Ernst & Young has announced the launch of its third consecutive international competition “Young Tax Professional of the Year”. This award allows successful students, who are chosen from more than 30 countries, to compete through demonstrating their tax technical and professional skills to a panel of expert judges.

Stephan Kuhn, Ernst & Young EMEIA Tax Leader, says: “We have created the Young Tax Professional of the Year program to bring together the tax talents of the future. We want to show them how much the tax profession has changed today, how business is managed in different cultures, as well as exposing them to the skills required for tomorrow’s leaders.”

“This award offers students the opportunity to learn and share experiences with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Engaging in constructive dialogues with, and being inspired by, high-level professors and global business leaders will facilitate greater knowledge about the rewards of becoming a tax professional,” comments Karen Wauters, Ernst & Young EMEIA Tax People Leader.

Award participants will have access to invaluable global leadership training and one-on-one technical coaching, as well as the opportunity to network with leading figures from global organizations.

The program spans almost 250 universities in more than 30 countries. This year, Kenya, Austria, Brazil, China, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Romania are participating in the program for the first time.

More than just a competition

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

Stage 1 – Local competition:

During the initial competition in the home country, we will challenge both the candidates’ technical abilities and their wider commercial strengths.

Stage 2 – International final:

Taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark (during the 67th International Fiscal Association Congress in August 2013), successful country finalists will have the chance to work closely with a diverse range of professionals. They will face challenging case studies and interviews to demonstrate their expertise before the award 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.

More than just a trophy

In recognition of the technical skills and professionalism demonstrated in front of the jury, the three award winners will be presented with prizes that provide an opportunity for personal experience, as well as connection to and understanding of the various tax markets:

· First prize: a 30-day “round-the-world” business trip built around 10-day working visits to key Ernst & Young Area Tax Centers in London, Washington DC and Hong Kong.

· Second prize: a 10-day visit to one of Ernst & Young’s Area Tax Centers.

· Third prize: an invitation to participate in an Ernst & Young international client conference, at which the winner will have the opportunity to meet our leaders and key clients.

· Patrick Dibout Inclusive Leadership prize: bearing the name of a founding member of the competition, this prize is awarded to the candidate who demonstrated the most inclusive leadership behavior, as well as a particular interest and a high capacity to leverage diverse perspectives and ideas. The winner is selected by his or her peers based on his or her openness to listening and learning about other cultures.