2026 EY Young Tax Professional of the Year finalists

Lucy is the finalist representing Australia. She received a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Taxation and Finance from the University of Canterbury in 2024. She has started studying toward becoming a Chartered Accountant. She is a consultant in the Private Tax team at Ernst & Young Services Pty Limited and provides a range of tax compliance and advisory services to private clients. This involves preparation of income tax returns, calculations of current and deferred tax, and management of compliance obligations. Lucy hopes to deepen her knowledge of tax while developing leadership and management skills. In the long term, she would like to explore ways to have a bigger impact on the industry by finding innovative recommendations and driving creativity. Lucy has always loved sports and plays field hockey and tennis. She is a runner and recently ran in the Sydney marathon. She also enjoys cooking.

Adam, based in Bahrain, is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. He graduated from the University of Bahrain with a BSc in Accounting. He is an associate with the International Tax and Transaction Services team at Ernst & Young - Middle East, learning international tax through real client work and curiosity-driven studying. What drew him to international tax was the realization that global structures influence decisions in practical and strategic ways. In his career, Adam wants to solve difficult problems and add real value in environments where complexity is expected. He says tax fits naturally into that ambition because it forces a person to understand how systems connect and evolve. One of his most formative experiences was participating in the Global Undergraduate Exchange program in the United States. Living and studying with people from different cultures made him more aware that growth often happens when you step into unfamiliar environments. Adam’s hobbies are sports, the gym, reading, cooking, traveling and movies. He is fluent in English and Arabic. 

Bieke is the finalist representing Belgium. She received an MSc in Business Economics from KU Leuven and an Advanced Master in Tax Law from the University of Antwerp. She is a junior tax consultant with the International Tax and Transaction Services team at EY Tax Consultants in Antwerp. She supports client advisory projects and contributes to compliance processes. Working on a mix of analytical and client-focused tasks has given her a strong understanding of the technical and practical sides of taxation. Bieke approaches her professional development with an open mind, maintaining up-to-date knowledge in both technical tax knowledge and soft skills, which she says are essential in an AI-driven environment. She finds the field of tax particularly engaging because it is constantly evolving in response to new legislation and international trends. Bieke plays competitive volleyball and enjoys running, padel and teaching tennis to children. She also enjoys going out to restaurants and spending time with friends. Bieke is fluent in Dutch and English. 

Maria Clara, based in Brazil, is one of two finalists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. She earned her Law degree in 2024 at Centro Universitário das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas and expects to complete a postgraduate specialization in Contract Law in January 2026. She works as an assistant at Ernst & Young Assessoria Empresarial Ltda. in the Tax/Law area, focusing on corporate restructuring projects, cosec matters and paralegal activities. She drafts and reviews contracts and legal documents, conducts legal research and manages corporate procedures involving governmental authorities in Brazil. Maria Clara hopes to build a career in tax and corporate advisory, combining logic, strategy and clear communication to support companies in complex decision-making. She enjoys sports and exercising, including futsal, karate, Pilates and Olympic weightlifting. She loves making scented candles, exploring new places (especially restaurants) and spending time with family and friends. She is deeply committed to volunteer work, helping people and animals. She is fluent in Portuguese, English and German. 

Prasun is the finalist representing Canada. He received a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) from The University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business in November 2025. Prasun is a staff with the Indirect Tax team at Ernst & Young LLP in Vancouver, where he supports clients across compliance, advisory and M&A indirect tax due diligence. He supports filings, risk reviews and automation initiatives aimed at improving tax reporting processes. He also has experience with cross-border transactions, property tax matters, and supporting technology-enabled services that streamline compliance for national and global clients. He previously worked in audit at another accounting firm and co-founded a sustainability startup that upcycled glass bottles and delivered workshops to students and community members. Prasun aspires to build a multidisciplinary career that connects tax, technology and global business strategy. He is drawn to how automation, artificial intelligence and digital reporting are transforming indirect tax functions. Prasun enjoys working out, traveling and volunteering. Music and cultural events are a big part of his life, inspired by his involvement in college in organizing large-scale concerts and music festivals. 

Anders is the finalist representing Denmark. He will receive a Master of Laws from the University of Copenhagen in December 2026. He is currently a student assistant with a tax appeals agency, assisting tax officers in their casework, including information searches, freedom-of-information requests and other administrative tasks. His department focuses on corporate taxation and shareholder taxation where he is responsible for some simpler cases. He also worked as a legal advisor in employment law for the largest business and employers organization in Denmark. The most important factor for Anders in his career is the team he works with. He thrives in an environment where his strengths are appreciated and where he has space to grow personally and professionally. His hobbies include running, solving Sudokus and gardening (from spring to fall). He is fluent in Danish and English. 

