Seventeen Australians named among the top 50 women in accounting

Seventeen Australian women who are helping empower the next group of leaders in the accounting and bookkeeping industry have been recognised as part of the 2021 Top 50 Women in Accounting Awards, presented by professional services platform Ignition.

The annual awards, which have been running for five years, are designed to highlight 50 women from around the world who are “driving meaningful change and leading the way for the next generation” in the industry.

While some estimates suggest more than 50% of accountants across Australia are women, the sector has been shown to have a significant gender pay gap and some former members have spoken out about the sexism and racism they experienced in their career.

Among the Australians included in this year list are Karla Hourigan from MAD Wealth, Sarah Lawrance from Hot Toast, and Kristen Buik from Altitude Advisory.

The list also features leading practitioners from New Zealand, the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, the Cayman Islands and Nigeria.

Ignition said in a statement that close to 1000 accountants and bookkeepers were nominated for this year’s list, which represents a 27% jump in submissions from the year before.

The winners were selected based on their industry contributions in 2021, with the criteria taking into account their professional experience, how they have encouraged future female leaders in the industry and how they have empowered others.

“While the representation of women in accounting, bookkeeping and professional services is increasing, many women still face obstacles when it comes to pay and opportunity parity,” said Francesca Deery, vice president of people and culture at Ignition and one of the judges for this year’s awards.

“This year’s award honorees are paving the way for a more equitable future, by uplifting more women into senior roles, driving culture change in their workplace and organisation, and inspiring the next generation of future leaders.”

Top 50 Women in Accounting Awards  2021 winners from Australia and New Zealand are:

• Karla Hourigan, MAD Wealth

• Sarah Lawrance, Hot Toast

• Kristen Buik, Altitude Advisory

• Michelle Kvello, Lantern Partners

• Angela Kenny, Heal.Thy Money Co

• Heather Kennedy, K.I.S. Accounting & Bookkeeping Professionals

• Kelly Eke, Precision Taxation Accounting & Management Australia

• Vanessa Bosnich, Spotlight Reporting

• Martine Hoosen Bookwiz

• Katie Bryan, Propeller Advisory

• Alice Ruhe, SMB Advisory

• Kyelie Baxter, IQ Accountants

• Lielette Calleja All That Counts/IPA

• Tam Daniel, PTP

• Mailene Wheeler, Vincents

• Amanda Gascoigne, Amanda Gascoigne Consulting & The Balanced Firm

• Petrina Stamos, McConachie Stedman

• Stephanie Crawford, Stephanie Crawford

• Di Crawford-Errington, Ontrack Bookkeeping

More information about the awards, including recipients from other countries, is available here.