Date posted: 02/10/2025

Meet our 2025 Young CA Award winners

These awards honour members who have significantly contributed to both the profession and the community. This year’s recipients exemplify what it means to be a difference maker through their exceptional work with CA ANZ and their broader daily impact.

Sally Ho CA – Hong Kong

Sally Ho CASally serves as a committee member and treasurer of the Imperial College Sports Business Careers Club and currently coordinates sports teams for the Swire Trust. Sally also took part in the InspiringHK Sports Foundation event, which supports young students through sport. Her commitment to the Young CA community includes volunteering at the 2025 Rickshaw Team races and representing CA ANZ HK at the 2024 Accounting Sports Carnival, where she earned two first runner-up medals in the women’s 100m race and shot put. Sally's passion for sport and dedication to community service continue to inspire and positively impact young people across Hong Kong.

Lyn Au CA – Singapore

Lyn Au CAAs an active member of the YCA Committee, Lyn sources contact information for YCAs and conducts targeted outreach via LinkedIn. She regularly attends YCA events to build a collaborative network and supports event planning. Lyn also represents Deloitte and CA ANZ at university careers fairs, helping students explore pathways into the profession. Committed to mentoring, she guides students and professionals through organisations like Halogen Foundation and the UNSW Alumni network. Her community service includes volunteering with Junior Achievement, the Red Cross, and Willing Hearts, reflecting her dedication to education and supporting vulnerable groups.

Tim Smeeton CA – United Kingdom

Tim Smeaton CAAs Chair of the UK YCA Panel and a member of the UK Overseas Regional Council, Tim has led initiatives to connect and inspire young members, including the successful “Meet the Masters” speed networking series. Tim’s community contributions spans continents. He served as a Justice of the Peace in Queensland at just 23 and volunteers at Oxfam Festivals in the UK. He also actively promotes the CA designation, leveraging his role as a Portfolio Director at a challenger bank to showcase its relevance beyond traditional paths.

Jess Kumar CA – Upper North Island, New Zealand

Jess Kumar CAInspired by her family’s teaching background, Jess has a talent for simplifying complex financial topics and promoting financial literacy. As Chair and Vice Chair of the CA ANZ Emerging Leaders Committee, she led key initiatives and championed diversity across the profession. Her volunteer work includes mentoring and supporting families at Ronald McDonald House, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact. Jess’s achievements set a strong example for Chartered Accountants in New Zealand.

Greg Shaw CA – Lower North Island, New Zealand

Greg Shaw CARepresenting Naylor Lawrence & Associates, Greg shared practical agri-accounting advice to the Tararua Discussion Group, helping strengthen connections between accountants and rural communities. He also inspires future accountants through annual talks at Palmerston North Boys’ High School and mentors junior staff at his firm. 
Greg’s inclusive leadership and clear communication reflect the values of CA ANZ, supporting both professional growth and community engagement. A recipient of the 2024 Ted Delahunty Leadership Award, Greg also volunteers with the Massey University Rugby Football Club and the Manawatu Golf Club. 

Lauren O’Neill CA – Central North Island, New Zealand

Lauren O'Neill CASince 2022, Lauren has actively served on the CA ANZ Local Committee, helping foster collaboration and shared learning. As a Manager at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, she mentors emerging professionals and creates a culture of continuous learning. 
Lauren contributes to CA ANZ’s “Attractiveness of the Profession” initiatives and serves as a trustee of the Taranaki Toy Library, applying her professional expertise to support community services. Through her work with not-for-profits and community groups, she helps individuals from non-financial backgrounds build financial understanding. 
By translating complex financial concepts into practical, accessible advice, Lauren empowers organisations to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and achieve their goals.

Monique McKewen CA – South Island, New Zealand

Monique McKewen CAAs Director at Barr Burgess and Stewart Limited - a role she achieved before age 30 – Monique demonstrates strong leadership and professional excellence. She actively supports Dunedin Young Professionals and Aroha Ki Te Tamariki, and recently joined the CA ANZ Public Practice Advisory Committee. 
Monique also contributes to the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin and Lawrence Creative Arts, reflecting her passion for giving back. Her achievements set a strong example for young accountants across the region.

