The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) hosted the inaugural Australian Financial Industry Awards last Friday in Sydney, recognising contributions made to the sector from service providers and practitioners across 18 categories.
“This event has been a labour of love, born out of a desire to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of financial professionals, particularly those in the SME (small to medium enterprise) sector. These individuals and practices work tirelessly, often without the advantages of larger firms, and tonight was about giving them the platform and recognition they truly deserve,” IFPA acting general manager and creator and director of the awards program Ky Wilson noted.
“The overwhelming response to our inaugural awards highlights the strength and passion within our industry and I am proud to have been part of this celebration of excellence.”
Ty Francis principal Helen Francis, recipient of the Accountant of the Year award, described it as an honour to be recognised among such a large number of her peers.
“It inspires me to continue striving for excellence with my SME clients,” Francis said.
Finchley and Kent director Sam El Shamma, whose firm won the category of Financial Services Practice of the Year: 11 or More Employees, explained the award was a testament to the dedication and passion of the organisation’s team.
“To have our hard work recognised in this way is truly rewarding,” El Shamma said.
The award winners on the night were as follows:
Accountant of the Year – Helen Francis, Ty Francis
Accounting Practice of the Year: 10 or Less Employees – Mead Partners
Accounting Practice of the Year: 11 or More Employees – Factor1 Accountants & Advisers
Auditor of the Year – Christine McWilliams, The SMSF Foundation
Bookkeeper of the Year – Tracey Rubens, Appy Books
Financial Adviser of the Year – Nicola Beswick, FMD Financial
Financial Services Practice of the Year: 10 or Less Employees – Peak Wealth Management
Financial Services Practice of the Year: 11 or More Employees – Finchley and Kent
Holistic Advice Business of the Year – Find Group
IFPA Member of the Year – Sarah Foggie, Southern Star Advisory
Practice Principal of the Year – Keegan Harper, WHM Partners
Outstanding Achievement – Teddy Kosasih, MaxGrowth
Rising Star of the Year – Ali Haidari, Pivot Wealth
Thought Leader of the Year – Ben Nash, Pivot Wealth
Wellness Program/Initiative of the Year – Preston Point Capital
Industry Media of the Year – People’s Choice:
- Superannuation/Financial Services – selfmanagedsuper
- Accounting – Accountants Daily
Australian Financial Professional of the Year – Nicola Beswick, FMD Financial
Australian Financial Practice of the Year – Find Group
