2025 EY Young Tax Professional of the Year finalists

Shivam, based in Australia, is the finalist representing Australia and New Zealand. He will receive a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Advanced Studies (Banking) with Honors from the University of Sydney in 2025. He is the Operations Lead for a leading non-profit. He maintains operations, systems and resources used in day-to-day activities as the organization continues to grow and protect the rights and interests of people over 50 in New South Wales. Shivam has accepted an internship position with the International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) team for Ernst & Young, Australia, starting November 2025. His career aspiration is to become the best problem solver he can be, using his experiences to create impactful solutions. Shivam’s hobbies include cafe and bar hopping, the gym, running, baking and writing. He is fluent in English and Marathi.

Matthias is the finalist representing Belgium. He received a master’s degree in Law in 2022 and Notary Law in 2023 at KU Leuven. In 2025, he will complete his studies in Tax Law at KU Leuven. He is a Junior Private Tax Consultant with EY Tax Consultants BV. He advises clients on a variety of tax-related issues and works on international tax matters, mergers and acquisitions tax, tax audits and dispute resolution. Prior to joining the EY organization, he completed internships at law firms and notary offices. Matthias aspires to become a trusted advisor to clients by mastering complex tax regulations and delivering innovative solutions. His aim is to advance to senior roles, where he can lead a team and drive strategic initiatives. Playing tennis is his escape, offering a perfect blend of strategy and physical challenge. He loves to visit art exhibitions or pick up a paintbrush himself. He also enjoys traveling and exploring vibrant cities, and is fluent in Dutch, French and English.

Charlize is the finalist representing Canada. She received a BBA specializing in Accounting from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2024 and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Candidate at the CPA Atlantic School of Business. She works as a Staff in the EY Global Compliance and Reporting team with Ernst & Young LLP in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her responsibilities include the preparation and filing of tax returns, tax provisions and tax projects related to foreign income. Charlize has diverse experience from previous internships in various sectors such as accounting and assurance, human resources, and communications. She hopes to become a trusted professional in Tax to support Canadian entrepreneurs and global economics. Charlize enjoys traveling, golfing, going to the beach, yoga and following world events. She is fluent in English, Arabic and French.

Sebastian, based in Colombia, is one of three finalists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2019. He works as a Staff in the Transfer Pricing team with Ernst & Young S.A.S. in the Bogota office, working with clients to structure new related-party cross-border transactions and to verify that past transactions align with local tax regulation. He previously worked at a Colombian FinTech company in marketing. His career aspirations in transfer pricing are driven by his passion for international matters and the critical role that tax plays in global business operations. He aims to enhance his technical skills and to eventually become a leading professional within the organization. Sebastian has a deep passion for the arts. He loves photography, ballet, theater, visiting museums and galleries, and concerts. He is fluent in English and Spanish.   

Esra is the finalist representing Denmark. She is studying law at the University of Copenhagen and expects to graduate in June 2025. She works at the Danish Ministry of Taxation as a student assistant and volunteers at a legal aid organization. These roles have honed her analytical, organizational and leadership skills while deepening her passion for tax law. She hopes to build a solid foundation in tax law and gradually specialize in the field. The combination of legal precision and practical application fascinates her, and she enjoys the challenges. Her long-term goal is to contribute to creating clear and fair tax solutions while continuously learning in a dynamic area of law. Esra enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active, Pilates, traveling and volunteering. She is fluent in Danish, English and Turkish.

Baptiste is the finalist representing France. He received his Master’s degree in Business Law and Taxation from Aix Marseille University, passed the bar exam in 2024 and will join the bar school in January 2025. He is currently working as a tax apprentice for a helicopter manufacturer. In the past, he has had various internships at law firms as well as worked as a tax apprentice for an international organization. Baptiste always wanted to become a lawyer because he says the profession embodies an ideal of independence, probity and humanity. He plans to work in tax because he is interested in its importance for businesses and entrepreneurs. He is fluent in French and English, and speaks some Spanish. Baptiste plays rugby and enjoys reading philosophy and novels.

Akshay, based in India, is the finalist representing GDS professionals from Argentina, India, Philippines, Spain and Hungary. He will receive a Bachelor of Commerce in 2026 from St. Joseph College of Commerce. He is specializing in strategic finance and pursuing the US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification. His passion about contributing to society led to an internship for a nonprofit that supports destitute individuals. He aspires to work in finance and investment because he enjoys solving case studies. The dynamic nature of this field motivates him to continuously learn and apply his skills. Beyond academics, he loves traveling to new places and taking part in cultural competitions. Reading books on personal growth and listening to music also help him unwind and recharge. Akshay is fluent in English, Kannada and Hindi.

