iplicit - Calling all finance directors: Don’t forget to enter for the Accounting Excellence Awards

People don’t become finance directors for the fame and the adulation. 

But iplicit thinks it’s a shame that FDs shoulder so much responsibility yet enjoy so little acclaim. 

That’s why we’re urging them not to hide their light under a bushel but to put themselves forward for a trophy.  

iplicit is sponsoring the Finance Director of the Year title at this year’s Accounting Excellence Awards. We’d like you to submit an entry, whether you’re the FD in question or whether you know someone who deserves the accolade.

Introducing the Finance Director of the Year Award 

The iplicit-sponsored Finance Director of the Year title recognises the stand-out individual contribution of an in-house finance director.  

It is for FDs and finance leaders who show a genuinely innovative approach to the wider challenges facing the accounting profession and their business.  

Judges will be looking at the finance leader’s impact on the growth and stability of their business – what innovations they have introduced and what impact they have had on business strategy, decision making and the bottom line. 

The Accounting Excellence Awards are organised by AccountingWEB, the UK’s largest online accounting community. The awards have been running since 2006, shining a light on individuals, teams and firms doing incredible work.  

The awards night is on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Camden’s Roundhouse in London, with 650 industry professionals expected.  

Finalists and others in the profession find it a great opportunity to meet, network and celebrate the success of the shortlisted entrants. Admission is open to accountants in practice and businesses, designated guests and sponsors.  

What does it cost to enter and what are the key dates? 

Taking part in the Accounting Excellence Awards is free and entries are open now. 

The key dates for your diary are as follows. 

June 14: Entries close. 

June 17: Tickets go on sale. 

July: The shortlist is announced. 

October 8: The awards night takes place at the Roundhouse, Camden.

Who were last year’s finalists and who won? 

Last year was the debut of the Finance Director of the Year title and there were six deserving finalists: 

• Liam Davis

• Becky Glover

• Sherif Mankarios

• Ciaran O'Donnell

• Mark Preston FCMA  

• Linda Richards FAIA 

The winner was Becky Glover, FD at Yutree Insurance. 

Becky shared some thoughts in this post about the benefits of entering and what she would look for if she were a judge. 

She says: “I would want to see someone who is brave enough or resilient enough to do something different. It’s very easy just to follow the pack.  
 
“I’d love to see a person who is a thought leader and will go after something because they personally, genuinely believe it’s the best thing to do.  
 
“But I’d also like to see someone who goes above and beyond within their community. If you’re an FD, you’re among very few accountants in a business, and you’re alone at the top. I’d like to see someone who is willing to go out and find their community.” 

How to enter the Accounting Excellence Awards 

For more details of the awards, and to submit your entry, visit the Accounting Excellence Awards site. 

Good luck – and we look forward to seeing you there.