University of Bolton Accountancy graduate, Dave Stretton, has proved himself to be a top-flight Bolton student.
Dave, age 21, has received the Bolton Society of Chartered Accountants (BSCA) Outstanding Achievement Award, which celebrates the accomplishments of the most outstanding Accountancy student from the University of Bolton.

All students are invited to apply for the accolade. They are asked to submit a short, written statement outlining why they deserve to be considered for the award. Three finalists are then invited to attend an interview with the judging panel.

The prize goes to a talented graduate who shows great promise for a future career in accountancy.

And Dave, from Chorley, was immediately snapped up – by one of the BSCA judges, Stafford & Co Director, Rob Stafford.

Dave is now a trainee accountant with the firm and is already working hard towards his next ambition, to qualify as a chartered accountant.

Said Dave: ‘Rob must have spotted something in me when the panel judges interviewed the finalists. It was certainly great for me to suddenly find myself in the career I want – I really enjoy what I do.’

Said Rob Stafford: ‘There are lots of accountancy graduates each year, finding those with good commercial acumen and the ability to forge great client relationships is the difficulty.  We’re delighted David has chosen to join us and continue his professional development as part of our growing and dynamic team.’

The qualities and attributes which will determine the judges' decisions are as follows:
•          Academic achievement  
•         Employability and likelihood to succeed in the accountancy profession 
•         Commitment to personal and professional development
•         Potential to build productive relationships        
•         Involvement in the broader community
•         Determination to contribute to success.

The winner is announced at the BSCA annual dinner.