Annbritt is the finalist representing Germany. She received her degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Finance NRW in August 2023. She is a Consultant for the International Tax and Transaction Services team with EY Tax GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft. She supports tax due diligence and structuring projects by analyzing documents and coordinating the different EY teams involved in a project. In addition to client work, Annbritt is involved in recruitment activities for her local office. She organized events at her university and was available to speak to interested parties about a career in tax.  Before joining the EY organization, she worked for the German tax authorities. That experience gave her insights into both the client and fiscal perspectives. Annbritt hopes to become a leading subject matter resource within the international tax practice and wants to actively contribute to the diversity, equity and inclusion culture already within the firm. Her hobbies include spending time in nature with friends and family, reading and cooking. Annbritt is fluent in German and English.

Ceci, based in Hong Kong, is the finalist representing Greater China. She is expected to receive her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in June 2025. She is working on a capstone project focused on Robotic Process Automation (RPA), leveraging her business knowledge to explore how RPA can optimize operational efficiency and drive organizational cost savings. Her long-term career aspiration is to build a successful career in tax because she is interested in the technical details and the analysis it requires. She hopes to obtain her CPA qualifications and become a Chartered Tax Adviser. Ceci is fluent in Cantonese, English and Putonghua. Her hobbies are traveling – she has visited over 25 countries – and reading. She is a foodie and likes to explore new restaurants, whether she is traveling or just hanging out in Hong Kong.

Kyriakos is the finalist representing Greece. He is a masters student in Accounting and Finance at Athens University of Economics and Business and expects to graduate in October 2025. He lived in Copenhagen for a year as part of the university exchange program, which he says was pivotal to many of his later successes. Kyriakos is the co-founder of an organization in Greece. The whole process allowed him to exercise all the knowledge acquired during his studies and a good motivation for him to dive into Greek tax legislation. He is fascinated by the different fields of accounting but is currently considering auditing and tax accounting. His hobbies include traveling, cooking, reading books and drinking iced coffees with friends.

Abhiuday is the finalist representing India. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from Ramjas College, University of Delhi in May 2023, and is pursuing the Chartered Accountancy course. He works as an intern in the Global Compliance and Reporting team at Ernst & Young LLP, handling direct tax compliance and advisory for clients under the guidance of supportive colleagues who have also become great friends. His aspiration is to excel as a leading tax professional, continuously enhancing his knowledge in the field. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and aims to establish and successfully manage his own business venture. Abhiuday likes to stay active with table tennis, badminton and cricket. For downtime, he rewatches his favorite shows and movies and enjoys playing video games. He loves Indian street food and occasionally engages in a gol-gappa eating contest with friends. Abhiuday is fluent in Hindi and English.

Grandson is the finalist representing Indonesia. He received a Bachelor of Law from Universitas Diponegoro in July 2024. He is a Staff/Assistant with Persekutuan perdata EY Law Indonesia. His career aspirations are to become a highly skilled legal consultant with a specialization in international law. He aspires to work in a dynamic global environment where he can collaborate with diverse teams and tackle complex legal challenges. This ambition is driven by his desire to make a meaningful impact in the legal field and contribute to the success of his clients and organization. Grandson is passionate about art. Since childhood he has loved playing music and expressing himself through painting. Grandson is fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Fay, based in Iraq, is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. She received a degree in Political Science and Arabic from the University of Manchester in 2021. She is a Global Compliance and Reporting Senior Associate at Mustafa Fouad Abbas and Partner for Auditing and Monitoring of Accounts, focusing on tax compliance and managing competitive bidding processes for clients. Her role involves blending technical knowledge with client relationship management to deliver tailored solutions. She moved from London to Baghdad, bringing a unique mix of experience and skills, helping her approach tax challenges with a fresh, strategic perspective, blending critical thinking and cultural understanding. Her career aspirations are focused on making a positive impact, whether through inspiring others, contributing to meaningful policy change or helping drive societal progress. Fay enjoys traveling, art and sports, especially boxing, and is fluent in English and Arabic.

Aurora is the finalist representing Italy. She graduated with a master’s degree in law from the University of Pavia in September 2024. She works as a Staff in the International Tax and Transactions Services team with Studio Legale Tributario EY, which she says has provided her with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Her work experience while in university gave her valuable insights into how the legal field operates and a better understanding of its complexities. She aspires to be a well-rounded professional and believes that she can achieve her goal by expanding her knowledge base and refining her skills. Aurora’s hobbies include hiking, skiing, cooking, reading and spending time with loved ones. She is fluent in Italian, English and Spanish. 