Mathilde is the finalist representing France. She received a Masters in Business and Law (Diplôme de Juriste Conseil d'Entreprise) from the University of Strasbourg, as well as a specialization certificate in taxation. She is currently preparing for the French Bar. She has had internships at law firms, including a recent one that focused on tax law, and also worked with the wealth engineering team at a bank. These experiences gave her insight into wealth, corporate and international taxation, and she developed strong analytical abilities. Mathilde’s career aspiration is to become a tax lawyer because the field requires technical expertise and strategic thinking. She finds tax law particularly stimulating because it is constantly evolving in response to legislative and international developments. She enjoys running, reading thrillers and traveling. She has visited capital cities such as London and Barcelona and wants to explore more. She practiced competitive dance for about 10 years and hopes to return to it.

Jasper is the finalist representing Germany. He received a Bachelor of Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Utrecht University. He is working with the EY Tax GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Transfer Pricing team in Eschborn, mainly engaged in due diligence services for financial transactions and operational transfer pricing projects. Before joining the EY organization, Jasper gained diverse experience across public and private sectors, contributing to international development projects and diving deeper into the topic of sustainability in consumer electronics. His aspiration is to take on leadership roles guiding clients and multinational companies through complex cross-border tax challenges, helping design robust strategies. Jasper enjoys exploring philosophy, film and music. He also appreciates good wine and a well-made cocktail. He likes traveling, skiing and playing Ultimate Frisbee in his free time. Jasper is fluent in German and English.

Charmaine, based in Hong Kong, is the finalist representing Greater China. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, complemented by specialized studies at Peking University in Chinese and International Law. She has built a strong foundation in international dispute resolution and cross-border legal practice through her experience at legal institutions. She is planning a career in international compliance, cross-border dispute resolution and legal diplomacy — combining her Greater China specialization, arbitration background and policy-driven mindset. Charmaine has a passion for traveling and enjoys recreating dishes, adding her own twist. She also likes to bake, experimenting with fusion recipes that blend flavors from different cultures. She enjoys drawing and photography, often merging the two by sketching from her photographs. Charmaine is fluent in English, Putonghua, Cantonese and Shanghainese.

Bill is the finalist representing Greece. He is pursuing two degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Finance from the University of Piraeus and a Bachelor of Finance from Deree, The American College of Greece, and expects to graduate in 2026. He has worked in an accounting office as an assistant accountant, preparing daily bookkeeping and tax declarations. He also worked in sales for a telecommunication company where he developed strong communication skills and client interaction abilities. Bill aspires to build a career in tax consulting, a field he says is far more strategic than it is often perceived to be. His aim is to combine his academic background in management, accounting, finance and business analytics to create innovative solutions that will create long-term value. He enjoys practicing the piano and the violin, cooking and playing chess. He was a violinist in an orchestra created to teach music to refugee children. This experience gave him the chance to combine his love for music with a meaningful volunteering purpose. Bill is fluent in Greek and English.

Jorge is the finalist representing Guatemala. He graduated from Francisco Marroquín University in 2024. He holds a law degree, accreditation as a lawyer and notary, and a master’s degree in corporate compliance and anti-money laundering. As a staff I with the International Tax and Transaction Services team in Ernst & Young, Sociedad Anónima, he supports regional tax planning, compliance and cross-border structuring projects, preparing technical analyses and research across Central American jurisdictions. He previously worked as an intern and a staff I with the EY Tax Controversy practice. Before joining the organization, he worked at a regional law firm as a legal assistant, gaining experience in corporate law, international trade, constitutional matters, and criminal law. Jorge aspires to become a regional leader in international tax and corporate compliance, specializing in cross-border structuring, tax governance and risk management for multinational groups. His hobbies include listening to music, playing video games and following sports. He also enjoys studying politics and economics. He is fluent in English and Spanish. 

Arnav is the finalist representing India. He received a Bachelor of Commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in 2024. He is pursuing a Chartered Accountancy certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He is an intern with the International Tax and Transaction Services team at Ernst & Young LLP, where he supports tax research, due diligence and cross-border transaction structuring. He also has contributed to business development. Arnav has always been drawn to work that feels larger than himself, work that addresses problems that genuinely matter. He says the dynamic nature of tax pushes him to think deeper, stay curious and address complex issues with clarity and intent. Arnav enjoys playing football, listening to podcasts, reading and running. He is fluent in English, Hindi and Tulu. 

