Tax profession's best and brightest recognised at the 2nd Annual Tax Adviser of the Year Awards

20 March 2015:   The Tax Institute has announced the winners of the 2^nd Annual Tax Adviser of the Year Awards, showcasing the profession’s leading experts and rising stars.

Andrew Mills, from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was named Chartered Tax Adviser of the Year at a ceremony on the Gold Coast on Thursday, 19 March as part of the Institute’s 30^th National Convention.

The awards recognise tax professionals across all levels of experience for their professionalism, leadership, high ethical standards and commitment to excellence.

Winners of the other categories, including the Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year, SME Tax Adviser of the Year and Emerging Tax Star – were also announced.

Chief Executive Officer of The Tax Institute, Noel Rowland, said there had been an overwhelming response to the Awards, reflecting the strength and dedication of the tax profession in Australia.

“These awards celebrate excellence in tax and this year’s recipients represent worthy and talented professionals who are performing at the highest level. It was difficult for the judges to select just four winners from the incredibly strong field of entrants this year which is a testament to the profession as a whole,” Mr Rowland said.

The Chartered Tax Adviser of the Year winner, Andrew Mills, is the Second Commissioner at the ATO and is a highly regarded and committed leader.  Throughout his career Andrew has displayed his dedication and passion for the profession, including spending 20 years with Greenwoods & Freehills where he was a Director. The judges also recognised his contribution to the tax community through his lecturing for The Tax Institute and University of Sydney.

The Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year award went to KPMG tax director Minh Dao. Ms Dao impressed the judges with her passion and thirst for continuous growth as well as her over 14 years’ experience at KPMG. Minh is dedicated to extending her knowledge and expertise and was recently seconded to KPMG London working as a global tax adviser. Her work with a wide variety of clients across domestic and international tax issues is positioning Ms Dao as a leader in the field.

Peter Bobbin, Argyle Lawyers, was awarded the winner of the SME Tax Adviser of the Year category. Mr Bobbin has over 30 years’ experience and has enviable knowledge across superannuation, taxation, estate planning and business succession. He advises directly to clients and on commercial structuring, regulatory compliance and general commercial issues. The judges admired his involvement with The Tax Institute’s committees and contribution to education programs through his mentoring and teaching with other tax professionals in different firms.

Sarah Goodman, a senior consultant at KPMG, won the Emerging Tax Star Award. Ms Goodman was recognised for her high ethical standards and commitment and passion to learning and development. Sarah has a high level of tax technical ability, demonstrated through advising on over 25 M&A transactions earning her the respect from her colleagues in the process. The judges refer to Sarah as an inspiration to the next generation of tax professionals and pin her as a future leader.

The categories have been assessed by an independent expert judging panel made up of key figures and leading members of the profession. Mr Rowland congratulates all of the winners and thanked the judges for their generous support and time.

“The high-calibre of the applications across all categories is a testament to the strength of the tax profession in Australia. With such dedicated and talented individuals working across all levels of the profession, I am confident the profession has a promising future,” Mr Rowland said.

The 2016 Tax Adviser of the Year Award nominations will be open in September 2015.

Please view our website for further information about the Awards, winners and judges.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Noel Rowland, CEO, The Tax Institute: 02 8223 0011

Dylan Malloch, Sefiani Communications Group: 0407 620 613

 

The Tax Institute is the country’s leading professional association and educator in tax. Its 15,000 members include tax agents, accountants and lawyers as well as tax practitioners in corporations, government and academia.  The Tax Institute supports the tax profession through education and professional development and works to continually improve tax law and its administration.