Meet the 2026 winners

I'm a Management Accountant who builds systems, not just spreadsheets.

Over the past three years at House Made Hospitality, I've worked across a diverse group of venues, automating reporting, tightening up our COGS processes, and turning scattered operational data into something our teams can actually use to make decisions.

Lately that's meant building automation pipelines that cut out manual data entry entirely, pulling POS reports straight into our reporting layer using AI and Apps Script, so venue managers can spend their time running the floor instead of chasing numbers.

I'm naturally curious about process. I think every workflow can be improved, and every number has a story behind it if you dig into it. That's how I see my role: not just keeping the numbers accurate, but making them useful.

I hold a Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced), but honestly the work I'm proudest of sits where accounting, tech, and operations overlap. I don't think the future of finance in hospitality is about compliance and reconciliation. It's about insight, automation, and moving at the speed the business actually runs at.

20+ years proven “C” level experience in demanding large cap multinational environments in across Asia Pacific, with a passion for developing and driving strategy.

The passions and skills that drive my career include;

• A passion for marrying strategy with deep financial insight underpinned with the capacity and presence to explain and evangelize strategy in a way that mobilizes stakeholders.

• Proven capacity to manage large multi-disciplined (and multicultural) teams, across the Asia Pacific, adopting a coaching strategy underpinned by KPIs.

• A background in engineering offers practical perspectives and an ease in operational settings.

• Seasoned communication and negotiation skills, proven in the board room, with customers and key external stakeholders.

• Accomplished in the creation, leadership and leverage of in-source, outsource and offshore capabilities.

• Proven track record in leading organisational transformation with results measured in financial results and customer satisfaction. This theme is supported by a strong background in technology and project management with an extreme emphasis on UX, robotics AI and design.

• Seasoned in investor relations on an international stage.

• Extensive Asia Pacific experience, culturally sensitive , highly adaptable, industry agnostic leader with direct experience in technology, media and marketing, audit, engineering, professional services, infrastructure, transport and logistics, marine, security and M&A.

An experienced Professional with an ambition to further professional career in an executive level management position in a world class company. Proven financial leadership in developing business and challenging front-line staff to make positive contributions to bottom line.

Served in finance leadership roles for the past 15 years with continued success in meeting business / operational goals, I have been actively involved in preparation and finalisation of financial and management reports, provided leadership for divisional finance team to achieve financial goals within the overall strategy of the company, preparation of budgets and forecasts, internal / external communications.
Key Strengths are:
•Strategic Acquisition
•Investment appraisal & recommendations
•Financial management
•Management reporting including planning, budgeting and forecasting
•Continuous process improvements (business process automation and enhancement)
•Specialized experience in using operating systems and report writers such as Great Plains Dynamics, SAP, System 21, Qlickview, Cognos, Business Objects, FRX, Crystal Reports and Smart List.
•Advanced Excel skills including macros and interactive charts

Are you looking to streamline your business operations, minimise tax liabilities, or gain peace of mind about your financial future? At Solution Accountants, our mission is simple: to deliver solutions to make your goals a reality.

As Managing Director at Solution Accountants and a Chartered Accountant with years of experience, I lead a team dedicated to helping individuals and SMEs locally and internationally, achieve sustainable growth and financial security. Through our proactive, results-driven approach, we provide high-value advisory services tailored to each client’s unique needs.

For over 20 years, Solution Accountants has empowered clients with practical solutions, particularly in tax planning, business structuring, and financial strategy, to protect and enhance wealth while saving valuable time and resources.

What We Offer

➤ Tax Planning and Advisory Services
➤ Business Structuring for Profit and Efficiency
➤ Building Systems and Reporting Structures for Financial Clarity
➤ Tailored Tech Stack Recommendations
➤ Annual Tax Planning Reports & KPI Analysis

The Solution Advantage

With a fully organised and systemised approach, we create customised solutions that evolve as your business does. At Solution Accountants, we take the time to understand your goals, supporting you through each stage of growth with insight and expertise.

If you’re ready to make your business goals a reality, let’s connect and discuss how Solution Accountants can be part of your journey.

