Emily Kennedy CA
Associate Director, Strategy & Value Creation, KPMG

As well as being a top-quality CA, Emily Kennedy stands out for her work in leading the KPMG Neurodiversity Network. Herself dyslexic, she identified the need to give neurodivergent people a voice. Under her leadership, the network has grown to almost 1,000 members and built links with the firm’s EDI team, while Kennedy has been recognised for her vision with KPMG’s National People Award in 2022.

Judges say: Emily is a natural leader, implementing change to help neurodivergent people, having led the KPMG network and won awards internally. 

Hannah Chrisp CA
Senior Analyst, Investments and Financing, EDF Renewables UK

M&A specialist Hannah Chrisp CA has provided exceptional leadership in the offshore wind sector, working on complex projects with multiple stakeholders and high-pressure decision-making. She helped to secure the electricity giant’s largest renewable energy partnerships to date and won the Aspiring Leader category at the 2024 Global Offshore Wind Awards. Chrisp also mentors junior colleagues.

Judges say: Hannah demonstrated true commitment to her role driving sustainability. She is a clear role model, as shown by her mentoring support for the next cohort.  

Jenny Robertson CA
Finance Control Manager, BP

As Chair of the Pride group for BP North Sea, Jenny Robertson CA is active in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. She has led initiatives to raise awareness and build allyship within the company, hosting events during Pride Month and Trans Awareness Week to educate colleagues on LGBTQ+ experiences. She has also facilitated safe space and code-of-conduct training sessions for colleagues.

Judges say: Jenny is a true champion for LGBTQ+ at BP and has been at the centre of cultural transformation, implementing safe space and EDI training.    

Adam Kusnierek CA
Managing Director, Hawkins Priday

Adam Kusnierek CA led Hawkins Priday through a transformation that reshaped the Hereford accountants. From a paper-based practice with annual client interactions, it now draws more than 90% of its income from monthly subscriptions. New tech has improved processes and teams now work with more autonomy and little micro-managing. Income per person has increased by 243% in five years.

Judges say: Adam has changed the firm’s approach to working, using new tech to improve ways of working. A great example of someone promoting the small firm.

Ahmed Naqvi CA
Finance Manager, Bentley Motors

Having grown up in a developing nation with limited opportunity, Ahmed Naqvi CA has consistently championed inclusive values. His CV underlines his commitment: at PwC he was UK lead of its Muslim network and EDI champion of the Manchester office; he supported the onboarding of overseas hires, mentored junior colleagues and reverse mentored partners and directors. At Bentley, he is part of its BeUnited (for cultural awareness) and BeAccessible (for mental health) networks – as well as EDI lead for finance, and finance lead for sustainability.

Judges say: Ahmed clearly utilises his own experiences to help embed EDI and has taken on external board positions to support inclusion and social mobility.

Ajay Gulati CA
VP & Manager, FP&A, Marsh McLennan

Ajay Gulati CA has led EDI initiatives across several firms in the past five years. He co-leads the employee resource groups at his current employer, and has worked closely with a colleague subjected to racial abuse to ensure they felt heard and supported to report the incident. He has also led on outreach programmes, speaking in schools about his own background growing up on free school meals and with a brother involved in gangs. His lived experience has shaped his belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

Judges say: Ajay showed robust support for a colleague who was experiencing difficulties at work and has backed an external organisation promoting ethnic diversity and social mobility. 

Joel Robinson CA
Senior Finance Business Partner, Turner & Townsend

Since joining Turner & Townsend in 2021, Joel Robinson CA has held four posts, each larger than the last. He has been intimately involved in change processes, such as a new resource planning system and operational restructure across the UK, and has stepped up when needed, even managing his regular UK role while in New York for three months as Acting Financial Controller. Now finance partner for sustainability, energy and natural resources, the fastest-growing section of the business, he’s also led junior members of the team through exams and chaired listening groups.

Judges say: Joel has shown exemplary leadership across transformation and learning agendas – a standout changemaker.  

Jordan Groody CA
Owner, Haus of Finance

Jordan Groody CA launched her own practice to make finance accessible. Her people-first approach has driven rapid growth and helped her become a trusted part of many clients’ teams. Groody is passionate about financial education, especially for young women and girls, which she believes will help to narrow the gender pay gap, and has contributed to projects promoting financial independence. She gives a portion of profits to charity and shares relatable financial content on social media. Currently pursuing a master’s in accountancy at Cambridge, she leads with empathy, impact and ambition.

Judges say: Jordan is driving financial education through social media, supporting women and girls. She clearly has great potential.