Natsuko is the finalist representing Japan. She received a Bachelor of Law at Sophia University in Tokyo in March 2024. She is currently a staff with the Indirect Tax Team at Ernst & Young Tax Co. Her career plan involves working with a global organization and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. To achieve this, she plans to focus on gaining knowledge and experience, earning the trust of clients and colleagues. Natsuko is fluent in Japanese and English. She enjoys working out, traveling and listening to Latin music. Her most unforgettable journey was a solo trip to Turkey where she stayed in a dormitory for 10 days and met other solo travelers from around the world. 

Arsen, based in Kazakhstan, is the finalist representing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He received a Bachelor of Economics from Kazguu University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Turiba University. He will receive his Master of Economics from Kazguu University in 2026. Arsen is an Advanced Staff with Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP (EY Kazakhstan), where his responsibilities include tax advisory services within the financial and banking sector and review of banks’ financial statements. Before joining EY Kazakhstan, he worked for three years for a bank as a business development manager, onboarding clients and developing sales strategies. Arsen enjoys walking, finding it a refreshing way to appreciate the city and its natural beauty. He is fluent in Kazakh, Russian and English. 

John, based in Lebanon, is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. He received a degree in Financial Engineering from Notre Dame University in Lebanon in 2021. He is a Senior Associate in the Business Tax Services team with Ernst & Young P.C.C. Although his degree is in Financial Engineering, his career path led him to gain knowledge in tax. His goal is to become a more proficient tax professional and help his country grow by helping to implement an effective and efficient tax regime. Beyond his professional life, John is passionate about social work. He co-founded an initiative that offers free workshops and training sessions to Lebanese youth, aimed at enhancing their soft skills. John’s hobbies include traveling and exploring new cities, high-adrenaline adventures and social activities. He is fluent in Arabic and English.

Kenisha is the finalist representing Luxembourg. She received her bachelor’s in International Economics and Finance from Università Bocconi in April 2024. She is a Tax Junior Associate in the Global Compliance and Reporting team with Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services. She prepares and files corporate tax returns, promoting adherence to tax regulations and collaborating with senior professionals to support client needs. She hopes to gain a deep understanding of evolving tax laws and their impact on offshore financial activities, helping clients navigate these changes effectively. She also plans to acquire a diploma in Luxembourg taxation to broaden her career opportunities in international tax. Her hobbies include baking, running and traveling. She is a passionate F1 fan, enjoying the thrill and strategy of the races. She has lived in six countries, including Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands and Italy. This has allowed her to immerse herself in diverse cultures, meet various people and learn new languages. She is fluent in English, French and Marathi.  

E Vaine is the finalist representing Malaysia. She received her Bachelor of Accounting from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in June 2024. She is currently pursuing her ACCA qualification and will take part in a cultural exchange work and travel program in the United States from November 2024 to April 2025. She completed a six-month internship as an audit intern with Ernst & Young PLT, where she gained experience in audit planning, audit procedures and client engagement. She developed a strong foundation in audit methodologies while enhancing her analytical and problem-solving skills. E Vaine’s aspiration is to make a meaningful impact in whatever field she pursues. She is committed to continuously striving for growth, whether through leadership, collaboration or innovation. E Vaine enjoys reading, singing, baking and seeking out new adventures. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu.

Uyodhu is the finalist representing Nigeria. She received a BSc. in Accounting from Nile University of Nigeria in November 2024. She is pursuing her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications. She is a student ambassador and launched an initiative to raise awareness about air pollution, supporting communities impacted by it and planting trees to help combat climate change and its impacts. Uyodhu is interested in mastering international tax laws, regulations and transfer pricing. Her career aspiration is to become a seasoned tax professional with a strong acumen to build and manage multinational corporations. She aims to develop local and international insights and competencies, enabling her to navigate complex tax landscapes and contribute to the strategic growth and sustainability of global businesses. Uyodhu’s hobbies include horse riding, badminton and roller skating.

Henrik is the finalist representing Norway. He will receive his Master of Laws from the University of Oslo in December 2024. His master’s thesis is on the intersection of European Economic Area rules on state aid and the taxation of the wind power industry in Norway. He plans to work as a tax attorney, preferably in the energy sector. He would like to work internationally, particularly across Europe and the United States. Henrik enjoys hiking, the outdoors, reading, painting and drawing. He is fluent in Norwegian, English and French.

