On Friday, 24 April 2026, the Pinch Payments team had the privilege of attending the Rising Stars Awards 2026 at the Four Seasons in Sydney, one of the most anticipated events in the Australian accounting industry.
As principal sponsor, this event was especially meaningful for us. It brought together emerging leaders in accounting, bookkeeping professionals, and industry partners for an evening dedicated to recognising talent, building connections, and celebrating the future of the profession.
At Pinch Payments, we have a strong and ongoing focus on supporting the accounting and bookkeeping industry in Australia. We work closely with accountants and bookkeepers every day, whether that's through seamless integrations with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB, or by helping their clients improve cash flow through automated payments.
Our commitment goes beyond technology. We believe that being part of the industry means showing up, supporting events, engaging with professionals, and contributing to the broader community. That's why opportunities like the Rising Stars Awards are so important to us. They allow us to connect with the people behind the numbers and celebrate the work they do.
The Accountants Daily Rising Stars Awards recognise Australia's top emerging accounting professionals aged 35 and under. These awards highlight individuals who are already making a meaningful impact early in their careers. From technical excellence to leadership and innovation, the awards celebrate those who are helping shape the future of accounting.
In an industry that continues to evolve rapidly, recognising young talent is critical. It not only acknowledges current achievements but also sets the benchmark for what's possible in the years ahead.
Held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, the event brought together professionals from across the accounting, bookkeeping, technology, and payments sectors.
The evening began with pre-drinks and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. With five members of the Pinch team in attendance, we had the chance to engage with a wide range of accountants, bookkeepers, and partners. It was also great to spend time with teams from Clover and Fiserv.
As the event moved into the awards ceremony, the atmosphere shifted into celebration mode, recognising the achievements of finalists and announcing the winners across multiple categories.
One of the highlights of the evening for Pinch Payments was the opportunity to present several awards to the winners. Being part of that moment — announcing finalists, celebrating winners, and recognising their hard work — is something we don't take for granted.
These awards represent more than just individual success; they reflect the strength and future of the entire accounting profession. For many recipients, being recognised as a Rising Star is a significant milestone that can open doors, build credibility, and accelerate career growth.
The accounting and bookkeeping industry plays a critical role in supporting Australian businesses, yet the work often happens behind the scenes. Events like the Rising Stars Awards shine a light on that work.
They highlight the people who are:
At Pinch, we see firsthand how important accountants and bookkeepers are — not just as financial professionals, but as trusted advisors to their clients. Recognising emerging talent helps strengthen the industry as a whole, encouraging continued growth, innovation, and excellence.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event was a fantastic opportunity for networking and connection. We met new people, caught up with long-time partners, and had meaningful conversations about the future of accounting, payments, and business operations.
These interactions are incredibly valuable. They help us better understand the challenges accountants and bookkeepers face, and ensure we continue building solutions that genuinely support their needs. As a payments partner, our goal is simple: make getting paid easier, faster, and more reliable, so businesses can focus on what matters most.
Pinch Payments is designed with accountants and bookkeepers in mind. We know that managing payments, chasing invoices, and reconciling transactions can take up a significant amount of time. That's why our platform focuses on:
Our mission is to remove as much admin as possible, so businesses and the accountants who support them can operate more efficiently. But just as importantly, we believe in "Payments Technology by Real People" — meaning we're here not just as a platform, but as a partner.
The Rising Stars Awards 2026 was more than just an event — it was a reflection of where the accounting industry is heading. The talent, energy, and ambition in the room made one thing clear: the future is bright.
For Pinch, being part of that journey is something we genuinely value. Supporting the next generation of accountants and bookkeepers aligns closely with our mission to help businesses thrive through better payments and stronger financial processes.
To all the finalists and winners — congratulations on your achievements. Your dedication, expertise, and impact are helping shape the future of accounting in Australia, and it was an honour to celebrate alongside you.
And to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening — thank you for making it such a memorable event. We look forward to continuing to support the accounting and bookkeeping community and to being part of many more moments like this in the future.