2023 Award Categories

  • Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director
    of the Year

    A dynamic individual who operates at the core of the executive team in which they serve. Highly strategic and with deep judgement and influence, this person is known for their business acumen, strong results and inspiring leadership.

  • Young Finance Director
    of the Year

    A Young (up to 40) dynamic individual who operates at the core of the executive team in which they serve. Highly strategic and with deep judgement and influence, this person is known for their business acumen, strong results and inspiring leadership.

  • Financial Controller/Finance Manager
    of the Year

    The winner will embody the financial excellence required in such a pivotal role. Either qualified or non-qualified, they will expertly lead their team, bringing insightful financial information which will help their management team make complex business decisions.

  • Accountant
    of the Year

    An accountant (qualified and non qualified) who has delivered financial information which adds value to their organisation. Insightful and with strong judgement, this individual will have proven examples of contributing to business decisions and future success.

  • Accounts Technician
    of the Year

    This award will go to a part/non-qualified or actively studying accountant who has played a key support role to a more senior accountant. A vital and valued team member who shows promise for the future.

  • Rising Star
    of the Year

    With 18 months or less experience in the role, this person will have made a deep impact in their business, demonstrating unique expertise and flair and showing promising results for the future.

  • Small Finance Team (up to 10 staff within the team)
    of the Year

    A team who has proven experience of working together in advancing the success of the business they represent. Brimming with financial expertise, they are collegiate, experts in their field and are recognised by their colleagues as critical to the business they support.

  • Medium/Large Finance Team (more than 11 staff within the team)

    A team who has proven experience of working together in advancing the success of the business they represent. Brimming with financial expertise, they are collegiate, experts in their field and are recognised by their colleagues as critical to the business they support.

  • Independent Accounting Practice
    of the Year

    This award is open to independent firms that are based in Wales. The winning firm will need to show how the services it has provided have been fundamental in enabling their clients to achieve their business goals as well as being able to demonstrate the following: Demonstrable appreciation or recognition by clients, Client initiatives that you feel have set the firm apart from the rest, Contribution to the business community, Recognition received from other firms. Please also inform us of anything else that you feel is particularly noteworthy, that is not covered in the above criteria.

  • Payroller
    of the Year

    This award will go to an individual or team who have shown all the qualities required for running an efficient payroll. Excellent problem solving and organisational skills, great attention to detail and strong communication skills.

  • Finance Project
    of the Year

    The finance project of the year award will celebrate a financial project that was concluded between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
    The judges will be looking for a project that may include the following:

    - M&A transaction
    - Financing
    - Restructuring
    - System implementation
    - Corporate/Strategic Deal (transaction must be a corporate acquisition or divestiture)
    - Private Equity Deal (must be a private equity acquisition or private equity sale)

    Please give as much detail on why your project should be the Project of the year

  • Public Sector Team
    of the Year

    The Public Sector Finance Team award will recognise the finance team (three or more people) working for a public sector body (Central Government, Welsh Councils, police, fire, housing, local transport authorities, NHS, public bodies and voluntary bodies) that has had the most impact on organisational performance, business partners and/or client groups, and has made an outstanding contribution to building a transparent, innovative, sustainable and collaborative working environment.

    The winning team will need to demonstrate proactive professional development within a challenging environment and a step change in outcomes.

    Entrants should demonstrate:

    - Team background: This will include how the team is built, maintained and developed.

    - Teamwork: Outline any challenges faced and how the team demonstrated collaboration, creativity, and flexibility to overcome them.

    - Impact: Summarise the contribution and achievements of the team, outlining how the work demonstrated the importance of high-quality financial
    advice and the contribution to the growth of the organisation.

  • CSR Excellence Award

    The CSR Excellence Award will be awarded to a Finance Team based in Wales that not only has CSR at its heart but also actively drives their organisation's CSR objectives. The finance team will be able to show this this by actions that demonstrate a dedication to strengthening and promoting a diverse workforce, embedding equality and inclusion within their value system, a commitment to sustainability, community welfare and minimising the impact of activities on the environment. They will be able to provide examples of their dedication and proactive attitude to improving the businesses social accountability.

2023 Award Shortlist

  • Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director
    of the Year
    • Nicole Graff – SA Brain & Co Ltd
    • Hannah Williams – Tiny Rebel
    • Mark Bate – CatSci
  • Young Finance Director
    of the Year
    • Sophie Taylor – Newport City Homes
    • Heather Cheetham – The Uncommon Practice
    • Nicole Graff – SA Brain & Co Ltd
    • Robert Merrills – ActiveQuote Ltd
  • Financial Controller/Finance Manager
    of the Year
    • James Harding - Admiral Group Plc
    • Poppy Vincent - UNRVLD
    • Bethan Jones – Protectorcomms Ltd
    • Rachel Davies - ActiveQuote Ltd
  • Accountant
    of the Year
    • Robbie Brotherton – Principality Building Society
    • Claire Greenstock - Ogi
    • Tom James - Monmouthshire Building Society
    • Hannah Davies – JoJo Maman Bébé
    • Rebecca Newton - BBC
    • Conor Hapgood – Celsa UK
    • Keith Johns – Julian Hodge Bank
  • Accounts Technician
    of the Year
    • Thomas Rees – POBL
    • Jordan Meek – Leekes
    • Ying Lau - Monmouthshire Building Society
    • Lowri Scandrett – BBC
    • Nick Levi – MII Engineering Ltd
  • Rising Star
    of the Year
    • Liam Wolley – Transport for Wales
    • Harrie Thorrington - Gambit Corporate Finance
    • Danielle Thomas – Monmouthshire Building Society
    • Louise Keevil – Wagonex
    • Laura Dryburgh – BBC
    • Matt Steele – Companies House
    • Kirsty Harrison – Leekes
    • Jordan Meek – Leekes
  • Small Finance Team (up to 10 staff within the team)
    of the Year
    • Archwood Limited
    • Sero
    • Catsci
    • Ogi
    • Denbighshire Leisure Ltd
    • Markes International Ltd
    • UNRVLD
    • Admiral Money
  • Medium/Large Finance Team (more than 11 staff within the team)
    • Admiral Group Plc
    • Sonovate Ltd
    • Celsa UK
  • Independent Accounting Practice
    of the Year
    • Mazuma
    • Zeal Tax
    • Lumin Accountancy
    • eAccounts Ltd
  • Payroller
    of the Year
    • Rita Bains – Transport for Wales
    • Lisa Blair – BBC
    • Karen Tebby – Trivallis
  • Finance Project
    of the Year
    • SA Brain & Co Ltd
    • Propel Finance
    • Transport for Wales
    • Catsci
  • Public Sector Team
    of the Year
    • Newport City Homes
    • Companies House
  • CSR Excellence Award
    • Transport for Wales
    • Admiral Group