Gwyn is the finalist representing the Philippines. She will graduate from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan with a BS in Accountancy in July 2025. She is also a finance and research manager for a publication, following her passion in finance and journalism. She participates in various outreach programs and engagements including animal rescue efforts, donation drives for orphanages and election volunteer work. She became a Certified Tax Technician in July 2024. After graduation, she will take the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination and plans to earn a law degree She hopes to practice corporate law with a focus on tax. Gwyn enjoys reading, writing journals, watching movies, musicals, documentaries and spending time with animals. Additionally, she finds peace in long, meditative walks and praying. She is fluent in English, Filipino and Cebuano.

Rebecca, based in Peru, is one of three finalists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. She obtained her law degree with summa cum laude honors from Catholic University of Peru in 2024. She will be joining the Lima Bar Association in January 2025. She is a Staff in the Business Tax Services team with Ernst & Young Asesores Empresariales Sociedad Civil de Responsabilidad Limitada, where she has been involved in judicial proceedings in tax matters before the Judiciary, before the Constitutional Court and against the state. She has been a teaching assistant at Catholic University of Peru and has worked with Peruvian law firms. Her plans include pursuing an LLM in Arbitration in Europe. She hopes to work at a foreign law firm or a multinational company to interact with people from different countries and get more experience with dispute resolution. Rebecca enjoys traveling, working out, spending time with family and friends, playing tennis and cooking Peruvian food. She is fluent in Spanish and English.  

Alexandre is the finalist representing Portugal. He will receive a master’s in finance and taxation from the School of Economics and Management at the University of Porto in 2026. He hopes to work in a finance or tax role. His goal is to help businesses become more efficient in the fiscal domain, providing strategies that enable them to invest more and create greater value. Alexandre’s previous work experience includes being a service provider at a Portuguese bank, responsible for analyzing the quality of annual information sent by companies for statistical purposes. He was also a summer intern for another Big Four firm in the indirect tax department. Alexandre likes to play padel on the weekends with his father and brother. He also helps his parents with their small business. He loves animals and adopted a cat while studying in Porto. He is fluent in Portuguese and can speak conversational English and Spanish.

Ting Kang is the finalist representing Singapore. He expects to graduate in 2026 from Singapore Management University (SMU) with a degree in Accountancy and a second major in Accounting Data & Analytics. He co-heads the research division at SMU Sustainable Investment Club, publishing pieces and conducting classes to promote sustainable finance and research exposure among the student body. He interned with an accounting firm in the transfer pricing department in the summer of 2024, developing a deeper understanding of global transfer pricing practices and compliance. Aside from his interests in sustainable finance, Ting Kang is building his knowledge in tax advisory and international tax policies. He is interested in opportunities to work on carbon pricing instruments, which combines tax and sustainability. His hobbies include cycling, traveling overseas and bouldering. He also enjoys mini retreats and hopes to drive to Mongolia one day.

Tracey is the finalist representing South Africa. She received a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Financial Science in 2021, a BCom Honors in Taxation in 2023 and will receive a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Tax in December 2024, all from the University of Pretoria. She is a Staff Assistant at Ernst & Young Services Limited (EY South Africa), working with both the Global Compliance and Reporting team and the International Tax and Transactions Services (ITTS) team, allowing her to broaden her experience in international tax. Her previous work experience in body corporate accounting has been invaluable, equipping her with essential skills that have facilitated her transition from a student to a working professional. Her career goals include completing articles at EY South Africa, obtaining the Tax Adviser (TA(SA)) designation by the end of 2026, and working on transactions projects. Tracey adores coloring books and finds the activity to be a delightful way to unwind and relax, and is fluent in English and IsiZulu.

Liva is the finalist representing Sweden. She will receive a Master of Laws from Uppsala University in June 2025. She is currently a legal assistant at a Swedish financial services company in the tax department. Her role involves providing tax-related advice and support to clients as well as ensuring compliance with regulations. Balancing work and studies has allowed Liva to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing her professional skills and academic growth. She aspires to work in international taxation, where she can contribute to shaping global tax policies and address cross-border challenges in a rapidly globalizing world. Liva is fluent in Swedish and English. In her free time, she enjoys catching up with friends, working out, traveling and cooking.

Charles is the finalist representing Switzerland. He received a Global Bachelor of Business Administration (Global BBA) from ESSEC Business School (Singapore campus) in June 2023. The Global BBA is a joint degree with University of Mannheim (Germany), University of South Carolina - Darla Moore (USA) and Fundação Getúlio Vargas (Brazil). He will receive a Master in Corporate Finance in June 2025 from EDHEC Business School. He is a Consultant in the Transfer Pricing and Operating Model Effectiveness team with Ernst & Young AG where he helps support clients in designing efficient, resilient and sustainable operating models. He has also worked on transfer pricing and sustainability tax projects. Prior to his time with the EY organization, Charles was a business analyst intern at a French startup, and he volunteered at an orphanage. During his free time, Charles enjoys running by the lake with his two dogs. He also likes visiting European cities, as well as more remote locations. He is fluent in French and English.