Jessica graduated from Macquarie University in 2016, studying Bachelor of Business Administration and Commerce - Professional Accounting. Throughout her degree, Jessica was also a Student Assistant at Access Macquarie, Cashier at the Macquarie Ice Rink and an active executive member of the Fashion and Beauty Appreciation Society.

As part of her studies, Jessica combined her interest in travelling, with her university studies, by studying a semester abroad in Canada in 2014, which lead her to become a Student Ambassador for the Global Leadership Program in Session 1 2015.

Prior to graduating, Jessica attained a Graduate Commercial and Finance role at Downer and has since had exposure across Downer Group in Strategic Procurement and Financial and Management reporting. During this time, Jessica also completed her CA and plans to achieve her long term goal to work internationally.

With over 14 years of professional experience, including 3+ years at Sensear, I specialize in budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and inventory optimization. My role focuses on managing financial processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and refining manufacturing accounting practices to align with organizational goals.

At Sensear, I lead global HR responsibilities, implement policies, and oversee performance reviews to foster a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining inventory forecasting and financial operations, I contribute to operational efficiency and support Sensear's global objectives.

I am a CPA‑certified Senior Financial Accountant with an MBA from the University of Technology Sydney, experienced in financial reporting, IFRS compliance, and process optimisation. I have improved month‑end efficiency, strengthened reporting accuracy, and utilised SAP ERP and Power BI to support data‑driven insights.

Recently transitioning into an FP&A role at Glencore, I’m applying my technical accounting background to broader analysis, planning, and process improvement. My focus is on enhancing reporting, supporting strategic decision‑making, and driving continuous improvement across financial workflows.

Ian is an accomplished financial leader with over 25 years of experience in strategic financial management, governance, and corporate services.

Ian has held senior positions, including Chief Financial Officer for various ACT Government entities, where he oversaw financial operations, strategic planning, and governance frameworks.

Ian’s ability to navigate complex governmental and regulatory landscapes makes him well-equipped to drive Australian Pork Limited's financial sustainability and strategic objectives, supporting us in our goal as a progressive pork organisation.

I am a senior finance professional and FCPA with over 20 years of experience across banking, accounting, commercial finance and investment in Australia and Asia. I combine Australian regulatory, tax and financial-control expertise with practical experience establishing, operating and transforming foreign bank business models across Australia, China and Korea.

As Head of Accounting at E.SUN Commercial Bank Australia, I lead a broad portfolio covering financial and regulatory reporting, taxation, financial control, planning and analysis, governance and finance transformation. I have led regulatory reporting automation and process improvement initiatives, working closely with senior management, regulators, auditors, technology partners and Head Office stakeholders.

My focus is on building well-controlled, efficient and scalable finance functions that support sound decision-making and sustainable business growth. I use technology and process improvement to strengthen governance, reduce operational risk and enable finance teams to contribute beyond traditional reporting responsibilities.

I also believe finance professionals should contribute to the wider profession by sharing knowledge, developing others and supporting professional communities. I currently serve as a CPA Australia NSW Divisional Councillor and actively contribute to CPA professional activities and discussion groups.

I was a finalist in the Australian Accounting Awards for Corporate Accountant of the Year in 2023 and 2025, and Thought Leader of the Year in 2025. In 2026, I was named a finalist for Accountant of the Year in the Women in Finance Awards, as well as Corporate Accountant of the Year – Professional Services and Financial Controller of the Year in the Corporate Accountant Awards.

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As a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience, I have led the finance function in a high-growth business expanding across Southeast Asia and Australia. My role centers on financial operations, controllership, and strategic business partnering, enabling data-driven decisions and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Leveraging my CPA qualifications and deep expertise in financial management, I have enhanced operational efficiency by spearheading initiatives such as implementing a company-wide forecasting and timesheet system and resolving critical cross-border payment challenges that preserved key partnerships and ensured scalable growth.

Known for my strengths in business transformation, managerial finance, and fostering collaborative team environments, I am passionate about creating value and driving process improvements.

As a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams, I focus on empowering stakeholders through actionable insights and innovative financial solutions.

My mission is to deliver consistent, efficient, and compliant finance services that fuel strategic growth, while mentoring future finance leaders and advancing the accounting profession.