Adeline is the finalist representing Indonesia. She is an Accounting major at Tarumanagara University and expects to graduate in May 2026. She worked on the finance and accounting staff at a nongovernmental organization that focuses on mental health awareness. This gave her practical experience in documenting tax reports for an organization. Adeline wants to pursue a career as a tax associate because she sees tax as a dynamic area of continuous learning. She is considering a master’s degree in Law to further strengthen her experience and credibility in the field of taxation. She enjoys reading self-improvement books and visiting museums and historical sites to learn about human evolution and local cultures. She is fluent in Indonesian and English.

Milla is the finalist representing Japan. She is currently studying national security and trade policy, and will receive a Faculty of Policy Management from Keio University in September 2025. She will start in the transfer pricing team at Ernst & Young Tax Co. in Tokyo in October. Her aspiration is to work globally in the transfer pricing field. After spending a year abroad in London, she is driven to build a career that allows her to contribute in diverse, international environments and meet people from around the world. Milla enjoys visiting art galleries, reading and long-distance running. This year, her goals are to hike and to travel to all prefectures of Japan. Milla is fluent in Japanese and English.

Kamilla, based in Kazakhstan, is the finalist representing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the International School of Economics. She works with the People Advisory Services Tax team at EY Kazakhstan in Astana. She focuses on private tax, specifically personal income tax and individual reporting obligations, international taxation, and controlled foreign companies. She was an intern for Astana Financial Services Authority, maintaining internal databases of registered firms, analyzing share capital structures and helping assess system functionalities. She hopes to grow as a professional in taxation, focusing on cross-border compliance and strategic advisory. She believes her current position gives her a great opportunity for this. Outside of work, Kamilla is passionate about urban and spatial planning, drawing inspiration from global architecture and city development history during her travels. She also enjoys playing volleyball, running marathons, going to the gym and video editing. She is fluent in Kazakh, Russian and English. 

Noordin, based in Kenya, is the finalist representing Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. He received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi and is a Staff/Assistant at Ernst & Young LLP in Nairobi. He focuses on tax compliance and tax due diligence projects. He started his career in civil engineering at an international construction company before he discovered his passion for finance and taxation. Outside of work, Noordin is involved with an initiative dedicated to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans. He hopes to become the CEO of a leading corporation one day, guiding the organization with vision and purpose. He has loved leadership since he was 12 and put in charge of a school project. He enjoys rallying the team, setting the vision and seeing it come to life. Noordin enjoys football – both playing and watching. He also enjoys chess and occasionally indulges in a refreshing swim to decompress. Noordin is passionate about travel and a big fan of Kenyan cuisine. He loves meeting new people and learning about different cultures. He is fluent in English and Swahili, and proficient in Arabic. 

Tomás is the finalist representing Luxembourg. He has a bachelor’s in European Laws and a master’s in International and European Tax Laws from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He is a Junior tax advisor in the International Tax and Transaction Services team at Ernst & Young Tax Advisory Services. In this role, he focuses on the corporate taxation of multinational groups — addressing the tax consequences of restructurings from a Luxembourg corporate tax perspective and helping clients make decisions. He is interested in Pillar Two and works with clients in relation to their reduced global tax exposures. He has developed a passion for taxation in the past years, and his aspirations are to learn as much as he can from colleagues and his experiences. Tomás is a board member of the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) and was previously a finalist in the European and International Tax Law Moot Court in Leuven. Tomás enjoys time with friends and family, or reading a good political economy book, catching up on the latest TV show or movie, or going for a quick jog. He is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Erdina is the finalist representing Malaysia. She will receive a Bachelor of Accountancy in January 2026 from International Islamic University. She is a Transfer Pricing intern at an oilfield services company, supporting tax audits across Malaysia and offshore entities. She previously interned for an accounting firm in Malaysia, where she audited private entities and a major public company. This involved reviewing financial documents, conducting client interviews and verifying compliance with audit requirements, an experience that sharpened her analytical and communication skills. Her goal is to become a consultant, driven by her passion for solving complex business problems and delivering meaningful impact. Erdina enjoys diving into deep thoughts through philosophy, unwinding with true crime shows, and staying active with pickleball and hiking. She is fluent in English and Malay. 

