Winner: BDO Stoy Hayward

For BDO Stoy Hayward, winning Employer of the Year will be something of a welcome back, old friend'.

Last year's winner, KPMG, broke BDO's two-year run as holder of the prestigious prize. Now it is three out of four for managing partner Jeremy Newman's firm.

Voted for by Accountancy Age readers, BDO's employees have provided the firm with a great recruitment advert, backing them far more strongly than those of other firms this year, despite the strength and depth of competition.

And with the war for talent greater than ever, BDO has proved that its staff think highly of the firm.

The firm's consistent performance in the Accountancy Age Awards is recognised by other well-known prize ceremonies, and has been crucial in its battle to present itself to prospective clients as a credible alternative to the Big Four.

It is the only firm to hold a third successive listing in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, and The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, graduate intake increasing from 175 in 2005 to 250 in 2006.

Its efforts to make employees feel at home, and special, are wide-ranging.

Staff can take up to six paid days a year for community volunteering. For example, a team of 12 visited Wylde green Primary School to help it tidy its gardens - no fee was charged, of course.

It launched a six-week long campaign to help employees stop smoking, offering 30-minute clinic assessments during which the individuals were given advice and information to help them quit.

The firm was also praised in the press for its focus on values, such as honesty, quality and fun, following extensive research among its own staff.

'In basing its value proposition on research among its own staff, it has avoided the pitfalls associated with a top-down approach to values,' said FT columnist Richard Donkin. 'I believe that BDO is on to something here.'

The benefits of BDO's attitude are clear to see. Kathryn Britten, partner and head of forensic accounting, took a career break - six years with her children Ð then joined the firm in 1990 and made partner five years later.

Three accountants with connections to the firm were shortlisted for the CBI first Women Awards. Partners Sara Dayman and Sophie Hill were nominated, while alumna Ruby McGregor-Smith, CEO of FTSE 250 group Mitie, was also shortlisted.