crowe Ireland

Dan Murphy is an audit and accountancy Partner at Crowe Ireland, with nearly 15 years of experience in the profession.

He began his career with Crowe in 2011, qualified as a chartered accountant, and steadily rose through the ranks to his current leadership role.

Over the years, Murphy has led high-profile international audit engagements and has been a driving force in innovating the firm’s audit practices.

He is known for championing the use of new technologies to enhance service delivery and efficiency, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement.

Murphy’s combination of strong technical expertise, a forward-thinking approach, and dedication to client service has made him an influential leader within the firm.

He is passionate about mentoring junior colleagues and ensuring that Crowe adapts to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Murphy exemplifies the new generation of accountancy leaders who blend traditional rigour with modern innovation.

• Hobbies: I have a passion for music. My father is an avid music fan and record collector, and as I grew up, I shared that passion with him. Thanks to those early experiences, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for music that remains a big part of my life.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: “Everything is a phase; it’s temporary.” With two young kids at home, this advice has been a lifesaver.
• Why you love your job: My job is never boring. There are always new challenges to tackle and new skills to learn. I especially enjoy building relationships with our clients and with my colleagues; the people aspect of the work is hugely rewarding.
• Motto for life: Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Emma Spencer - internal finance manager, Dains Ireland

Emma Spencer brings over nine years of experience across finance, accounting, office management, and client service.

She is known for her ability to combine strong technical expertise with a calm, organised approach that gets things done.

For the past year, Spencer has been the internal finance manager at Dains Ireland, where she runs the finance function for the firm’s growing accountancy practice in her hometown of Swords.

Her work covers everything from VAT returns and payroll updates to cash flow forecasting, budget preparation, and consolidated management accounts.

It is a role that demands both precision and forward thinking, and Spencer thrives on balancing the detail of daily finance with the bigger picture of planning and strategy.

Before joining Dains Ireland, Spencer worked with Grant Thornton. There, she managed a portfolio of client accounts, producing full monthly management packs with balance sheet reconciliations and financial commentary.

She was also responsible for AP payment runs, VAT workings, and reviewing management accounts. This mix of responsibilities sharpened her attention to detail and reinforced her ability to deliver reliable information that supports better decision-making.

Spencer’s earlier career began in office management before moving into finance administration. In these roles, she built a solid grounding in payroll, tax compliance, and internal reporting, while also leading HR onboarding and office operations.

That mix of responsibilities gave her adaptability, resilience, and a clear understanding of how finance underpins every part of a business.

Spencer is an Accounting Technician with Accounting Technicians Ireland and also holds a Higher Certificate in Business Management from Dublin Institute of Technology.

• Hobbies: I love the gym. A few years ago, I joined a small group training facility and it has become a big part of my life. It gives me the physical and mental boost I need, but also the chance to connect with people I might never have met otherwise.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Be brave and own your seat at the table.
• Why do you love your job: No two days are ever the same. The variety keeps me energised, and I enjoy the balance of planning, analysis, and collaboration with the wider business. It is rewarding to know the work we do has a direct impact on the success of the firm.
• Motto for life: "Your direction matters more than your speed."

Kevin Donovan - senior tax manager, Baker Tilly Ireland

Kevin Donovan joined Baker Tilly in August 2021 and has since become an integral part of the team.

His expertise lies in corporate tax advisory services for both domestic and international clients. 

Donovan excels in guiding the expansion of Irish domestic operations and structuring Irish operations for international entities across a variety of industries.

Donovan also specialises in advising on Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) issues for clients in the construction sector, focusing particularly on the complexities faced by international companies setting up construction and related operations in Ireland.

• Hobbies: I am a big Liverpool fan so enjoy watching soccer and also enjoy Formula 1.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Be kind and patient with every person you speak to because you may be the only person they speak to that day.
• Why do you love your job: I really enjoy dealing with different clients and getting to understand their businesses. The biggest reward is seeing how our work can help a business succeed or overcome an obstacle.
• Motto for life: If you’re going to try, go all the way.