Sihlé Sharrieff-Hayward has been awarded the 2020 KPMG Accounting Scholarship.She is a 2016 graduate of CedarBridge Academy, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and elementary/special education at Washington Adventist University in Maryland, United States.Following graduation in 2022, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in accounting and obtain her Certified Public Accountant designation.Ms Sharrieff-Hayward said: “I felt a huge sense of relief and security after I received the news that I was awarded the 2020 KPMG Accounting scholarship. This award helped to restore my belief that hard work does pay. My last four years of university have not been the smoothest or most stable and I am very grateful to KPMG for listening to and understanding my career journey and seeing my potential.”She added: “Personally, I view accounting as my entry ticket into the world of business. My education, combined with the experience I will gain while working at KPMG, will prepare me to take on a wide range of roles within a business, whether it be in management, administration, or accounting. I have a passion for learning new things and achieving success. I look forward to starting my internship with KPMG in 2021, where I can acquire new knowledge and create lasting relationships.”KPMG said Ms Sharrieff-Hayward impressed the scholarship committee and demonstrated the firm’s core values of excellence and courage across all facets of its selection criteria (academic achievement, personality, leadership, career focus and community involvement) and in the face of strong competition from other applicants. The KPMG Scholarship is an important aspect of KPMG’s Lift-Off Graduate Programme and provides Bermudian university students with financial assistance towards the completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an accounting or business-related subject.The scholarship also provides guaranteed internships with KPMG and an invitation to join the firm on graduation for a career. The scholarship has a value of $20,000 per annum and is renewable for a total of three years, providing the recipient meets the required conditions. Since 2002, KPMG in Bermuda has provided 25 Bermudians with the scholarship and has paid out more than $1 million in awards.It is planned for Ms Sharrieff-Hayward to take part in KPMG’s Global Advantage Programme, which is scheduled to take place in Copenhagen next year, subject to travel restrictions. The GAP is an interactive four-day leadership development programme for top university students seeking a career with KPMG.Steve Woodward, managing director, KPMG in Bermuda and chairman of the graduate programme and scholarship committee said: “We are delighted to aware Sihlé Sharrieff-Hayward with the 2020 KPMG Accounting Scholarship.“Sihlé is a deserving recipient of the award and we are looking forward to supporting her throughout her studies and welcoming her to KPMG’s Lift-Off Graduate Programme. Sihlé really impressed our committee with her keen interest in accounting, an excellent academic record, as well as her passion for volunteering and active community involvement. She can look forward to a great future and an exciting career with KPMG.”More information about KPMG’s Lift-Off Programme by clicking on “careers” at https://home.kpmg/bm/en/home.html