Now in its third year, the programme shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent of chief financial officers and their teams across Scotland.

Sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP, Addleshaw Goddard, Barclays, and FWB Executive Search Ltd, alongside charity partner the ICAS Foundation, the awards are open to chief financial officers (or equivalent) and finance teams across all sectors in Scotland. This includes fast-growing SMEs, established PLCs, private equity-backed businesses, family-owned firms, or organisations in the not-for-profit sector.

Entries open on 19 January 2026 and close in March, with finalists announced in July. The celebrations will culminate in an exclusive finalist dinner and awards ceremony in Edinburgh in October 2026, offering a unique opportunity for Scotland’s finance leaders to connect and celebrate their achievements.

Traditionally responsible for sustaining business continuity and managing cash flow, the modern chief financial officer now exhibits creative thinking and strategic influence, as well as demonstrating leadership. In response to this shift, the programme now features 13 categories, including:

Company Size and Structure Awards:

• CFO of the Year – Turnover up to £50m
• CFO of the Year – Turnover £50m–£200m
• CFO of the Year – Turnover over £200m
• CFO of the Year of a Private Equity-backed Company
• CFO of the Year of a Family-Owned Business
• CFO of the Year of a Not-for-Profit Organisation 

Outstanding Achievement Awards:

• Growth/Scale Up
• One to Watch
• Deal of the Year
• Impact
• Fractional
• Finance Team of the Year 

Stuart Preston, partner at Grant Thornton UK in Scotland, said: “These awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of CFOs and finance teams who play a critical role in shaping Scotland’s business landscape. My day-to-day role gives me exposure to the level of resilience and innovation demonstrated by these incredible professionals, and I’m looking forward to showcasing their achievements in 2026.”

Jamie Grant, managing director of Barclays Corporate Banking Scotland, added: “Scotland is home to exceptional finance leaders who help steer businesses through complex challenges. These awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate their talent and impact on the wider economy.”

Alan Shanks, head of Scotland at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Our work with clients gives us a front-row seat to the remarkable levels of talent and resilience among finance leaders. We’re proud to support an initiative that recognises their achievements and contribution to Scotland’s business success.”

Michael Dickson, Director at FWB Executive Search Ltd, commented: “As a long-standing trusted partner to Scotland’s finance community, we know the calibre of CFOs and finance teams is world-class. These awards are a brilliant way to showcase that excellence whilst also discovering and recognising the stars of the future.”

For more information on the award criteria and to submit an entry, visit https://www.scottishcfoawards.co.uk.