Top 50 Women in Accounting for 2024

“To other women in accounting…embrace your voice. Don’t change who you are at your core. Your unique viewpoint can drive innovation and add significant value. Whether it’s through leading projects or speaking up in meetings, let your voice be heard.”

“Visualize your goals and be determined to see them through. Have faith that you came to this vision for a reason, and don't let doubts or anxieties plague you. Find allies and a community (and ideally a workplace) that will support you in your career. If you don't find a supportive environment, explore structures, such as what we created a Breakaway, that will ultimately support you and all you want to accomplish.”

“It’s easy to get drawn into what you think your business should be and what you think success should look like, because of what others say or do. But this doesn’t always serve you and allow you and your business to grow. Standing up and standing out in this business isn’t a bad thing if you are honest with your feedback and willing to give your time to others, you will gain an awful lot in return.”

“This industry needs your voice! As an industry traditionally dominated by men, women's voices, ideas, and innovations are vital in ensuring that the accounting industry has a future where young, talented, and smart students want to pursue accounting as a career. Don’t be deterred. The resources are there. The networking is there. The support is there. We are waiting for you to come find us!”

“You can be a parent and a Partner; you can be physically healthy and earn your worth. However, the pursuit of having everything simultaneously is unsustainable. The power lies in taking small, consistent steps to reach your goals.”

“If you truly believe in what you are doing, others will recognize your passion and follow your lead. Inspiring others becomes much easier when you are genuinely passionate about your work. Stay committed to your goals and remember that your dedication and enthusiasm can inspire and motivate others around you. Believe in your ability to make a difference, and never underestimate the power of persistence and passion in driving your success.”

“First off, be confident and assertive. Trust in your skills, don’t hesitate to voice your ideas and most importantly charge your worth. Next, build a supportive team—having a group that cheers you on and challenges you is gold. Also, set up systems and processes that help you keep things moving smoothly and efficiently, so you can always be propelling forward.”

“Use your success to lift others up. Mentor, coach, and support your peers and those just starting out. Sharing your knowledge and experiences can make a significant impact on someone else’s career. Remember, we rise by lifting others.”

“Seek out mentors and support networks. Surround yourself with inspiring women who can offer guidance and encouragement. This support is crucial for personal growth and confidence-building. Don't hesitate to share your own experiences and offer mentorship to others—this creates a ripple effect of empowerment.”

“Focus on things within your control that may be limiting your ability to achieve your dreams. A fear of public speaking was potentially my own self-imposed glass ceiling. I tackled my fear by volunteering for professional associations, introducing other speakers, seeking out speaking opportunities, and eventually leading up to speaking in front of thousands of people.”

“Be kind to yourself. There are always goals to chase, things to learn, and more you can do—but the truth is there are only so many hours in the day, and you, your loved ones, and your business deserve more than to beat yourself up for not being everything to everyone.”

“The work we do is crucial, and with the advent of new technology, it has become even more enjoyable and impactful. We can now eliminate mundane tasks and transform ourselves from being perceived as "bean counters" to becoming trusted advisors. Embrace this role and partner with your clients on their business journey.”

“If you have a purpose, and know what you want to achieve, you should chase that unapologetically. I've been in this space for 20 years now, and I wish someone had told me when I was 23 to care less about what other people thought. Care less. Dare more. You have more power than you give yourself credit for.”

“Remember that the real value in accounting lies not just in the numbers but in the client-facing work and the advisory role you play. Clients look to you not just for accurate reports but for guidance that helps them make informed decisions and achieve their goals. Position yourself as a trusted advisor by understanding their needs, challenges, and long-term objectives.”

“Focus on building a strong presence on LinkedIn and creating a compelling personal brand. Share your expertise, insights, and achievements regularly to establish credibility and visibility within the industry. Engage with peers and thought leaders through meaningful interactions and discussions, which can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.”

“Don't be afraid to bring your genuine self to the table, authenticity always prevails.”

“Always remember that you can achieve anything that you dream of as long as actions follow your dreams and never underestimate the value you can bring. Always remember that our voices together are what is getting heard within the industry.”

“Just do something. Accountants are often 'Type A' personalities, and we can forget that perfectionism is not the goal;forward motion is. Give yourself grace to allow things to be good or half-baked to drive conversation and collaboration in our teams and our communities.”

“Continuously invest in your education and skill development. Staying current with industry trends and technologies will keep you competitive.”

“Be a catalyst for positive change! Look for ways to improve yourself, your organizations, and the accounting profession. When you advocate for advancement of people and initiatives, you inspire others to lead in the same way. There is always more work to be done and more people to help!”

“If you can't find a good female role model in your organisation, seek out an external mentor. You would be surprised to find out who would agree to help you just because you dared to ask! There's no need to stomp on people to get to the top: you can get there through determination, collaboration and staying true to your values.”

“Build and maintain a strong professional network. Attend industry events, join professional organizations like CIMA, and engage with peers and leaders in the field. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.”

“Stick to your guns and don't allow outside influences to derail you from your chosen path. Also, be kind, often women are more critical of each other than the men.”

“Consider doing pro-bono work. Whether through your company, a local library, or other non-profit organizations, assisting others with tax or business-related issues is incredibly rewarding. Giving back feels good, and everyone benefits when we support our communities.”

“Find your tribe. There are so many Accounting networks that exist. Seek a mentor. Reignite the joy you once had in your role by sharing it with others.”

