In today’s world, things like diversity and equal rights are big deals in every industry, including accounting. Some really cool women are leading the way in this field. They’re doing work that inspires and lifts others up. These women have faced tough times, broken old rules, and have done really well. They’re changing how we see accounting.
In this blog, we will give a big shout-out to five awesome women who’ve made a huge splash in accounting. We will tell you about their lives and hope it lights a spark in you. We’ll show you the big changes they’ve made.
Let’s get to know these superwomen and see how tough and gritty they’ve been. We’ll see how they’re making accounting a fair game for everyone, regardless of who they are.
Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Women in Accounting
Awesome Women Making Accounting Better. These women in accounting are straight-up inspiring. They’ve done great things and faced lots of challenges along the way. Their grit and never-quit spirit are making things better for the next generation.
People admire them for their achievements and how much they’ve given to accounting. They’ve thought up fresh ideas and led in a way that’s changing accounting for good. Plus, they’re pushing for a world where everyone gets a fair shot. Their stories show us the power of not giving up and just how much women in accounting can do.
5 Influential Women in Accounting
1. Lara Abrash
Lara Abrash embarked on her academic journey at the University of Albany, later furthering her studies with an accounting MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. She has devoted over 25 years to public accounting, with an impressive 15 of these serving as a partner.
During her time at Deloitte, she assumed several crucial roles, such as:
- Chief Operating Officer of the firm’s US audit and assurance division
- National Manager Partner of Audit Innovation and Client Service Delivery
In these roles, she exhibited strong leadership as the Global Lead Client Service Partner, adeptly managing a range of large multinational clients. In recognition of her expertise and vast experience, Abrash was appointed the Head of Deloitte’s US audit and assurance practice in April.
2. Lami Ajibesin
Lami Ajibesin began her academic journey at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting before obtaining her Master’s in business administration. She has done MBA in finance from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. She is good at making deals and has led over 150 deals for strategic acquirers and private equity. Moreover, she has consulted on over $10 billion of private equity, secondary transactions, and strategic investments.
Throughout her career, she’s taken on various significant roles, including:
- Director in the M&A— Duff & Phelps’s transaction advisory practice
- A position in KPMG’s deal advisory practice
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lami actively promotes diversity in financial services as Equity Alliance’s board member. She is also a committed member of several professional associations, such as the American Institute of CPAs, the Commercial Finance Association, and the Association for Corporate Growth.
3. Barbara Bel
Barbara Bel is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 30 years in the industry. She has dedicated her career to offering tax advice and financial planning services. Her clients include small and mid-sized private companies, individuals, and families. She also helps not-for-profit organizations and private foundations with their financial strategies.
Moreover, she leverages her expertise to provide counsel on matters like divorce and Social Security. In other words, she helps people navigate complex financial issues during change. Apart from her regular clientele, Barbara plays significant roles in several organizations:
- She is the newly appointed vice president of the New York State Society of CPAs.
- She is an executive board member of the UJA-Federation Westchester Business.
- She serves as the president of the Estate Planning Council of Westchester.
From 2015 to 2018, she was a valuable American Institute of CPAs council member. She also uses her knowledge to educate others. Barbara often contributes to newspapers and professional publications to share her insights.
Together with a fellow expert, she co-wrote the book “Cash Management in the Middle Market.” This book aims to guide business people in managing their resources effectively. Barbara didn’t start her journey in finance. She first earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Adelphi University. Later, she pursued an MBA at the Stern School of Business at New York University, marking her entry into the world of finance. Her diverse educational background adds depth to her understanding of her client’s financial needs.
4. Preeti Baliga
Preeti Baliga’s academic journey began at Mysore University in India, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in personnel management and industrial relations. She is a highly experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in New York and Texas, bringing nearly two decades of public accounting experience.
She has built a reputation for her expertise in the following sectors:
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations are focusing on audits of government-assisted and subsidized housing.
- Navigating the rules of various housing and development departments, including the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the New York City Housing Development Corp.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Preeti is actively involved in the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Board of Public Accountancy, demonstrating her commitment to her field.
5. Sandy Chu
Sandy Chu began her academic career at the University of North London, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Nowadays, she leverages this education to advise multinational clients on various tax issues in China, including cross-border transactions, planning opportunities, and market-entry investment strategies.
Throughout her professional journey, she has held significant roles such as:
- Leading the Greater China desk at EY
- Assisting Chinese companies intending to invest in the United States, encompassing both greenfield projects and M&A activities
In addition to her day-to-day work, Sandy frequently shares her insights through public speaking engagements on tax-related topics and contributes to the International Tax Journal. Moreover, she holds professional recognition as a chartered member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of the United Kingdom and the Hong Kong Institute of CPAs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of well-known women in the accounting field who are examples of their dedication, expertise, and leadership. Their remarkable journeys, full of rich experiences and vast knowledge, serve as an inspiration for future generations. They’ve shattered glass ceilings, embraced innovation, and, most importantly, proven that success knows no gender. Transitioning from traditional norms, these women accountants are trailblazers, setting the path for equality in the accounting sector.