Jack Marwick CA – WA, Australia

Jack Marwick CAAs a CA student representative and a Panellist and Office Bearer on the WA Young Cas, Jack has consistently championed member engagement. In his role as YCA chair in 2024, he represented the YCA at social and ceremonial events, launched the YCA Social Series, and continued the successful Coffee Connect series. Jack also led volunteer efforts at the Central Park Plunge and the YCA Charity Quiz night. He actively promotes the CA designation, presenting at Curtin University’s ‘Future of Accounting’ event and engaging high school students interested in accounting.

Nick Holloway CA – NSW, Australia

Nick Holloway CAAs the 2023 Chair of the NSW Young Chartered Accountants Panel, Nick strengthened engagement post-COVID, through CPD, networking, and university events. Nick has built a reputation in the insurance sector, particularly in financial quantification of business interruptions, supporting businesses through major disruptions, providing clarity and commercial insight. Nick's commitment to mentoring and community contribution is evident through structured mentoring programs, not-for-profit working groups and large-scale volunteer initiatives, including support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Sarah Hyland CA – NT, Australia

Sarah Hyland CASarah actively mentors and empowers Indigenous professionals, volunteers in governance roles and contributes to building stronger communities, inspiring the next generation of leaders. She also advocates for inclusion across the profession, ensuring First Nations voices are heard and valued. Sarah’s achievements highlight the impact of young leaders who drive positive change and foster inclusion across the region.

Brittany Morgan CA – QLD, Australia 

Brittany Morgan CAA member of the Queensland YCA Panel since 2019 and Chair in 2023 and 2024, Brittany has represented CA ANZ at student, networking and panel events.  She also volunteers as a Council Member at St Paul’s School and leads DFK Hirn Newey’s involvement in the Meals from the Heart program for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Brittany is a passionate advocate for suburban and regional accounting firms championing the unique strengths of smaller practices.

Emmalee Pacillo CA – SA, Australia

Emmalee Pacillo CAEmmalee’s career includes completing the CA Program, working in ‘Big 4’ accounting roles, holding an MBA, earning a law degree, and being admitted to the High Court of Australia. As a Special Counsel at HWLE Lawyers, Emmalee specialises in restructuring, insolvency, bankruptcy matters. Her dual expertise in law and accounting helps deliver optimal outcomes for her clients. Emmalee remains active in the accounting profession through her involvement with TMA and other memberships, and was recently named in the Best Lawyers 2025 edition ‘Ones to Watch’ category. Emmalee is committed to mentoring and advocacy, empowering others and helping shape the future of the profession.

Paddy Malone CA – ACT, Australia

Paddy Malone CAAs a member of the ACT YCA Committee, he regularly speaks at CA ANZ events, focusing on career engagement and student development. After relocating from Melbourne, Paddy founded Canberra Young Professionals (CYP) which has hosted over 30 events since 2022. These include social gatherings, community clean-ups and professional development sessions. CYP also publishes an annual “Guide to Canberra” to help for newcomers to navigate the city. Paddy’s leadership continues to foster connection, learning and inclusion among young professionals in the region.

Sam Naragala CA – TAS, Australia

Sam Naragala CASam has been recognised for his commitment to mentoring and supporting international students. He serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for Riding for the Disabled and contributes to La Trobe University Accounting Course Advisory Committee. In June 2025, Sam was named ‘Mentor of the Year’ at the Australian Accounting Awards. His achievements reflect the values of CA ANZ—leadership, service and a drive to support others, while inspiring the next generation of CAs to lead with purpose across the profession and the wider community.

Tom Simic CA – VIC, Australia

Tom Simic CAAs founder of Simic Financial, he delivers advisory services to small businesses and actively mentors through CA ANZ programs. Tom holds six university degrees and recently studied NBA business operations in Las Vegas applying insights to his voluntary board role with Geelong regional basketball teams. He inspires students by highlighting the diverse opportunities in accounting, proving that impactful work is possible beyond capital cities. His achievements include multiple small business award nominations  and recognition as a finalist in five categories at the Geelong Business Awards and for Weel’s Australian Young CFO of the Year.