“As you climb the ladder of success, remember to send it back down to help pull other women up. Mentorship and support are crucial in this industry. By helping others, you create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Your success can inspire and pave the way for the next generation of women in accounting.”

“Believe in yourself, challenge the status quo, and create a business and life that aligns with your values and the needs of your family. Authenticity is key - stay true to who you are and play the long game. Both of my businesses have been built on word-of-mouth referrals a focus of creating and nurturing long term relationships.”

“Know your worth. Whether it’s a salary, promotion, charging appropriate fees for your service, or advocate for the types of projects you want to lead. Know your value and make sure it’s recognized.”

“Be curious, learn as much as you can every day and don’t be afraid of challenges. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve done a job or been in your career, the world is constantly changing around you and there is always something new to learn. It’s not only the best way to excel, but also the best way to stay interested and interesting to employers and clients.”

“Seek Mentorship: Engage with mentors for guidance and reciprocate by mentoring others;the collective growth contributes to a stronger industry. Share your journey and create an environment that encourages female professionals to thrive.”

“Actively cultivate your professional network through industry events and online communities. Networking is about forming meaningful connections that can open doors to new opportunities. By embracing these principles, you can excel in accounting, transforming challenges into stepping stones for success and contributing positively to the industry’s evolution.”

“Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve something. Let the fire in your belly drive you forward, fueling your journey toward accomplishing your dreams. Remember, your career is a canvas, and you are the artist—paint it as vibrantly and boldly as you desire.”

“Own your unique strengths and let them shine. The path may not always be easy, but it’s your resilience, your authenticity, and your determination that will set you apart. Build a network of mentors and allies who believe in you and are willing to support your journey. Don’t be afraid to take risks or challenge norms—this is how real change happens, and how you grow both personally and professionally.”

“Don’t be afraid to shake things up and do things differently. Embrace your unique perspective and leverage your feminine strengths. Your soft skills, such as empathy, communication, and collaboration, are invaluable in the accounting industry. Use them to build strong relationships, lead effectively, and drive positive change.”

“I would say never to stop learning and keep developing your knowledge especially with regard to digital solutions and systems, attend as many software events as possible!”

“Confidence is the key. Trust in your abilities and knowledge. The change you can bring to the industry is unique to you.”

“Stay uniquely you. When you get that seat at the table make sure you pull up a spare chair for the other females that are waiting to sit down and be heard. Don't pause to think how hard it has been, as time is moving too fast. Believe in yourself, you are more than enough. Be consistent and focused but embrace change.”

“Have fun and work with great people. Your work environment plays a crucial role in your career satisfaction. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues who inspire and motivate you. We say at Magnified, “Yes, we’re numbers people, but we’re also people people!”

“Balance assertiveness with empathy. While assertiveness in professional interactions is essential, leading with empathy and understanding fosters stronger relationships and a positive work environment.”

“Find your own way of doing things that work for you e.g. traditional (male dominated) corporate finance networking did not work for me, particularly juggling family life, so I found new ways to make connections (I am known in south wales for "netwalking").”

“With flexible working being increasingly embraced by the sector it’s important for women to have the confidence to ask for support to help them achieve their goals and encourage firms to continue to commit to these policies. Work-life balance is vital to success, even in senior roles, and women should feel supported to pursue a career and a family if that’s their choice.”

“Do not wait for permission. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready - stretch for the things that feel slightly out of reach. Keep moving forward. Don’t be afraid to dream big and pursue that audacious goal. The world isn’t served by you playing small. Shoot your shot.”

“Avoid getting easily offended – There will undoubtedly be times where you will be challenged or experience inappropriate behavior simply because you are a woman. Either ignore it or call out the bad behavior – whatever works for you – but above all else, dust yourself off and get on with the job at hand.”

“Be a mentor who teaches, listens, and trusts. True mentorship is about guiding and empowering your mentee, not molding them into a reflection of yourself. Encourage their growth by helping them discover their own strengths and potential. Authentic mentorship fosters confidence and independence, which are crucial for career success.”

“Don’t be afraid to pivot and change course. Success is an individual journey. Check in with yourself often, remain true and authentic to yourself, and consistently seek YOUR best life. The only timeline that matters in the end is your own. There is no perfect time to start a new career, shift priorities, or try something new, except for the time that you decide to make a plan and execute it.”

“Seek continuous learning, leverage technology, build networks and power partnerships, encourage yourself, and encourage and love others. Remember, the accounting industry needs you. You are not an imposter;you belong here. Be diligent in prioritizing your mental and physical health over all else because only YOU can make your dreams come true.”

“Embrace every opportunity for growth, stay adaptable, and actively seek out mentors who can guide you through your career. The landscape of accounting is constantly evolving with technological advancements and regulatory changes. Staying informed and adaptable allows you to navigate these changes effectively and positions you as a valuable asset to any organization.”

“The key to being successful is to keep going, and its much easier to keep going on the hard days if you love what you do and find the joy in it. Making sure you have a really good community around you makes it so much easier to enjoy so take the friendship that is offered to you. The key to success isn't a big mystery, it's having fun and keeping going. And anyone can do that.”

“Don't be afraid to speak up and share your wisdom! If you are on a board and the only female representative, you are there for a reason and you have done the hard work to get there! Other women will benefit from you sharing your insights and experiences.”

“We need to advocate for ourselves, advocate for our equals, and lead the next generation of women. We need to speak about our challenges, lessons learned, and our successes. We need our community to support us in our efforts. We need to ask for help and speak up when we have ideas.”