The Hunter region’s business and accounting industry has recognised the achievements of an outstanding young accountant.
Jacqueline Thompson of Shaw Gidley Insolvency and Reconstruction was presented the prestigious Young Achiever Award by guest speaker and MC, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki at the Bean Counters Ball on Friday, 7 November 2014.
More than 230 local members of Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia), the Chartered Accountants Australia + New Zealand (CAANZ), the business and accounting community and their guests gathered to enhance youth education pathways in the Hunter.
Chairman of the Hunter region CAANZ, Chad Rapsey, said applications were of the highest quality, which demonstrated the value of young people’s contribution to the industry and community.
“This year’s finalists were of an excellent standard and really show the value of young people not only to the industry but also to the community. Jacqueline has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, is a great role model for young people and has a strong community focus,” Chad said.
The judges commented that Jacqueline was an outstanding candidate, demonstrating excellent leadership qualities as a successful accountant, an advocate for women in business and through her volunteer roles at Ronald McDonald House, Hunter Wetlands and as Treasurer of the Newcastle Sunrise Rotary Club. The Judges said Jacqueline is a great role model for young people studying and those beginning their careers in the industry.
The Bean Counters Ball is a joint initiative between the local members of CPA and CAANZ. Money raised at The Bean Counters Ball is used to provide educational pathways and support services through Samaritans and the Hunter TAFE Foundation.
This year’s major support was received from event partners Shaw Gidley, Eight Recruitment, Rapsey Griffiths, Moray & Agnew, OAS Technology Group, TriSuper Auditors and Bottrell Business Consultants. A further 14 local organisations have also supported the event.
Image | Chad Rapsey (Chairman of the Hunter region CAANZ), Alex Hardy (Finalist), Jacqueline Thompson (Winner), Jason Wilkes (Finalist), Chad Stead (Vice Chair of the Newcastle and Hunter CPA).