For his work developing the field of auditor services in Estonia, Nõmmiste will receive an Order of the White Star, Fifth Class , which the president will bestow on him at a 23 February ceremony at Rakvere Theatre. This year, 99 people received the decorations, and Mati Nõmmiste is the only honouree from the world of public accounting.
Nõmmiste has years of experience as a sworn auditor. In 1992, he and partners founded Grant Thornton Baltic and in the same year he received his professional certification as a sworn auditor. Besides his day-to-day work as a sworn auditor and executive at Grant Thornton Baltic, Nõmmiste has been a leader on the Board of Auditors for years and has held the position of president and vice-president of the body at various times.
The Board of Auditors appreciates Nõmmiste’s commitment and knowledge highly, and it was the board that nominated Nõmmiste for a state decoration from the president.
The Republic of Estonia’s decorations for meritorious service are a way of thanking on behalf of the state those people of Estonia and friends of Estonia whose professional work and dedication makes Estonia stronger, greater and more caring.
The Order of the White Star was established in 1936 to commemorate the Estonian people’s struggle for freedom. It is bestowed on people in public service – either in the central or local government – as well as to recognize services rendered and other achievements in the field of the economy, education, science, culture or sport.
More about the Estonian orders of merit can be read here: http://www.president.ee/en/estonia/decorations/decorations