Final Call! 🚀 Get 20% off last-minute Case Study prep for the Feb sitting. Use code: CSFEB25 at checkout. Hurry—offer ends 5th Feb!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest “Empower & Vote: Best Women’s Day Meme”, which aimed not only to inspire and empower the women in our Academy but also to motivate women in finance and beyond.
No surprise that the meme “Balancing it all” won your votes and hearts—because, let’s be honest, we all juggle a million things. But when it comes to women, they do it all simultaneously—balancing careers, studies, family, self-care, and even that one stubborn houseplant that just won’t thrive. Now that is a real master skill!
The world of finance and accounting has come a long way, and women have been at the forefront of that progress. Yet, despite the strides, challenges persist—kind of like an Excel spreadsheet with just one formula error that refuses to balance. Whether you’re a CIMA or ACCA student or already climbing the corporate ladder, this article is packed with insights, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.
Women bring a powerhouse of skills to finance—attention to detail, strategic thinking, and resilience (after all, who else can survive endless Zoom calls while managing a budget and still remember their friend’s birthday?).
Studies consistently show that companies with higher female representation in leadership outperform those without. According to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report, women’s presence in the C-suite has grown from 17% in 2015 to 29% in 2024. Progress? Yes. But there’s still work to do.
As Sheryl Sandberg famously put it, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” Women in finance aren’t just part of the industry—they’re reshaping it.
Unfortunately, the finance world hasn’t fully caught up with the idea that talent isn’t gender-specific. Over half of female accountants report facing gender-based discrimination, including being overlooked for promotions, excluded from bonuses, or given the classic “you’re too nice for leadership” line. Funny, isn’t it? When men are nice, it’s “great teamwork”; when women are nice, it’s “not leadership material.”
Then there’s the “broken rung” problem—women are promoted to managerial roles at lower rates than men. For every 100 men promoted, only 81 women get the same opportunity. It’s a bit like being stuck in an endless cycle of CIMA OCS retakes.
Meanwhile, work-life balance remains a challenge, with many women expected to juggle demanding finance jobs while still doing most of the household admin. If running a home was an accounting exam, women would already have their Chartered status.
So, how do women in finance smash through these barriers like a well-prepared auditor spotting fraudulent accounts?
Here are a few game-changing strategies:
✅ Get Certified: CIMA and ACCA aren’t just qualifications—they’re your golden ticket. Education gives you leverage, credibility, and the ability to negotiate a salary that doesn’t make your accountant heart cry.
✅ Network Like a Pro: Women supporting women is a financial force stronger than compound interest. Find mentors, join professional groups, and never be afraid to ask for career advice—your future self will thank you.
✅ Speak Up: Ask for that raise, challenge outdated policies, and share your ideas. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg put it, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” And that includes boardrooms, audit committees, and finance departments.
✅ Embrace Confidence: Imposter syndrome is common, but remember—if you can master financial reporting and variance analysis, you can master self-belief. Fake it till you make it? No. Know it till you own it.
✅ Keep Learning: Stay ahead with CPD courses, tech trends (AI isn’t taking your job, but knowing how to use it might), and industry updates. Finance evolves, and staying sharp is your best investment.
📌 Women thrive in Case study exams—Why? Because they excel in structured thinking, scenario-based reasoning, and multitasking under pressure. Basically, they’ve been training for it their whole lives.
📌 Female accountants are more likely to question suspicious transactions—Studies show that women bring a heightened sense of ethical responsibility, which is probably why so many forensic accountants are female. Sherlock Holmes with a balance sheet? Yes, please.
📌 Women make exceptional risk managers—Their ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives makes them invaluable in strategic financial planning. If you’ve ever planned a holiday while on a budget, you’re already halfway there.
🤔💭First Female Head of Audit at Deloitte: In a historic move, Deloitte appointed Allee Bonnard as the first female head of its audit and assurance business in its 179-year history. Bonnard, who leads the UK financial services audit practice, assumed the role on January 1, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in top accounting firms.
🤔💭Former Olympic Swimmer Transitioning to Asset Management: Anum Bandey, who represented Pakistan in the 2012 London Olympics, is charting a new course in finance. She aims to become a fund manager at Aviva Investors and has been part of the Diversity Project’s pathway program, which seeks to increase female representation in fund management roles.
🤔💭Decline in Female Business Leaders in the UK: For the first time in eight years, the UK saw a decrease in female business leaders. Women held 32% of executive committee positions in 2024, down from 33% in 2023. Despite women making up 44% of chartered accountants, they occupy only 9% of CEO positions and 18% of CFO roles in FTSE 350 companies, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity at senior levels.
Finance is evolving, and diversity is its greatest asset. Women aren’t just part of the workforce—they’re leading it. Yet, challenges like the gender pay gap and underrepresentation in senior roles persist. For example, the Big Four accounting firms are set to miss their female partner targets for 2025. The good news? Change is happening, and you can be part of it.
If you’re a CIMA or ACCA student looking to build a career in finance, remember—success is a process, much like mastering a balance sheet. Keep learning, keep pushing, and keep proving that finance isn’t just a boys’ club.
And to all the women in finance—keep breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and proving that the best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself. Now, go out there and show them how it’s done!
The best way to break barriers is to start building your expertise! Whether you’re aiming for CIMA or ACCA, the right preparation will set you up for success.
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👉 Go Premium – Get ahead with our expert-designed mock exams and study materials.
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