Awards
Award Categories
Here you’ll find details of each award category, the criteria which nominees will need to meet to be eligible to enter, and links to download each nomination form. Do remember — individuals/teams/projects, can enter/be entered for more than one category.
Nominations will open on Thursday 22 January 2026, and close at midnight on Monday 22 June 2026. Once the nomination period ends, the judging one starts - all shortlisted nominees will be notified by Friday 28 August 2026.
Rising Star of the Year
An individual with up to five years of post-qualification experience who has clearly outperformed their peers. They will have demonstrated exceptional achievement or introduced new initiatives that have made a significant contribution to their organisation. The winner will also show strong application of the skills outlined in the CGMA Competency Framework.
Finance Business Leader of the Year
A C-suite leader who has made a significant contribution to the leadership and success of their organisation’s finance function. The winner will demonstrate how their strategic leadership has enhanced team performance, strengthened collaboration, and delivered measurable value to the business.
Responsible Finance Team of the Year
A finance team that has successfully embedded environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their organisation’s strategy. This team demonstrates how responsible finance practices can drive progress towards the UNSDG (United Nations sustainable development goals), while maintaining strong financial performance.
Digital Innovation Project of the Year
A project that has placed digital technology and innovation at its core to enhance business processes, efficiency, business models, or customer experience. As a result, the project will have delivered measurable benefits to the wider organisation—driving growth, increasing revenue, or supporting long-term sustainability.
Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) of the Year
A business that demonstrates exceptional initiative, boldness, and creativity, underpinned by strong management accounting practices. This organisation will have achieved sustainable growth and commercial success, while also making a positive contribution to the wider community and local economy.
Public Sector Team of the Year
A public sector team that can demonstrate how it has embedded a culture of innovation and improvement to ensure it is continuously providing value for the wider public.
The Henry Robinson Student of the Year
A CIMA student who has demonstrated exceptional performance and achievement. The winner will have clearly outperformed their peers and made a significant contribution to their organisation, showcasing the practical application of the skills and knowledge gained through their CIMA studies.
Mentor of the Year
An exceptional mentor who has gone above and beyond to inspire, guide, and empower their mentee. This individual has shared their knowledge, experience, and insight in a way that has made a measurable difference — helping their mentee achieve significant professional and personal growth. The winning mentor will have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and an enduring impact on their mentee’s career development and confidence.
Financial Services Team of the Year
A high-performing financial services team that demonstrates excellence in collaboration, insight, and innovation, underpinned by robust technical expertise and strong governance. This team will have delivered outstanding value to clients and stakeholders, navigating complexity and change with agility while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. Through trusted advice and strategic impact, the team will have measurably contributed to organisational success and the wider financial ecosystem.
Employer of the Year
An organisation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to its people, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performance workplace culture. This employer will show clear leadership in attracting, developing, and retaining talent, underpinned by fair practices, employee wellbeing, and meaningful engagement. Through investment in its workforce and a strong sense of purpose, the organisation will have achieved sustained business success while making a positive impact on its employees and the wider community.
Volunteer of the Year
An individual who has made an outstanding contribution through volunteering, demonstrating exceptional commitment, initiative, and impact. This person will have gone above and beyond in giving their time, skills, or expertise to support an organisation, cause, or community. The winner will show clear evidence of positive outcomes resulting from their efforts, including meaningful change, sustainable impact, and inspiration to others.