Michelle Campbell CA
Corporate Development Manager, Brighte Capital

Michelle Campbell CA has put sustainability and inclusion at the heart of her career. At Brighte Capital, which is building a platform that simplifies the shift to renewable energy, she focuses on growth initiatives that help individuals and businesses participate in that transition. She is committed to community building. An ICAS Ambassador in Sydney, she supports newly arrived CAs with professional connections, helping them integrate into the city’s business landscape. She also co-founded a Scottish network, the Caledonian Society, as a space for compatriots to connect.

Judges say: Michelle showed great skill connecting the CA community in Australia and has been a strong brand ambassador for ICAS. A commendable focus on mentoring too. 

Liu Yang CA
Senior SOX Auditor, Arm

Liu Yang CA has an outstanding track record in the auditing profession. She started at Deloitte, where she participated in audits for large technology clients, as well as on IPOs. At Goldman Sachs, she was instrumental in leading its first ESG reporting. Now at Arm, her capacity to engage diverse stakeholders and communicate complex issues is truly commendable. She initiated the company’s “Byte-size Audit Insight” forum, a knowledge-sharing platform that fosters learning and collaboration within the team. In her spare time she has also become a certified life coach, and uses those skills to foster a more inclusive team environment.

Judges say: Liu clearly demonstrates strong leadership skills and ethical principles and is instrumental in building a healthy team culture. 

Ross Milne CA
Audit and Account Manager, Hall Morrice

Ross Milne CA is driving a new approach to talent development at Hall Morrice. Amid rapid growth, he led a revamp of the trainee model, introducing a framework that supports trainees and managers alike. He widened access by promoting non-university routes, and created the comprehensive “Your CA Journey” induction guide. Milne also redesigned training to include specialisation in data, AI and advisory while streamlining qualification processes. Known for his empathetic approach, he is shaping a diverse, inclusive and sustainable future for the profession.

Judges say: Ross has overhauled recruitment at Hall Morrice. He supports equity and transparency across training, providing clear guidance for trainees and managers, all at a time of rapid growth for the firm.

Kiran Ruparelia CA
Manager, The Hackett Group

At EY, where he worked until June, Kiran Ruparelia CA revitalised the Hindu Society as Co-Chair, transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive and forward-looking community. He embedded social impact and sustainability into the heart of its agenda, introducing regular sewa (selfless service) initiatives such as feeding the homeless. His impact was also felt through his official internal role promoting wellbeing. Beyond EY, he co-founded the Professional Hindus Network, an organisation connecting people across sectors, promoting heritage and empowering junior employees through mentoring and skills development.

Judges say: Kiran showed exceptional EDI leadership at EY and through founding Professional Hindus Network he has demonstrated that he is a high-impact changemaker.  

Stephanie Hobbs CA
Associate Director, Corporate Development, Barclays

Stephanie Hobbs CA embodies the modern profession – commercially sharp, socially driven and committed to change. Starting her CA journey at 18 with EY, she qualified with first-time exam passes and joined the firm’s origination hub, where she identified gender gaps in leadership. In response, she co-founded the Supper Club, a thriving network for female founders, and led EY’s efforts to support women entrepreneurs in Scotland. She has engaged with government to push for greater public-private collaboration. Now at Barclays Corporate, she mentors aspiring professionals and serves on Gordonstoun’s board, guiding financial strategy and governance.

Judges say: Stephanie has done great work bringing together female founders. She was instrumental in setting up measurable actions with a clear focus on increasing support for women entrepreneurs.

Ryan Brown CA
Audit Assistant Manager, AAB

Despite a challenging upbringing, Ryan Brown CA found his way into the profession with some help from an inspiring school teacher, the ICAS Foundation and a first-class degree from Glasgow University – and he is already paying that back, becoming a foundation mentor, despite only completing his CA qualification this year. Now in a management role at AAB, he is proving himself a trusted adviser for clients and an excellent coach for junior colleagues. In 2025 he was the keynote speaker at the Admission Ceremony, addressing his newly qualified peers on social mobility and the need to widen access to the profession.

Judges say: Ryan shows resilience and ambition and his story is an inspiring one, from financial hardship to becoming a top CA graduate and mentor. He now helps others from similar backgrounds, championing social mobility, making him a true role model and future leader in accountancy. 

