Key financial support has been awarded to budding accountancy professionals at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS). This initiative by MSCA Legacy Limited includes a cash prize and bursaries for outstanding students.
The support aims to broaden opportunities for students entering the accountancy field, recognising exceptional academic and practical contributions. The awards celebrate achievements and provide essential resources for further professional development.
Introduction of Scholarships and Awards
Key financial support has been extended to the next generation of accountancy talent at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS). This initiative includes the awarding of a cash prize and bursaries by MSCA Legacy Limited to commendable students.
MSCA Legacy, formed in 2023, has allocated a cash prize to a recent graduate and is offering bursaries and mentorship to postgraduate students, thus broadening its support for aspiring accountants.
Recipient of the Cash Prize
The David Illingworth Memorial Prize, in memory of the former MSCA and ICAEW national president, has been awarded to Eve Moores. She graduated from AMBS this summer with a BA Econ in accounting and finance.
Her dissertation, which examined challenges faced by the UK’s rail operating companies, concluded that nationalisation would yield the best outcomes. This research was pivotal in her receiving the prize.
Eve Moores’ Achievement
Ms Moores expressed her excitement at both the opportunity to integrate her accounting expertise with relevant socio-economic challenges and the honour of receiving the David Illingworth Memorial Prize. She is looking forward to continuing her engagement with MSCA Legacy.
Ms Moores is set to start her career as an audit associate with a renowned firm in September, beginning her professional journey on PwC’s graduate scheme in Manchester.
Comments from MSCA Legacy Chair
Alistair Hollows, chair of MSCA Legacy, highlighted the significant role played by AMBS and other universities in the city in shaping the future professionals of the accountancy sector.
He commended Ms Moores for her thoroughly researched, thought-provoking, and compellingly argued dissertation, noting it as a prime example of how accounting skills can address and solve real-world economic problems.
Support for Postgraduate Students
Besides awarding the cash prize to Ms Moores, MSCA Legacy is providing mentorship and bursaries to three PhD students at AMBS. Each student’s research addresses different aspects of the accountancy field.
One PhD student is focused on attracting top talent into the profession despite reputational issues caused by audit scandals. Another is studying the application of accounting rules internationally, and the third is investigating auditors’ roles in monitoring ethical issues.
Prof Chris Humphrey’s Perspective
Professor Chris Humphrey of AMBS expressed the high value of the relationship with MSCA Legacy, emphasising the access it grants students to diverse professional networks and practical accounting experience.
He welcomed the expansion of the award scheme, highlighting its potential to influence debates on the future of accounting, auditing, and the broader professional responsibilities in the accountancy sector.
Extended Support Beyond AMBS
MSCA Legacy’s support isn’t confined to AMBS alone. The organisation is also engaging with postgraduate students at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School and the University of Salford.
Alistair Hollows noted that attracting the best talent to chartered accountancy and rethinking audit processes are among the key issues the postgraduate programmes in these institutions are tackling.
The financial support from MSCA Legacy Limited marks a significant contribution to nurturing the next generation of accounting professionals.
By recognising and supporting outstanding talent, the initiative not only rewards academic excellence but also paves the way for future leaders in the accountancy sector.
