2026 Awards
The Finance Awards Wales 2026 are open for entries from the 17th December, 2025. You can apply here or, nominate a colleague.
Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year
Award Criteria: A dynamic individual who operates at the core of the executive team. Highly strategic with strong judgement and influence. Known for business acumen, strong results and inspiring leadership.
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Young Finance Director of the Year
Award Criteria: A young (up to 40) finance leader operating at the core of the executive team. Strategic, with sound judgement and influence. Recognised for business acumen, results and inspiring leadership.
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Financial Controller of the Year
Award Criteria: Embodies financial excellence in a pivotal role, qualified or non-qualified. Leads their team effectively and delivers insightful financial information. Enables management to make complex business decisions with confidence.
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Finance Manager of the Year
Award Critera: Embodies financial excellence in a pivotal role, qualified or non-qualified. Leads their team effectively and delivers insightful financial information. Supports management with decisions that drive business performance.
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Accountant of the Year
Award Criteria: Qualified or non-qualified accountant who delivers value-adding financial information. Shows insight and strong judgement. Has proven examples of contributing to business decisions and future success.
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Finance Apprentice of the Year
Award Criteria:
Recognises an apprentice’s standout impact on organisational success.
Learning: clear progress, milestones and new skills; proactive with training and qualifications.
Contribution: measurable impact on finance or the wider business; initiative to improve processes.
Professionalism: reliable, consistent, high standards and integrity.
Leadership: collaborates well; mentors or leads when needed.
Adaptability: resilient to change; strong problem solving.
Financial skills: solid acumen with accuracy and attention to detail.
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Accounts Technician of the Year
Award Criteria: Part/non-qualified or actively studying accountant in a key support role. A vital and valued team member who shows promise for the future.
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Rising Star of the Year
Award Criteria: With 18 months or less experience in role, has made a deep impact. Demonstrates unique expertise and flair. Shows promising results and potential for the future.
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Small Finance Team (up to 10 staff within the team) of the Year
Award Criteria: Proven experience of working together to advance business success. Collegiate, expert and highly valued by colleagues. Recognised as critical to the organisation they support.
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Medium/Large Finance Team (more than 11 staff within the team) of the Year
Award Criteria: Proven experience of working together to advance business success. Collegiate, expert and highly valued by colleagues. Recognised as critical to the organisation they support.
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Independent Accounting Practice
of the Year
Award Criteria: Open to independent firms based in Wales. Show how your services enabled clients to achieve business goals.
Include:
- Client appreciation or recognition.
- Client initiatives that set the firm apart.
- Contribution to the business community.
- Recognition from other firms.
- Add any other particularly noteworthy achievements.
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Payroller of the Year
Award Criteria: Individual or team demonstrating excellence in running efficient payroll. Strong problem solving and organisational skills. Great attention to detail and clear communication.
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Finance Project of the Year
Award Criteria: This award recognises an outstanding finance-led project that demonstrates strategic insight, technical excellence, and measurable impact, whether through a transaction, transformation, or complex financial initiative.
Projects may include:
- M&A transaction
- Financing
- Restructuring
- System implementation
- Corporate/Strategic Deal (acquisition or divestiture)
- Private Equity Deal (acquisition or sale)
Please provide detailed evidence of why your project should win.
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Public Sector Team
of the Year
Award Criteria: Team background: – How the team is built, maintained and developed.
- Teamwork: Challenges faced and how collaboration, creativity and flexibility overcame them.
- Impact: – Contributions and achievements, and how high-quality financial advice supported organisational growth.
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Excellence in DEI
of the Year
Award Criteria: This award recognises a finance organisation in Wales that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It celebrates an initiative, programme or strategy that has created meaningful, measurable and sustainable impact for under-represented groups within the workplace or wider community.
- A well-defined DEI challenge and strategic response
- Evidence of positive outcomes supported by data or testimonials
- Strong leadership commitment and employee engagement
- Long-term sustainability and contribution to a more inclusive Welsh finance sector
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Best Place to Work
of the Year
Award Criteria: How has your organisation developed professional training and advancement for all it’s employees at all levels?
What initiatives has your organisation undertaken or implemented to boost morale and physical and mental health? What makes your company such a fantastic place to work?
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ESG Excellence Award of the Year
Award Criteria: A young (up to 40) finance leader operating at the core of the executive team. Strategic, with sound judgement and influence. Recognised for business acumen, results and inspiring leadership.
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