The Search is on for the Finance Student of the Year 2005

The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) in association with Cityjobs, a leading financial jobsite has recently launched the Finance Student of the Year Award 2005. Open to all finance students, currently studying at a higher education or further education establishment in the UK and Northern Ireland, the Award aims to encourage excellence by rewarding students and tutors who are true ambassadors of the finance industry.

ìTodayís students are tomorrowís finance professionals. We want to encourage excellence every step of the way by rewarding the aspirations and efforts of all finance students,î said J Malcolm Dean, Chief Executive, Institute of Financial Accountants.

ìOpting for a finance qualification is not always an easy choice. Often students have to juggle studies with work and family responsibilities and a great deal of study time is spent alone. We therefore want to use the Awards to raise the profile of the finance student and highlight positive role models in the field of financial services.î

The winner of the prestigious award will receive 500 and, as the right teacher can often be the difference between success and failure, the winnerís tutor will receive a commemorative plaque. The title itself, however, may prove to have the greatest value in the long run.

ìThe Finance Student of the Year Award would sit well on any studentís CV. With the current job market, itís the perfect way to put yourself head and shoulders ahead of the competition,î added Dean.

Keith Potts, managing director of Cityjobs commented: ìThe IFA award recognises the ability of finance students to apply their ideas to business issues, demonstrating how finance professionals add value in more than just the conventional ways. Stimulating these skills can only be positive because it ensures that the profession moves with the business agenda and continues to evolve.î

The Finance Student of the Year Award is now in its third year and last yearís winner, Dorothy Allan from Glasgow Caledonian University spoke of her delight:

ìI feel as if all my hard work has been worth it. I hope I can inspire others to work just as hard.î

To enter students must submit their CV with a cover letter, outlining why they feel they should be considered for the Student of the Year Award, by 30th May 2005 to Llana Tindale, marketing and PR assistant, IFA, Burford House, 44 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS or email ltindale@ifa.org.uk. Each entry must also be endorsed by the studentís lecturer or employee.

Those individuals short listed are required to attend an interview at the Caf Royal in London in June 2005 and all finalists must attend the Gala Dinner, held at the same location, later that evening. Further information about the awards and entry criteria is available online at www.ifa.org.uk.