Selected by Grant Ellis, FCA and CA ANZ 2025 President, this prestigious award honours our younger members who have contributed to the profession and the community they serve. 

The President’s Prize comes with a $1,000 donation to a charity nominated by the winner, and Jess has elected Ronald McDonald House.

“I volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Auckland until COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, and the role I was doing was merged into other support functions. It is still a cause I care deeply about because I have seen the impact it has on families during some of their most challenging times.”

“I volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Auckland until COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, and the role I was doing was merged into other support functions. It is still a cause I care deeply about because I have seen the impact it has on families during some of their most challenging times.” 

Jess Kumar is a proud, passionate Chartered Accountant and active Difference Maker in the Upper North Island region of New Zealand and is currently the Enterprise Cost & Investment Governance Lead at The Warehouse Group.

“Being a CA gives me a seat at the table. People look to me not just for the numbers but for strategic insight and trusted advice. It has opened doors to conversations about leadership, growth, and creating real impact in business and the community. The designation stands for integrity, trust, and expertise. It allows me to move beyond reporting the past and play a role in shaping the future. That is why I am proud to be a Chartered Accountant. It gives me influence, credibility, and the opportunity to make a difference.” 

“I have always advocated for diversity of thought and for making room at the table for voices that are often missing. I want every young professional, especially those from different cultural backgrounds or non-traditional pathways, to know they belong in leadership conversation. I did not step into governance because I thought I was a governance person. I got involved because I wanted to understand how decisions get made. That curiosity has grown into a passion for practical, people-focused leadership. I believe leadership is about creating impact that lasts beyond your own role, setting others up to succeed, leaving useful frameworks behind, and contributing in ways that make a real difference.”

Jess recently authored So, Tell Me About Yourself? The Playbook for School Leavers, Grads, Interns and Anyone Restarting Their Job Search, a practical, no-nonsense guide for students, graduates, and young professionals navigating the transition from the tertiary environment to the workforce. . Congratulations to Jess Kumar for being awarded the 2025 CA ANZ President’s Prize. Her accomplishments and impact on the accounting profession and community set a strong example for Chartered Accountants in New Zealand.