New prize for University of Otago’s sharpest accounting minds

Monday 01 March, 2021 – Otago University media release

A passion for the skills learnt in a University of Otago accounting degree led alumnus Christopher Walsh to set up a new scholarship in his company’s name.

The MoneyHub.co.nz Accounting prize provides a $2000 award for the top final year BCom Accounting student at Otago.

“I think the Otago accounting major is a great degree because you get a CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification out of it, and that can’t be underrated because it’s a professional qualification.

“This is just a start, but if someone can leave university with $2000, this will help them get off to a good start. It’s purely based on results, it’s not subjective,” Christopher says.

Originally from Invercargill, Christopher graduated with a BCom/LLB from the University in 2007. He worked in accounting and finance in New Zealand and London, then in web development, before launching MoneyHub in 2018.

Associate Professor Accountancy and Finance Helen Roberts says she would like to thank MoneyHub for the generous prize.

“Your support for our students is appreciated and the Department of Accountancy and Finance acknowledges the investment you are making in the next generation of Otago accountancy students. This is an investment that will keep on giving for generations to come.”

Otago Business School Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Robin Gauld says it was a pleasure to sign the deed of gift for the new prize in Auckland late last year.

“It’s great to see one of our former students giving back so generously to his university,” Professor Gauld says.  

Development and Alumni Relations Director Shelagh Murray says she is very grateful for MoneyHub’s commitment to Otago’s accounting students and the University. “Their generosity is what enables us to support the best and brightest at Otago,” Ms Murray says.