Andy Graham CA
Senior Manager, Tesco Bank

As a senior leader in Tesco Bank’s commercial optimisation function, Andy Graham CA was pivotal in its successful sale to Barclays. He is a passionate innovator who champions AI and predictive analytics and has developed a statistical model that forecasts market pricing for unsecured personal loans. He also founded “Stay Curious, Inspire Excellence” – an internal programme of one-to-one conversations with C-suite executives, elite athletes and senior leaders from across industry. He mentors a student through the ICAS Foundation and is an active member of the ICAS Scotland East Area Network Committee.

Judges say: Andy has helped Tesco Bank challenge the status quo and used AI to support predictive analysis and improve decision making.  Twice nominated, he is also an area network member and ICAS Foundation mentor.  

Andrew McGovern CA
Director, Deloitte

A former Commonwealth swimmer, Andrew McGovern CA applies the same drive to his day job in M&A at Deloitte. His embrace of new technologies – he is also on the AI team – places him at the forefront of data analytics on M&A, resulting in deeper insights for clients and increased efficiencies. His continued excellence saw him promoted to Director, aged just 32. He also has expertise in industries vital to the net zero transition. Most of all he has a passion for people development, taking a leadership role for recruitment, strengthening relationships with local universities and mentoring colleagues.

Judges say: Andrew’s adoption of data analytics and AI shows innovation. His co-ordination of university relationships, aiding recruitment and mentoring colleagues will be of lasting benefit to the profession.

Atilla Kromer CA
Partner, Forvis Mazars

Atilla Kromer CA is a forward-thinking professional who is redefining how we support and develop the next generation of chartered accountants. He has pioneered a tech-enabled training framework for new starters, blending traditional mentoring with cutting-edge digital tools to ensure that new CAs are technically proficient and future-ready. Kromer ensures new hires feel welcomed on internal discussion forums. He is also a champion of innovation, encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Judges say: Atilla is actively championing new ways to support the next generation. He has pioneered tech-enabled training, which helps future-proof new recruits. He also helps to bring them into the team by aiding participation in internal forums.

Richard Port CA
Founder, Port Accounting Services

Richard Port CA is a dynamic entrepreneur leading multiple start-ups with innovation, adaptability and strategic insight. He consistently challenges finance norms, building custom tools, streamlining operations and developing efficient, scalable processes. Port integrates new tech with real business needs and shares his learnings widely, showcasing a commitment to collective progress. His problem-solving mindset means he designs tailored solutions rather than rely on standard approaches. With a strong grasp of data-driven decision-making and operational resilience, he exemplifies forward-thinking leadership.

Judges say: Richard’s application clearly articulates an innovative approach. His commitment to continual improvement is clear. A very worthy candidate. 

Easton Bilsborough CA
IASB Technical Staff, IFRS Foundation

Easton Bilsborough CA has led work on setting accounting and reporting standards for public, private and not-for-profit entities. These standards aim to improve the information that companies report, improving trust and reassuring investors. Bilsborough has to ensure they respond to new business models, new tech, fast-fluctuating economic trends, new areas, such as sustainability and narrative reporting, and abrupt changes such as Brexit and the pandemic. He also volunteers as a befriender for ScotsCare, a charity for Scots in London, which offers regular visits to those experiencing loneliness or isolation.

Judges say: Easton applies innovation at a challenging time for standard setters, with everything from tech to the pandemic and sustainability upending the old model. It has meant looking at standards much more widely than pure financials.  

Fiona Bennett CA
CFO, NHS Scotland

On 1 July, aged just 35, Fiona Bennett CA became NHS Scotland CFO, responsible for balancing a £21bn budget. Her upward career trajectory has been underpinned by continuously improving the Scottish government’s approach. As Deputy Director she has shown an innovative approach to financial sustainability. She established an entirely new way of working with the finance delivery unit, improving collaboration. She has successfully delivered benchmarking packs to ensure health boards can share best practice, improved stakeholder engagement and made significant savings. Bennett also leads the application of new technology in NHS Scotland. Patient journeys through a hospital will now be fully costed, providing unprecedented financial insight.

Judges say: Fiona has shown exceptional growth and achievements at the NHS, leveraging technology to innovate and challenging the status quo.

Fiona Harris CA
Manager, Ethics & Regulatory Compliance, Deloitte

Fiona Harris CA is expert in leveraging technology for innovative solutions. She has been spearheading the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions to enhance compliance, focusing primarily on regulatory horizon scanning. Increased regulations and globalisation means what was once traditional compliance has become inefficient and costly. Harris crafts detailed prompts to produce more accurate and insightful results from AI – and always ensures its results are properly verified by experienced compliance professionals.

Judges say: By leading the implementation of AI to reduce personnel hours and implementing new ways of working in regulation compliance, Fiona easily meets the definition of an innovator. 

