An Incat accountant has won the 2008 CPA Australia / Synateq / Young Accountant of the Year award.
Thirty four-year-old Christian Wardrop, who is the Group Financial Accountant at Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd, was named winner of the award at a special luncheon presentation event on 31st October.
CPA Australia Tasmania established the Young Accountant of the Year award for the first time last year to recognise young accountants who are not only excelling in their professional life but are also making a significant contribution to their community.
This year’s award was presented to Christian because of his significant achievements within Incat in a relatively short period of time. Some of those achievements include the implementation of a lean manufacturing program at the company, the successful management and implementation of business-building accounting software on time and within budget, improved delivery and efficiency of Incat management reports, and the successful negotiation of forward exchange currency contracts to minimise business risks.
Incat Company Secretary and Financial Controller Chris Stennard expressed his delight at Christian’s achievement. “This award could not have gone to a more deserving recipient for since joining Incat Christian has excelled, taking all the challenges of dealing with the accounts of a global business in his stride. The Directors of Incat join with me in expressing our pride in his success!”
Prior to working at Incat, Christian also managed the successful opening of the first Praties’ outlet in Victoria developing a central cooking facility to supply all Praties outlets.
Christian has managed a successful career while juggling his work commitments along with academic study and the challenges of bringing up three children under the age of four with his partner.
Christian was also a finalist in the 2007 Young Accountant of the Year Awards.
In terms of his community work, Christian is involved with the administration of sailing. He is a current member of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and was treasurer of the Tasmanian District Laser Association for three years. He has been coaching and mentoring young sailors for more than 15 years.
CPA Australia’s Tasmanian President Paul Viney said the establishment of the young accountant of the year award was strong recognition of the important work of young accountants within the profession.
“Our young accountants are CPA Australia’s future and it is important that we recognise their achievements professionally and within the community. The importance of this award cannot be underestimated,” Mr Viney said.
“The young accountant of the year award ensures that we, as an industry, acknowledge and recognise the outstanding achievements of those working in the accounting and finance professions who are under 35 years of age.
“Christian Wardrop will certainly be a role model for other young Tasmanians who want to excel and contribute to their workplace, their profession and the community,” Mr Viney said.