Sergi is the finalist representing Spain. He will receive his master’s in legal practice from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in June 2025. He is focusing his studies on deepening his understanding of the legal profession across all practice areas, with a particular interest in corporate and international tax. He has previously held an internship in employment law, where he supported the legal team with contract reviews, case preparation, and client consultations. Sergi’s career aspiration is to deepen his international tax law knowledge, focusing on cross-border transactions and advising multinational corporations. This excites him because it combines technical precision with strategic problem-solving, requiring an understanding of global regulations and the ability to anticipate future developments. His hobbies include listening to music, playing the piano, sports, and watching movies and series. Sergi is fluent in Spanish, Catalan and English. 

Palm is the finalist representing Thailand. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in June 2023. She is a Tax Consultant in the People Advisory Services team with EY Corporate Services Limited. She assists with Thai immigration-related matters which include helping clients find the right solutions for expatriates and streamlining immigration processes. Palm’s prior experience includes a remote digital marketing internship in search engine optimization and an internship in human resources (expat management). Her hobbies include playing guitar, watching videos and reading comics.

Benjamin, based in Uganda, is the finalist representing Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. He graduated in February 2023 with a Bachelor of Statistics degree from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. He is an Associate at Ernst & Young Uganda in the Business Tax Services team. He supports clients with routine tax compliance, tax due diligence, tax audits, tax compliance health checks and transfer pricing. Benjamin is also pursuing his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certification. He aspires to become a leading subject matter resource in tax advisory and compliance with a focus on international tax, leveraging his skills to provide innovative solutions for clients. Given his background in statistical computing, he has a strong interest in tax technology and hopes to integrate advanced technological solutions into tax practices. Benjamin enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and reading. He also enjoys playing and watching soccer games. He is fluent in English, Lusoga and Luganda.

Laila, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the four finalists representing professionals from the MENA region. She will receive her Bachelor of Law from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in June 2025. Her previous work experience includes internships and legal clinics at law firms that allowed her to develop essential legal skills. She learned how to draft various legal documents and gained knowledge about regulations and jurisdictions. Although she is still exploring the direction of her career path, she is considering working for a law firm. But she has a strong interest in finance and accounting, influenced by the fact that both of her parents are accountants, so she hopes to pursue credentials in that field as well. Her priority is that her career path provides opportunities for personal and professional development. Laila enjoys going to the gym daily. Her other hobbies include watching anime and playing chess online. She is fluent in English and Arabic and speaks an intermediate level of French. 

Laura is the finalist representing the United Kingdom. She received a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Birmingham and works as an assistant tax advisor with Ernst & Young LLP in the EY Global Compliance and Reporting team in Birmingham. Her responsibilities include assisting clients with the preparation and filing of tax returns and confirming compliance with local and international tax laws and regulations. She is studying to become a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). Her goal in the next five years is to develop into a trusted tax advisor, gain the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of dynamic tax regulations, and demonstrate her commitment to promoting financial integrity and compliance for the client base in Birmingham. Longer term, she hopes to become a tax leader and make a meaningful impact in tax. Laura enjoys running, traveling, spending time with friends and reading.

River is the finalist representing the United States. He will graduate from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City with an LL.M. in June 2025. He is a graduate research assistant doing comparative research on tax policy. He was previously a judicial counsel trainee for a moot court competition and a virtual research intern for a global law firm. He was a tax intern twice with Ernst & Young Professional Services Limited in Trinidad and Tobago, where he received insights into many areas of tax, from advisory to compliance. He has recently been delving into the cross-overs between intellectual property and tax. He hopes to lead a team to provide innovative solutions for all types of problems, motivated by a simple curiosity in the field. River’s hobbies include surfing and playing the electric guitar on lead and rhythm. He is fluent in English and is proficient in Spanish and French.

Mateo, based in Uruguay, is one of three finalists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. He expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Economics from UDELAR University in 2026. He is currently a transfer pricing staff in the International Tax and Transaction Services team with Ernst & Young UY S.R.L. He aspires to grow within the company and take on more responsibilities. He is also interested in exploring areas related to business planning, corporate finance and investments. Mateo enjoys playing basketball with friends, listening to music, brainstorming business ideas and playing computer games. He created a party experience to bring together friends and their friends, and he’s learning to DJ to play at the events. He is fluent in English and Spanish.