Frazer McCuaig CA
Audit Senior, Hall Morrice

Frazer McCuaig CA represents a new breed whose non-traditional career path (RAF medic to microbiologist to accounting) position him to drive innovation in audit. At Hall Morrice, he used his technical background to transform the firm’s journal testing methodology. He streamlined a time-intensive manual process and refined the Inflo workflow, allowing for more comprehensive testing while reducing hours spent on routine tasks. His innovative mindset helps to bridge the gap between compliance and advisory services. McCuaig brings experimental rigour to financial analysis, creating a more robust foundation. As Hall Morrice has doubled in size over three years, his ideas have helped it scale up audit capabilities while maintaining quality.

Judges say: Frazer represents the future of the profession: a CA who shows excellence and innovation, who sees beyond compliance to strategic partnership, and who develops novel solutions to complex problems. 

Ibrahim Bin Sarwar CA
Co-founder and COO, Artio  

At Artio, Ibrahim Bin Sarwar CA helped to create one of the world’s first insurance products to de-risk early-stage carbon credit projects, which was launched earlier this year, with backing from major global insurers. The firm has assessed over £300m in opportunities spanning reforestation, biochar and more. Its core innovation is a data-driven modelling framework that evaluates project risk early, using satellite, climate, political and financial data. This empowers developers to access capital sooner and scale faster. By partnering with top insurers and intermediaries, Bin Sarwar has participated in building market trust and accessibility – helping drive the growth of global carbon markets and accelerate real-world climate impact.

Judges say: Ibrahim has co-founded his firm and helped to fashion a new insurance market solution for carbon credits, backed by major firms. It is highly data-driven and globally scalable and should drive the profession’s contribution to sustainability.

Lewis Wilshire CA
Audit and Accounts Assistant Manager, Hall Morrice

Lewis Wilshire CA is a transformative force in audit innovation at Hall Morrice. In just five years, he’s modernised processes by tailoring methodologies, integrating digital tools and improving efficiency – cutting turnaround times by 20%. As a champion of Inflo, he standardised platform use, developed training resources and led tech adoption, including of Excel automation and Silverfin consolidation. His practical approach to risk management maximises existing tools, enhancing visibility and team capability. A self-made CA from the Isle of Mull, and a former ICAS Foundation student, he now mentors others, embodying creativity, collaboration and purpose. He doesn’t just improve audits – he uplifts the entire team, defining what it means to be a CA innovator.

Judges say: Lewis has led digital audit transformation at a smaller firm, demonstrating strong internal innovation, scalable impact across team capability and audit quality.  

Matthew Gardner CA
Associate, Investment Origination, Scottish National Investment Bank

Matthew Gardner CA has built broad financial expertise, focusing on private equity and growth capital. At the Scottish National Investment Bank, he has led impactful investments across sectors such as EV infrastructure, digital health and affordable housing. Known for his analytical and solution-driven approach, he refines financial and impact models to guide strategic decisions. One standout example is his leadership on an advanced materials deal, attracting private capital for a Scottish tech business and helping it scale. He also fosters workplace inclusion and development.

Judges say: Matthew has advanced impact and commercial modelling for the bank and is clearly aligned to innovation in deep tech investment and ESG.  

Pete Fearn CA
Founder, AlderstoneGroup

After qualifying in 2018, Pete Fearn CA founded AlderstoneGroup just one year later to build a future-focused accountancy firm driven by technology. With an agile structure that allows the firm to rapidly adopt innovations with scaling in mind, he is currently launching a new AI finance function app to deliver full accountancy services via mobile, offering deep insights and saving business owners significant time. Additionally, Fearn is developing a proprietary AI tax adviser trained on legislation, case law and HMRC manuals. With human oversight, this AI tool will act as a trusted assistant, redefining how small businesses manage tax and finance operations.

Judges say: We admire Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit in taking such a big leap to found his own business. He shows spirit and depth of character, supported by his CA qualification and technical expertise. 

Stefan Tomov CA
Manager, Financial Services Advisory, BDO

Stefan Tomov CA is committed to driving digital transformation in BDO’s financial services advisory team. He led the implementation of a custom board to streamline sales pipeline management, which boosted collaboration, and championed AI integration to automate tasks and enhance client service through smarter, data-driven insights. Tomov also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and ethical innovation. Positioned at the intersection of technology and professional standards, he shows how CAs can lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Judges say: Stefan has led digital transformation initiatives, enhancing internal operations and client quality while ensuring AI use remains ethically sound. He encourages new ways of working by instilling a culture of continuous improvements and curiosity.