Andrea, based in Mexico, is one of two finalists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. She has a bachelor’s degree in Financial Administration from Tecnológico de Monterrey and works in EYS Equipo y Soluciones, S.C. as a Transfer Pricing Analyst. Her responsibilities include preparing annual transfer pricing documentation, conducting intercompany analyses, reviewing financial and functional information, drafting technical observations, and supporting compliance for multinational clients. Andrea’s career began in the automotive industry, where she worked in Accounts Payable, gaining exposure to financial operations, vendor processes and compliance. In the short term, she aims to continue developing as a transfer pricing professional at the EY organization by leading more complex analyses and contributing strategically to global engagements. She aspires to grow into a role that integrates tax advisory, financial modeling and cross-border planning. Andrea enjoys cooking, visiting interior design and architecture spaces, and trying new restaurants. She loves traveling, and her favorite way to explore a new place is by walking through neighborhoods, trying local food and observing its architecture. Andrea speaks Spanish and English.

Meilin is the finalist representing New Zealand. She received a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland in 2024. She is a Tax Consultant in the International Tax and Transaction Services team with Ernst & Young Group Limited. She advises international clients on reducing hybrid mismatch risks, company restructures and permanent establishment issues, and provides inbound/outbound corporate tax advisory. She is finishing her EY Diploma of Tax before starting the pathway to become a Chartered Accountant. Meilin aspires to keep learning as much as she can about tax, finance and commerce so she can build strong relationships with clients. She hopes to grow into leadership roles where she can mentor others and give back to the community, while also exploring entrepreneurial ventures. Meilin enjoys Pilates, reading, playing guitar and piano and cooking new recipes. She also enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, traveling and visiting historical sites. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Korede is the finalist representing Nigeria. He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Federal University Oye-Ekiti in 2025. He recently completed a three-month tax advisory internship that provided practical experience in complex tax matters. His responsibilities included analysis and verification of financial statements to support client filings. He also researched and analyzed the impacts of recent tax reforms.  Korede’s aspiration is to become a leading figure in tax policy and fiscal advisory across Nigeria and the continent. He aims to transition his technical expertise into strategic leadership to directly influence and shape tax frameworks that are equitable and conducive to national economic development. He is driven to lead teams recognized for creating a long-term, positive impact. Korede enjoys strategic games like chess. He loves the rhythm and discipline of playing the keyboard, finding it a perfect creative outlet. He plays basketball, and also finds immense satisfaction in mentoring. Korede is fluent in English and Yoruba.

Ulrik is the finalist representing Norway. He will receive a master’s degree in law from the University of Oslo in December 2026. He believes that work must be either challenging or meaningful to be enjoyable, preferably both; tax law has provided this for him. He hopes to excel in tax law and in some way impact law in his country. He is currently a trainee at an accounting firm, works at a pub and volunteers at the Oslo law students’ annual music festivals. Ulrik enjoys hikes in the nature surrounding Oslo, working out, cooking and listening to all kinds of music. He is fluent in Norwegian and English.

Anagha, based in Oman, is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. She holds a BBA in Finance and Marketing and is an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) affiliate. She is a Senior Associate in the International Tax and Transaction Services team with Ernst & Young LLC in Muscat (EY Muscat). She helps multinational clients navigate direct tax matters and cross-border transactions, working to simplify compliance and design strategies that support sustainable growth. She likes how her role combines technical experience with purpose-driven work. Anagha’s goal is to become skilled in tax while helping others grow. For her, tax is more than numbers; it is a strategic tool that drives economic growth and creates lasting impact. Dance is Anagha’s true passion, and she teaches Bharatanatyam to young dancers. She enjoys reading philosophy books and also likes to cook — especially global recipes infused with Indian flavors. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Tamil. 

Kyla is the finalist representing the Philippines. She will receive a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of the Philippines Visayas. She recently worked as a tax intern at a firm in Makati, Philippines. Her long-term career aspirations are twofold. She plans to leverage her foundational knowledge in accountancy to excel in the corporate world, specifically in professional services, aiming for a leadership role. She also hopes to become an international lawyer, combining her understanding of finance and governance with her passion for peace and advocacy. Kyla is a passionate traveler who believes in cultural immersion. Her most memorable experience was during the Philippine Youth Leadership Program in the US, where she met numerous State Department officials and young leaders from diverse backgrounds. Kyla enjoys painting and charcoal drawing, singing, dancing, cooking and cleaning, and spending time with family and community, caring for children, the elderly and animals. She is fluent in English, Filipino, Chavacano Creole, Spanish, Cebuano, Ilonggo and Tausug.

