The National Finance Olympiad (NFO) is a unique initiative brought by ICAP in collaboration with Unilever Pakistan to bring to limelight the talent of finance and accounting professionals in Pakistan. The concept of NFO has been conceived to entice finance professionals in a truly innovative way towards continuing with their professional development. NFO is a unique combination of testing skills, highlighting talent and basking in the glory of triumph. The exciting program provides a unique opportunity to finance professionals working in industry and professional firms to come together, compete and celebrate their competence. The objectives are to encourage participants to step up their knowledge and application of Accounting, Finance and Governance standards, facilitate networking and recognize finance talent. The event, while fostering an environment of competition, also focuses on building knowledge sharing culture and celebrating teamwork.

The finance championship constituted three major rounds; the Qualifying Round was a competitive MCQ based examination held on December 12, 2017 at ICAP offices in Karachi and Lahore. Next was the Simulation Round wherein fifteen qualifying teams went through a computer-based Harvard Case Study Simulation at Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL) on December 18, 2017. The third and final round was the Grand Finale wherein top six teams went through rigorous yet amusing sessions including a debate round and thrilling buzzer round held on December 20, 2017.

EY Ford Rhodes claimed victory while Midas Safety and Engro Fertilizers became the first and second Runner-ups respectively. The winning team was awarded a majestic champion's trophy, Apple Mac Book Air and shields for all team members. The first Runner-up received Apple iPhone6s and shields while the second Runner-up received Apple iPad and shields for all team members. Certificates were also given to all finalist teams. The Institute presented a gift for ICAP Best Individual Performance Award to Saad Shaikh from Midas Safety. The third, fourth and fifth Runner-Ups; Grant Thornton Anjum Rahman, Haleeb Foods Limited and Linde Pakistan respectively received gifts from Jafferjees and certificates.

The ICAP PAIB subcommittee included Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui, Shakaib Arif, Umair Ali Bhatti, Saad Usman and Usama Rashid chaired by Khalilullah Shaikh. The event was moderated by Arif Kamal Saifee, Financial Controller, United Bank Limited (UBL) and organized by Blitz Advertising Private Limited. Media partner for the event was Business Recorder.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017