AN accountancy technician has been named ‘Rising Star of the Year’ by her national association.

Gina Gardner from Longhope started her career as an apprentice at the age of 18 and achieved her qualifications in 16 months, compared to the usual timescale of three years.

After receiving her Association of Accounting Technicians award at a dinner and ceremony at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor, the 21-year-old said: “I feel absolutely over the moon and proud to have won the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award.

“It was incredible to be at AAT’s awards representing my employers Randall and Payne, whose wonderful support has enabled me to thrive in my career so far.” 

After taking A-levels at John Kyrle School in Ross-on-Wye, Gina applied to go to university, but although she was accepted by all five of her choices, she decided to do an apprenticeship instead and was taken on at the age of 18 by Randall and Payne in Cheltenham.

As an apprentice, Gina was also studying with Whitehorse Training Ltd in Bath and gained her AAT accounting qualifications to become a full member in record time.

She has now secured a new role in the corporate tax team, is taking on greater responsibility within the firm, has helped develop its client base and also assisted with building the firm’s social media presence.

Gina is also continuing to study for an ACA/CTA (chartered tax adviser) joint programme qualification with First Intuition in Bristol.

She was awarded AAT’s ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award at the professional body’s annual conference, in recognition of her achievements in completing her studies in such a short time.

The award is designed to celebrate AAT’s professional members, and acknowledge their excellent and inspiring achievements.

Gina impressed the judges with the enthusiasm she demonstrated in her studies and the responsibilities she has achieved at her place of work.

Nicky Fisher, AAT president, said: “As a result of the quality and volume of submissions received, our judges had a very tough task both in putting together the final shortlists and then choosing the overall winners.

“We’d like to congratulate all winners and shortlisted members for their achievements, and I’m confident these awards will become an integral part of AAT Annual Conferences to come.”