September 2010 sees the launch of the annual North West Finance Awards. The awards recognise excellence across the accounting and finance sector from purchase ledger, credit manager to young finance director and finance director of the year. Regardless of position, the North West Finance Awards acknowledge that every individual within a finance team is crucial to the overall success of the department and ultimately the business.

The organiser Steve Crohill from Fuelled Event Management says “this is the only independent award ceremony of its kind recognising everyone within a finance function irrespective of qualification or level”.

The awards aim to raise awareness of the importance the accountancy department plays within organisations and to help share best practice throughout Lancashire during the difficult times ahead.

Fuelled Event Management are running the awards but it is an entirely independent event supported by key figureheads within the industry. The Partners associated with the awards come from banking, legal, recruitment and the accountancy sector.

Amongst the judges are David Stanford (FCMA) President of CIMA North West, Pam Dyson (FCCA & CIPFA) immediate past president for AAT, Peter Hine, Head of Commercial Law & Director at Marsden Rawsthorn, Neil Geoghegan (FCMA) Corporate Resources Director at Business Link, Jenny France, Senior Commercial Manager at Lloyds TSB, James Treadwell (ACA) Partner at Moore & Smalley and Phil Scott, BA (Hons) Accountancy and Director of financial recruiter AFR Consulting.

The awards present the chance for people to nominate staff and teams from the accountancy department and recognise outstanding achievement and commitment within their particular companies. The awards are a great PR prospect and an excellent opportunity to enhance your companies reputation and increase staff morale.

Some companies have been unable to increase salaries over the past few years therefore these awards allow businesses the opportunity to recognise and reward the previously unsung heroes.

The award the categories are as follows:

1)      NWFA Finance Director of the year.

2)      NWFA Young Finance Director of the year.

3)      NWFA Credit Team of the year.

4)      NWFA Credit Manager of the year.

5)      NWFA Purchase Ledger Manager of the year.

6)      NWFA Purchase Ledger Team of the year

7)      NWFA Assistant Accountant of the year

8)      NWFA Management Accountant of the year

9)      NWFA Financial Accountant of the year

10)  NWFA Financial Controller of the year

To see a full list of how to nominate yourself, your employees or your managers, please visit the awards website www.nwfinanceawards.co.uk   Nominations will take place throughout July and August and final judging will conclude in September.  The winners will be announced on September 30th 2010.