8th March 2024 marks International Women’s Day. It has been celebrated for over a century since its launch in March 1911 as a day of celebration and collective global activism for all those committed to women’s equality.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion, which emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. As a Group we continue to strive for this within our business, promoting a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
While 52% of our firm are women currently, we have work to do to ensure they are better represented at the most senior levels of management. At the current time we celebrate that 51% of our management team to Associate Director level is female and we are striving to ensure this will include Director level in the future. Two-thirds of recent promotions within the Group have been women which is a great step towards us achieving this!
In 2020, ICAEW also celebrated 100 years of Women in our accountancy industry and the pivotal moment when they admitted Mary Harris Smith as their first female member, and the world’s first female Chartered Accountant.
At LB Group we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the inspiring women we work with everyday, and have asked them about their experience of being a woman in business and the accountancy sector. We’ve therefore spoken to women throughout our business, from Senior Management to those early in their careers to understand their perspective and experience of being a woman in an Accountancy firm.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?
Within the private client sector there has always been a bias towards women and I have been lucky enough to work for firms for over 25 years that actively support and develop women in senior roles.
My appointment as the first female Director to the Board in 2019 at LB Group was a big personal achievement for me and one which I worked extremely hard for. Being a woman in business certainly does have its challenges, but these are mainly driven through juggling a career, working full time and having three children. It is possible to have both as long as you are prepared to make sacrifices along the way.
What advice would you share with your younger self when starting your career in accountancy?
Looking back at younger me, my advice would be to believe in yourself more and start building your key professional contacts as soon as possible.
Is there anyone that inspired you, within or outside of the profession?
My mum has and will always inspire me, even though she is no longer here, her sheer determination and drive in life, even when battling cancer will always be with me.
What do you think the future of accountancy looks like?
There will be many changes in the accountancy profession, and we will need to continually evolve and adapt as time and tech move on.
A quote you live by?
“Well done is better than well said”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?
It means so much to be a valued member of the team, where your opinion is listened to. Being a female CCH User Group Chair sets a good example for LB Group which I am very proud of.
What advice would you share with your younger self when starting your career in accountancy?
Be confident in your ambitions and it is possible to have both a career and family in this modern world.
What do you think the future of accountancy looks like?
The future is changing, more women are coming into accountancy and are being allowed to have both a career and family, this also need to continually evolve with the help of flexible and agile working.
A quote you live by?
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?
It means that I can, and am, making a difference which makes me feel empowered.
What advice would you share with your younger self when starting your career in accountancy?
Work for a company that offers training and give young people career opportunities. Stay on the career ladder, stick with it, and enjoy the ride!
Is there anyone that inspired you, within or outside of the profession?
My father – very strong work ethics, determined, committed and a great sense of humour!
What do you think the future of accountancy looks like?
More women, more people of colour in all ranks, more diversity in every dimension.
A quote you live by?
“Each one teach one”
“Treat people how you would expect to be treated”
“Manners maketh a wo/man”.
What advice would you share with your younger self when starting your career in accountancy?
Don’t hesitate to speak up and make your voice heard. Seek out opportunities for growth and never stop learning. Remember, every setback is a stepping stone to success, so embrace and learn from them.
What do you think the future of accountancy looks like?
The accountants of the future will be adaptable, tech-savvy, and forward-thinking, using cutting-edge tools to drive strategic decision making and add value to businesses in unprecedented ways.
A quote you live by?
Empowered women empower women.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?
Being a woman in business can encompass many different things. However, from my perspective it is to defy barriers to build a more inclusive workplace whilst empowering other women to feel comfortable with themselves.
What advice would you share with your younger self when starting your career in accountancy?
Be patient and persevere, I know it is not easy balancing a job, relationships, fitness, future goals and exams so gently remind yourself that every little step count, so don’t give up!
Is there anyone that inspired you, within or outside the profession?
Outside the profession, I would say my older sister inspires me. She always somehow managed everything so well across all aspects of her life – a good career and a very fulfilling life. Even now, she has 2 little ones, whilst working full time, without any external help.
What do you think the future of accountancy looks like?
With the rise of AI, I believe accountancy will become more automated through technology. There may be some services, such as traditional bookkeeping, which may decline, but also an increase in strategic advisory services. I can also see that accountants will have more of a role in sustainability and social responsibility.
A quote you live by?
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life” – Steve Jobs
