We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through LinkedIn and see yet another competitor celebrating their latest industry award. You think, “We’re just as good as them – maybe better!” And you’re probably right.
The difference? It’s rarely about who’s best. It’s about who can tell their story in a way that makes judges sit up and take notice.
Why bother with award entries anyway?
Let’s be honest, as an accountant or mortgage broker, you’re already juggling client demands, compliance and regulatory changes, and trying to maintain some semblance of work-life balance. On what planet does it make sense to add writing award entries to the to-do list?
Here’s why it’s a good idea to consider accountancy or mortgage awards.
Because they genuinely transform how clients see you:
- They provide instant credibility in a field where trust is everything
- They give you a marketing edge when prospects are comparing similar services
- They boost team morale (your staff deserve that recognition!)
- They create natural PR opportunities in industry publications
- They help you stand out in a sea of financial professionals who all seem similar to clients
Choosing awards worth your precious time
Not all awards deserve your attention. When writing award entries for financial services, focus on those that:
- Have judges who understand the complexities of accountancy or mortgage broking
- Value innovation and client outcomes over flashy marketing
- Are recognised by your ideal clients (not just your peers)
- Have reasonable entry requirements (some just want your entry fee!)
For accountants, consider:
or regional business awards with specific financial categories.
For mortgage brokers:
Financial Reporter Awards are solid choices.
Why DIY award entries often fall flat
You’re brilliant at explaining complex financial matters to clients. So why is writing award entries so challenging?
Because you’re too close to your own story. You see your exceptional service as “just doing your job.” What you consider standard practice might actually be your biggest differentiator.
Common struggles I see when financial professionals attempt their own entries:
- Getting lost in technical details without showing the human impact
- Struggling to identify what makes you genuinely different
- Running out of time and rushing the submission
- Being too modest about your achievements
- Missing the emotional connection that makes judges remember you
The award entry process doesn’t have to be painful
Having helped clients secure 24 award wins or finalist positions (with a 100% success rate), I’ve refined the process of writing award entries down to a science:
- We’ll have a relaxed conversation where I’ll help uncover what makes your practice special (including things you take for granted)
- I’ll gather the evidence that substantiates your excellence – client stories, performance metrics, innovation examples
- I’ll craft a narrative that positions your work in the context judges are looking for
- You’ll review to ensure accuracy, and I’ll refine to make every word count within those strict limits
When your competitors are celebrated, it should be you
Looking ahead to the 2025 awards season, now is the perfect time for accountants and mortgage brokers to start planning. Most financial service awards follow similar timelines:
- Early announcements begin January-March
- Entries are typically due April-June
- Finalists learn their fate July-September
- Ceremonies happen October-December
Don’t let another year pass watching those LinkedIn celebration posts from your competitors. With professional help writing award entries that truly reflect your excellence, next year it could be your practice receiving the congratulations.
Curious about which awards might be right for your financial practice? Let’s chat about turning your everyday excellence into award-winning recognition.
Because the best financial professionals don’t always win the awards. The ones who tell their story well do.
Get in contact now and let’s get your award-winning entry submitted on time.