Inspiring Minds Award

CA ANZ with the endorsement of AFAANZ, proudly introduces the Inspiring Minds Award for Accounting Teaching Excellence, honoring educators who make a lasting impact on first-year accounting students in Australia and New Zealand.

The Inspiring Minds Award for Teaching Excellence in First-Year Accounting recognises and celebrates exceptional educators who are shaping the future of the accounting profession from the ground up. It honours individuals and teams at higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand who bring passion, innovation, and dedication to first-year accounting education.

These educators do more than teach, they spark curiosity, build confidence, and create meaningful learning experiences that leave a lasting impact. Their commitment not only enhances student engagement and success but also strengthens the pipeline of future-ready accounting professionals.

By recognising excellence in teaching and learning, this award reflects CA ANZ’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of accounting professionals and building a profession that is inclusive, future-focused, and appealing to new talent. A strong introduction to accounting can shape how students see the profession and whether they choose to pursue it. These educators play a vital role in opening doors for future Difference Makers, making accounting more accessible, inspiring, and impactful from the very first step.

Award details

Two winners: One from Australia and one from New Zealand, each will receive:

• $5,000 cash prize.
• A certificate of recognition.
• A feature in the Acuity magazine, among other benefits.
• The opportunity to present at the 2026 AFAANZ Conference.

Four finalists: Two from Australia and two from New Zealand, each will receive:

• A certificate of recognition.
• The opportunity to present at the 2026 AFAANZ Conference.

All winners and finalists will be invited to present their teaching and learning initiatives at the 2026 AFAANZ Conference in Melbourne, offering a platform to share insights, connect with peers, and gain national recognition.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be involved in the development and delivery of a CA ANZ accredited first-year accounting unit/course/program at an Australian or New Zealand higher education institution.
• Be an individual member of AFAANZ or employed by an institutional member of AFAANZ at the time of application.
• Apply as an individual or team. For team applications, all members must demonstrate a significant contribution to the initiative.

What we’re looking for

Applicants must demonstrate the positive impact of one or more teaching and learning initiatives that enhance the first-year accounting experience. These may include:

• Initiatives that enhance student learning and improving academic performance.
• Strategies that positively influence student engagement and motivation. 
• Efforts that support the creation of high-quality teaching resources, staff professional development and/or increased industry engagement.
• Activities that attract, inspire and support the progression of accounting students.

Impact must be clearly identified and evidenced in the application.

Judging panel

The Inspiring Minds Award will be assessed by a panel of respected leaders in accounting education and practice. The panel includes:

• A representative from CA ANZ
• A member of the AFAANZ Board
• Two independent accounting academics, jointly nominated by CA ANZ and AFAANZ (not applicants for the Award)
• A Chartered Accountant currently working in practice or industry

Together, they bring deep expertise and diverse perspectives to ensure a fair and thoughtful evaluation process.

Application process

• Applications open 1 September 2025 via the CA ANZ and AFAANZ websites.
• Submit completed applications via email by 28 February 2026.
• A judging panel will shortlist six finalists, three from Australia and three from New Zealand.
• Two winners (one from each country) will be selected from the shortlist.
• Finalists will present their initiatives at the 2026 AFAANZ Conference, where winners will be announced.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to share your teaching excellence!

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