Finance Awards Wales 2026 celebrates excellence across the Welsh finance community

The Welsh finance community gathered to celebrate the outstanding individuals, teams and organisations shaping the future of finance in Wales at the Finance Awards Wales 2026.

Held at Mercure Holland House in Cardiff, the evening brought together finance professionals for a night that highlighted the depth of talent and innovation across the sector.

Organisers said that from early career rising stars to seasoned financial leaders, the awards showcased the diversity and strength of finance in Wales. This year’s awards also saw a record number of entries, with more companies represented across the nominations than in any previous year.

Matt Hyde, Founder of Finance Awards Wales, said:

“Each year the bar rises, and 2026 was no different. We had a record number of nominations across the board, and the calibre of talent on show was simply phenomenal. It’s a privilege to spotlight the individuals and teams who are not just delivering excellence but driving real change across Wales. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists — you truly represent the best of the sector.”

Winners and Highly Commended

CFO / Finance Director of the Year
Sponsored by Recruit 121
Winner: Robbie Mazzeo, Admiral Money

Finance Controller of the Year
Winner: Charlotte Chittleburgh, IG Lintels

Young Finance Director of the Year
Sponsored by B2B IT Solutions
Winner: Evan Hazelwood, UK Space Agency
Highly Commended: David Middleton, Flotek

Finance Manager of the Year
Sponsored by ACCA
Winner: Lauren Horburgh, Target Group Limited
Highly Commended: Katie Jeffrey, Pepper Money

Best Place to Work
Sponsored by The South Wales Trunk Agent
Winner: Green and Co
Highly Commended: Transport for Wales

Accountant of the Year
Sponsored by Menzies
Winner: Claire Jones, OGI
Highly Commended: Charlotte Mancuzo, Transport for Wales

Finance Project of the Year
Sponsored by Time Finance
Winner: Propel Finance
Highly Commended: Iris Care Group — Project Slim

Large Finance Team of the Year
Sponsored by ACCA
Winner: Propel Finance Plc
Highly Commended: Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum of Wales

Small Finance Team of the Year
Sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society
Winner: Freight Logistics Solutions Limited
Highly Commended: Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services Limited

Accounting Technician of the Year
Sponsored by AAT
Winner: Brandon Ayres
Highly Commended: Olivia Ampleford, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Rising Star
Sponsored by Clockwise
Winner: Katie Keefe, GE Aircraft Engines
Highly Commended: Nicola Ferguson, Coedffranc Town Council

Independent Practice of the Year
Winner: Elevate Accountancy

Finance Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by University of South Wales
Winner: Abbie Housler, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Highly Commended: Catrin Lewis, Hywel Dda University Health Board

Payroller of the Year
Winner: Kay Augustus, Augustus Payroll
Highly Commended: Tom Coombs, Steadfast Payroll

Public Sector
Sponsored by CIPFA
Winner: Transport for Wales & Welsh Government
Highly Commended: UK Space Agency

ESG Excellence
Sponsored by Barford Owen Davies
Winner: The Welsh Sport Association
Highly Commended: Flexicare (Group) Limited

Financial Planning / IFA
Sponsored by Taek Legal
Winner: Beesure

Story published by Business News Wales