Young Tax Professional of the Year Award

• Ernst & Young’s international tax competition recognizes future tax talents

MOSCOW, PARIS, 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 – Ernst & Young are delighted to announce a new international competition program entitled “Young Tax Professional of the Year” where successful students chosen by nine different European countries participate to demonstrate their tax technical and professional skills.

Ernst & Young presented the Young Tax Professional of the Year final award at a gala event held at the Opéra Garnier in Paris last night celebrating the 65th Congress of the International Fiscal Association 2011¹.

First prize was awarded to Ms Asmita Paranjpe, from India. Asmita is currently working on her Chartered Accountancy course, at Pune University, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Second and third prizes respectively were awarded to:

• Nathanael Zahnd, Switzerland (currently doing a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Law at University of Fribourg)
• Omar El Arjoun, France (currently doing a Master in International Business Law at ESCP Europe Paris)

The Young Tax Professional of the Year aims not only to reaffirm the growing importance of tax knowledge in the world of business and finance, but also promotes the emergence of young talented professionals in the field of tax and to respond to the increasing needs of the profession.

Ernst & Young selected in nine participating countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Russia, Poland and Hungary) the young tax students to represent their countries in the EMEIA final competition in Paris. The finalists presented case studies before the jury composed of professionals from the sector, professors, tax directors and Ernst & Young partners, all specialists in international tax, who then chose the three winners.

Stephan Kuhn, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa Tax Leader, explains: "Ernst & Young strives for innovation, excellence and leadership. Through this innovative program that seeks to reward and encourage the next generation of tax professionals, Ernst & Young is demonstrating to leaders of business, our profession and tax administrations globally that investment in future tax talent is essential."

The three award-winners were presented with the following prizes:

• 1st prize: a 10-day organized visit to Ernst & Young offices in London, Washington and Hong Kong
• 2nd prize: a 10-day organized visit to the Ernst & Young office in London
• 3rd prize: participation to the 31st International Tax Conference in New York (October 11-13, 2011) 

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