Joana is the finalist representing Portugal. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Tax Law at The Catholic University of Portugal (Lisbon), with an expected graduation in 2026. She aspires to become a lawyer in tax law because it is an area that constantly challenges her intellectually and requires a unique combination of analytical precision, strategic thinking and practical problem-solving. She is motivated by the idea of helping clients navigate complex frameworks, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities, and ultimately contributing to a fair and efficient tax system. It is a field where she feels she can continually learn and make a meaningful impact. Joana loves to read — from timeless classics to biographies of historical figures and the occasional dystopian novel. She enjoys going to the movies and spending meaningful time with friends. She takes Pilates classes and often goes on long walks in nature, which helps her stay balanced and grounded. She is fluent in Portuguese and English. 

Leena, based in Saudi Arabia, is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. She studied Finance and Banking at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and graduated in April 2024. She works as an Associate with the Indirect Tax team at Ernst & Young Professional Services (Professional LLC), focusing on advisory, compliance, invoicing and litigation. This role involves leveraging technology and exploring how artificial intelligence can help enhance efficiency in tax processes. Prior to joining the EY organization, she was an intern for a consulting group where she gained hands-on experience in strategy consulting. Leena’s career aspiration is to combine technical excellence with strong values and interpersonal skills to provide exceptional work and foster trust with clients. She aims to help organizations and communities thrive through innovative, ethical and collaborative services. Leena enjoys playing padel and volleyball, and her family often organizes friendly tournaments. Once a year, she takes a solo trip to explore new cultures and reflect. Last year, she took a cruise through Italy and Greece, visiting multiple destinations. These experiences give her a fresh perspective and help her recharge. Leena is fluent in English and Arabic. 

Kai is the finalist representing Singapore. He will graduate with a degree in accountancy with the highest distinction from Nanyang Technological University in July 2026. In July 2026 he will be joining EY Corporate Advisors Pte. Ltd with the Corporate Tax team. He completed a summer internship in that team, which reaffirmed his passion to pursue a career in the field. He aspires to become a certified tax advisor and achieve the highest rank possible. He also hopes to leverage his experience, credibility and academic and professional journey to advise and inspire young people, helping them navigate their own paths. Kai enjoys feeding and playing with stray cats, going on long hikes, playing video games, working out at the gym, playing snooker and darts, watching movies, and spending time with friends.

Clementina is the finalist representing Spain. She received a Law Degree from University Carlos III of Madrid and is pursuing two master’s degrees: one in Taxation at University Carlos III of Madrid and one in Legal Practice at the International University of La Rioja. She has completed two internships in two different law firms, one in a litigation department where she assisted with case analysis and drafted legal arguments, and one in a tax and real estate department where she worked on registry procedures, helped develop tax strategies for businesses, and prepared tailored legal proposals. Clementina’s aspiration is to specialize in international tax, guiding businesses through complex cross-border regulations. She is motivated by the opportunity to work in a global environment, engage with diverse cultures and develop strategic solutions to challenging problems while fostering lasting professional relationships. Clementina’s hobbies are photography, reading, traveling, walking her dog, sewing, singing, cooking, wakeboarding and playing cards. She is fluent in Spanish and English.  

Klara is the finalist representing Sweden. She will receive a Master of Laws in January 2026 from The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. She is currently working at the Faculty of Law as a teacher’s assistant and recently completed a semester abroad at Ruprecht-Karl University, Heidelberg in Germany. Klara hopes to work internationally with tax law, specifically in transfer pricing with cross-border compliance and the challenges that brings. She finds it fascinating how laws affect real people and economies, and she wants to be part of shaping smart and fair solutions and policies. Klara is training for Ironman 70.3 in 2026, enjoys reading and listening to books, and dreams of visiting all the European countries. So far, she has visited 26! Klara enjoys seeing wonderful places, meeting people from other backgrounds and eating amazing local food. She is fluent in Swedish and English.

Sophie is the finalist representing Switzerland. She received a BSc in Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen. She is a tax consultant with Ernst & Young AG in St. Gallen, preparing projects in tax compliance and advisory and client engagement and communication. Her focus is on international tax issues within the private client services sector. She is pursuing the Swiss Certified Tax Expert diploma, with the final exam scheduled for 2027. Sophie hopes to enhance her knowledge in the tax industry and gain extensive experience nationally and internationally. Her aim is to demonstrate to clients that taxes are not a mundane obligation, but a vital component of societal and entrepreneurial development. Sophie also works as a ski instructor, teaching children how to ski and training them for races. She enjoys running, cycling, tennis, golf and skiing. She is fluent in German, French, English and Spanish. 

