Ernst & Young launches 2012 Young Tax Professional of the Year Award

Ernst & Young is delighted to announce the launch of its second consecutive international competition "Young Tax Professional of the Year". This award allows successful students, who are chosen from more than 20 countries, to participate and demonstrate their tax technical and professional skills.

Stephan Kuhn, Ernst & Young EMEIA Tax Leader says: "We started the Ernst & Young Tax Professional of the Year program to recognize talent amongst our next generation of tax leaders at an early stage and encourage them to pursue the unique opportunities our profession offers them. We need to demonstrate to tax directors and tax administrations globally that investment in future tax talent is essential."

"The award offers students the opportunity to broaden horizons as well as to learn and share experiences with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. After all, tomorrow's leaders have to work across borders ' and actively look for different experiences and perspectives to tackle even bigger challenges in the future," comments Karen Wauters, Ernst & Young EMEIA Tax People Leader.

The participants will also have access to invaluable global leadership training and one-on-one technical coaching, as well as the opportunity to make long-lasting connections with leading figures from global organizations, learning along the way, and understanding what the challenges are for the profession.

Currently, in 2012, the program already spans nearly 200 universities in more than 20 countries, compared to nine in 2011, and is expected to continue to grow from strength to strength.

More than just a competition

The Young Tax Professional of the Year is split into two stages, local and international. We will be looking for evidence of creative and analytical strengths, as well as practical skills.

Stage 1 ' Local competition:

Taking place in Boston, USA (during the 66th International Fiscal Association Congress in October 2012), successful country finalists will have the chance to work closely with a diverse range of professionals. They will be challenged with case studies and interviews before expert judges. That panel will then confirm the three winners of the Young Tax Professional of the Year Award.

The awards ceremony: The finalists will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony where ' after a review of everyone's performance throughout the competition ' the winners will be announced.