Ryan steps up accountancy ladder
A budding accountant from Sedgley has been recognised by a local insolvency and corporate recovery firm for outstanding achievement in his studies.
A budding accountant from Sedgley has been recognised by a local insolvency and corporate recovery firm for outstanding achievement in his studies.
Ryan Bayliss, a 19-year-old student on the Association of Accounting Technicians course at Halesowen College, beat off stiff competition from his peers to win the John D Travers & Co Award in its inaugural year.
Ryan was presented with the winner's trophy by John Travers of John D Travers & Co at a ceremony held at the college's Coombs Wood Business Centre.
The award was devised by Mr Travers, one of the Black Country's leading corporate insolvency practitioners, to recognise and reward the efforts of students keen to develop their technical skills at AAT Level 3, equivalent to A level.
Mr Travers, founder and senior partner of John D Travers & Co, said: "We designed this award specifically to recognise a promising student who had outshone his peers for effort and enthusiasm.
"In fact, the decision was very difficult as the standard among the 60 in this year's cohort was very high and each of the three short-listed candidates were extremely impressive. Ryan is a worthy winner who just tipped the scales with the judges for his application to his studies, enquiring approach and demonstrated ability to use his learning to contribute to his work."
Ryan, who works for Kingswinford accountancy firm Wilkes Tranter, says he is keen to pursue his studies at Diploma level next year and is considering which further professional accountancy qualifications to secure after that.
He said: "I really appreciate all that the college has done to help me build my skills, and this award is the crowning moment of my year.
"This is a great boost for me as I embark upon a career I am passionate about."
This years' runners-up were Christine Woolman from Halesowen and Luke Whittingham from Tipton.
Mother of two, Christine, who embarked on her studies to gain a recognised qualification that would help her get back into the workplace, was shortlisted for her commitment and ambition to resume her career in accountancy.
Luke, aged 18, is one of the youngest students on the course and was recognised for his enthusiastic approach and determination to succeed.
Speaking on behalf of the college AAT tutor, Mary Samuels, said: "We are always seeking to strengthen our links with local employers and this award is a good example of a win-win for all concerned.
"We are grateful to John for sponsoring this award and for his encouragement of the students."