Pratch is the finalist representing Thailand. He received a BBA in Accounting from Chulalongkorn University and works as a tax consultant at EY Corporate Services Limited in Thailand. He deals with issues regarding international tax, including permanent establishment risks and tax implications on cross-border transactions. He hopes to establish himself as a reliable tax advisor and collaborate more with colleagues and clients from other countries. During his third year in college, Pratch was an exchange student at Sophia University in Japan. He learned the Japanese language and much about the culture. Pratch enjoys watching soccer. He is a Liverpool FC supporter and was lucky enough to attend a soccer match at Anfield and hear the crowd singing. His hobbies include watching online videos, listening to music (Thai, English and Japanese songs) and traveling. He is fluent in Thai and English. 

Rafaël is the finalist representing The Netherlands. He will receive a Master’s degree in Economics of Taxation from Rotterdam in the summer of 2027. He is an EY intern in the Rotterdam office with the Tax Accounting and Risk Advisory Services team at EY Belastingadviseurs B.V., drafting stances on topics, doing jurisprudence research and answering general tax-related questions. His previous work experience with the EY organization includes transfer pricing, People Advisory Services, international tax and M&A Tax. Working in different tax-related fields has allowed Rafaël to find his true passion but also become a more well-rounded tax professional. He hopes to positively influence tax policy and the tax field as a whole. Rafaël’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, football, the gym, investing, chess and handyman work. He is fluent in Dutch and English. 

Ece is the finalist representing Türkiye. She received a Faculty of Law from Koç University in 2025 and is working at Kuzey Yeminli Mali Musavirlik ve Bagimsiz Denetim A.S. (EY Türkiye) in the International Tax and Transaction Services team. The work she does allows her to combine legal analysis with practical tax advisory work, conduct research across multiple jurisdictions and contribute to complex cross-border projects. Her primary career aspiration is to develop a strong knowledge base in taxation and contribute to fair and effective tax practices by upholding fundamental principles such as equality, proportionality and balance in taxation. Beyond theoretical knowledge, she wants to gain strong practical experience to deliver solutions that create tangible impact. Ece enjoys attending theater, orchestral and musical performances. She is also passionate about songwriting, composing and singing. Her favorite food is “Manti,” a traditional Turkish dish served with yogurt and a touch of garlic, which brings back warm memories of family meals and festive gatherings. Ece is fluent in Turkish and English.

Hessa, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. She expects to graduate in the spring of 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Minor in Accounting from the University of Sharjah. She previously worked as a library technician at a university, where she supported patrons, managed online publications, planned events and handled operational tasks. This experience helped her strengthen her communication, analytical and technical skills. In five to 10 years, she hopes to work in tax advisory in a role that connects finance, technology and global clients. This appeals to Hessa because she believes tax combines technical and analytical thinking with real-world impact. Her vision is to be a trusted tax advisor who navigates the dynamic sector using technology, practical insights and innovation. Hessa enjoys reading books across many genres, keeping up with global news and trends, watching films, and finding new places within her city to explore with friends. She is fluent in Arabic (Emirati dialect) and English.

Harriet is the finalist representing the United Kingdom. She graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2024 from Durham University and works with the Real Estate tax team at Ernst & Young LLP, helping clients with their tax structuring as well as buyside and vendor due diligence for real estate transactions. She is also studying for her Chartered Accountancy qualification. She is excited to grow her career by continuing to work in tax transactions while gaining financial skills to understand the bigger picture. In the future, she would like to move into industry to be an in-house tax professional, and her ultimate dream is to become a chief financial officer. Harriet likes staying active and getting outdoors. She loves rowing on the weekends and skiing with friends and family. She volunteered in Costa Rica on coral restoration projects before college. This involved building and maintaining coral nurseries at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and conducting biodiversity research work.

Maria is the finalist representing the United States. She received her Bachelor and Master of Accounting degrees from Texas State University in December 2025. She will be working with the Financial Services Organization team in New York City with Ernst & Young LLP. She is also studying to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Maria’s goal is to grow professionally at a nationally recognized firm and learn about different cultures while enhancing her knowledge about the tax world. She enjoys traveling and seizes any opportunity to visit a new destination. At the moment, her favorite travel spot is Rome.