Tampa, FL – (March 21, 2006) – Amscot Financial, a leading provider of convenient, consumer-oriented financial services, is pleased to announce that the Tampa Bay Business Journal has named Amscot  as a finalist in its annual competition for top-ranking employers in west Central Florida.

Employing more than 1,500 associates in 148 service centers throughout Central Florida, Amscot is ranked by the Business Journal alongside other large employers in the Tampa Bay region, including companies such as Pulte Homes, BankAtlantic and HomeBanc Mortgage Corp. A total of 53 Tampa Bay-area companies – separated into four categories – were named as finalists in the competition. Winners will be recognized at a Business Journal event on April 19.

“As they say on Oscar night, it’s an honor just to be nominated,” said Charity McDowell, Amscot’s director of human resources. “I know all Amscot associates take pride in the fact that we work for a company recognized as one of the best in our region.”

This marks the second consecutive year that Amscot has been recognized as a finalist in the Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” competition.

The Business Journal award recognizes companies for their achievements in creating positive work environments that attract and retain employees through a combination of benefits, working conditions and company culture.

Companies were evaluated based on two kinds of information collected. Each company completed an overall questionnaire about retirement plans, health insurance, profit sharing or stock options, performance-based reviews, employee training and perks such as parking, child care, subsidized transportation or tuition reimbursement.

Employees then responded to questionnaires, addressing how the company encourages, supports and recognizes achievement; open communication; whether compensation is fair; and relationships with co-workers and immediate supervisors. They also were asked to describe their favorite or least favorite things about the company, and comment further if desired.

Results were analyzed and scored by assigning points to each question, and weighing them according to emphasis on creativity, flexibility and collegiality. Common themes among the top companies focused on work-life balance; respect and caring for employees; recognition of accomplishments; feeling empowered; good teamwork and team spirit; and commitment to community service.

About Amscot Financial
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 150 tax preparation offices and 150 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. Amscot Financial has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of Tampa Bay’s Best Places to Work for two consecutive years. In June 2006, founder Ian MacKechnie was recognized by Gulf Coast Business Review as its 2006 Entrepreneur Winner.