APA Conference & Awards 2026

In one of our most sought after awards, the individual needs to have shown continued & progressive management leading his/her teams through any period of change/uncertainty whilst being an advocate for the AP Function in their respective organisations.

The APA Innovation Award recognises an organisation that is pushing the AP/P2P industry forward through forward-thinking solutions, bold ideas, and a commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends. This award celebrates those who are not only embracing change, but actively driving it, setting new standards for how AP and P2P functions operate.

Nominees in this category demonstrate a clear vision for the future, using technology, process redesign, or new ways of working to deliver measurable improvement. They lead by example, inspiring the wider industry to evolve, modernise, and continually raise the bar.

This award recognises a team or organisation that has delivered an exceptional, high-impact accomplishment within the AP/P2P profession. Unlike the Team of the Year, which celebrates overall performance and consistency, this award focuses on a specific project, initiative, or milestone that has driven measurable change, innovation, or improvement.

Nominees in this category have demonstrated outstanding collaboration, problem-solving, and determination to achieve a significant goal, whether it’s transforming processes, implementing new technology, achieving operational excellence, or overcoming major challenges.

This award honours an individual or organisation that has made a significant and lasting impact on the AP/P2P profession. The recipient has gone beyond their day-to-day role to drive meaningful progress—whether through innovation, leadership, education, or championing best practice.

Their work has not only strengthened the AP/P2P community but has actively helped move the industry forward, shaping a better, more modern future for all who work within it.

The Rising Star Award celebrates an emerging professional who has made a remarkable impact early in their AP/P2P career. This individual stands out for their drive, potential, and commitment to excellence. Demonstrating maturity beyond their experience and a clear passion for the profession.

Nominees in this category show rapid growth, a willingness to learn, and the ability to inspire others through their attitude and achievements. They are the future leaders of the AP/P2P industry, already delivering meaningful contributions while continuing to accelerate their development.

This award recognises a senior leader who has demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and influence within the AP/P2P profession. The recipient is a forward-thinking leader who drives organisational success, shapes the future of finance operations, and elevates the strategic value of AP/P2P at a leadership level.

Nominees in this category have a proven record of inspiring teams, influencing key stakeholders, and delivering transformative initiatives that align with broader business objectives. They lead with insight, foresight, and impact, ensuring AP/P2P is not just a back-office function, but a strategic enabler for the organisation.

This award recognises an individual or team in AP/P2P who has demonstrated outstanding collaboration and partnership across the business. The recipient goes beyond transactional duties, working closely with colleagues, stakeholders, and suppliers to drive shared goals, deliver value, and support wider organisational success.

Nominees in this category exemplify the true spirit of business partnering, building trust, fostering cooperation, and using their expertise to make a meaningful impact across the organisation.

This award recognises an individual, team, or organisation that has demonstrated outstanding achievement and impact in the AP/P2P profession across international borders. The recipient has successfully navigated the complexities of global operations, driving collaboration, innovation, and best practices across multiple regions or countries.

Nominees in this category exemplify excellence in managing cross-border challenges, fostering international partnerships, and delivering measurable results that advance the AP/P2P profession on a global scale.

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The AP Team of the Year will demonstrate excellence in their field, with proven examples of collective successes within the last 12 months.

The winning team may have positively impacted the wider business through outstanding achievements in the delivery of projects and encompass an infectious team spirit.

This award recognises a Shared Services team that has demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiency, and collaboration in managing and optimising finance operations.

Whether through innovative process improvements, seamless integration across functions, or a commitment to delivering outstanding service, this award celebrates a team that has significantly contributed to the success of their organisation, setting a high standard for excellence in Shared Services.

This award recognises an outstanding public sector team that has demonstrated excellence in managing accounts payable processes.

Whether through exceptional efficiency, innovation in service delivery, or strong collaboration across departments, this award celebrates a team that has made a significant impact within the public sector, driving improvements and setting a benchmark for others to follow.

This prestigious award recognises an organisation that exemplifies excellence across all six pillars of the APA: Your Organisation, Your People, Your AP, Your Technology, Your ESG, and Your Best Practice. Honouring those who have achieved outstanding performance, innovation, and continuous improvement in every aspect of their AP/P2P operations, this award celebrates true industry leaders setting the benchmark for success.

Honouring those who have achieved outstanding performance, innovation, and continuous improvement in every aspect of their AP operations, this award celebrates true industry leaders setting the benchmark for success.