Taking the Lead at the International Accounting Awards 2024

June 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Russell Bedford International CEO, Stephen Hamlet, was named Accounting Leader of the Year at the International Accounting Awards 2024.

The Accounting Leader of the Year award recognises exceptional and inspiring leaders in the accounting profession, who are dedicated to leading in professional standards and are advocates for continuous learning and growth.

Judges for the award commented that “this accounting leader has taken his network from strength to strength over a period of seven years. In this time the network has doubled in size, added 40 new countries to the group’s global presence, and increased its people by 70%.”

“Travelling widely across the 110 countries where this network is present, this accounting leader demonstrates his enthusiasm for people development and relationship building, through his deep cultural engagement with this network’s member firms.”

“This Accounting Leader also has a passion for helping the development of the next generation of accountants. He plays a vital role in his network’s annual Young Partners and Managers events and initiatives, speaking with these future leaders in the profession about their careers, developments within accountancy, as well as at the network’s annual ‘taking you further’ day, where its core values are celebrated.”

Adding to our celebrations, Russell Bedford International received a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the category of Network of the Year. This award highlights networks that have demonstrated strong revenue growth, development of an international brand, and delivered outstanding quality and agility in the global accountancy profession.

The 14th Annual International Accounting Forum & Awards, held on 20th June at the Park Plaza, Victoria, saw senior leaders from top accountancy firms, international networks, and associations collaborate on the key themes impacting the sector, the opportunities for growth, and to celebrate excellence in the field.

Attendees engaged in thought-leading panels, insightful presentations, case studies, and Q&A sessions covering topics such as strategic synergies, opportunities in private equity, digital technologies, and staff retention.

Reflecting on the event, CEO Stephen Hamlet said “the International Forum and Awards is a fabulous occasion. It provides a tremendous opportunity to collaborate on the key themes impacting the profession and to recognise all the outstanding work that has been done. It was an absolute honour to be presented with this year’s Accounting Leader award. I am grateful to my colleagues and to all those who have supported me, and continue to support me, at Russell Bedford and throughout my career.”

Find out more about the International Accounting Forum & Awards 2024 and see the winners here.