The Search is on for the Finance Student of the Year 2006

The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) in association with Reed Accountancy, the UKís leading specialist accountancy recruitment consultancy, has recently launched the Finance Student of the Year Award 2006. 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, and 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.

ìTodayís marketplace is competitive and fast moving. Rewarding talent is thoroughly endorsed at Reed Accountancy and we wish each participant the best of luck.î Brenda McManus, Operations Director, Reed Accountancy

The Finance Student of the Year Award is now in its fourth year and last yearís winner, Michael Kollo from London School of Economics spoke of his 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 15th August 2006 to Llana Tindale, marketing and PR assistant, IFA, Burford House, 44 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS or email llanat@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 IOD and all finalists must attend the awards presentation at Roof Gardens in Kensington on 12th September 2006. Further information about the awards and entry criteria is available online at www.ifa.org.uk.