“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

– G.D. Anderson

To mark International Women’s Day 2020, we are proud to celebrate the women and allies driving diversity and equality across the world.

We asked Receipt Bank Partners from across the world to share their experiences of gender inequality and the advice they would give their younger selves starting out in the accounting and bookkeeping industry.

ACHIEVEMENTS

“I’ve worked in various government positions in tax compliance but am most proud of running my own business for six years. It isn’t easy to step out on your own and run your own business when you’ve been an employee, but it’s the most amazing feeling when it grows into a successful business. I have gone on to employ other women to build up a business with heart, and one that focuses on the needs of our clients with up-to-date knowledge.”

INDUSTRY STEREOTYPES

“Yes there have been. I own a bookkeeping firm and many have assumed that I’m not as qualified as those who work in accounting firms. As a single mother, I’ve chosen to run my firm to fit in with my family needs but also because I’m able to help the small business owners where it matters.”

“In fact, I have a bachelor in accounting and a bachelor in law and have experience in audit and tax compliance. The stereotype of a female bookkeeper is not what it used to be. Unfortunately, a conversation with accountants usually involves giving my CV before having the important conversations about the client needs.”

There is no such thing as what boys and girls do – there is just what makes your heart happy

Liza Goodall, Owner of Orange Trunk Consulting

MY PLEDGE

“This year, I pledge to build up women in the industry and give them the confidence to own and run their own businesses, to be confident in their knowledge, empathy and life choices. But more importantly, I am teaching my two young girls that they can be and do whatever they put their mind to – that there are no barriers. There is no such thing as what boys and girls do – there is just what makes your heart happy.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

“We decided to move to a completely different area of the country, from Central Florida to Midcoast Maine. Economically and culturally, it is very different from where I started my business, but the services and solutions that we provide are proving invaluable. The small businesses in this area are greatly benefiting from spending more time growing their business and not worrying about the day to day back-office issues.”

INDUSTRY STEREOTYPES

“A stereotype in this business is that if you aren’t a CPA, then how can you be qualified to do the accounting work needed? I’ve overcome this with my knowledge and experience. I have conversations with clients about many different things and help them understand accounting and business practices rather than just providing financial statements and tax returns.”

MY PLEDGE

“This year, I pledge to help gender equality by being present in this profession and growing my client base through knowledge expansion and experience. I also surround myself with employees and mentors that share my vision and challenge me to do better.”

I surround myself with employees and mentors that share my vision and challenge me to do better. 

Nina Richard, Owner of NR Bookkeepng Services

ACHIEVEMENTS

“Pillow May was one of the first accountancy businesses of its kind set up to give working parents a professional career alongside their family commitments. At the same time, we wanted to give back to women around the world still struggling. Last year, six of our team visited Free to Shine in Cambodia; and for our 10th birthday, ran a fundraising target to put a girl through school in rural Cambodia for her whole school career to prevent her from entering the sex trade.”

MY PLEDGE

“I am working with the ICAEW & UNDP to develop a totally up-to-date Cambodian accounting technician qualification. This is urgently needed as there are less than 300 accountants in the whole country. Cloud software experience is critical to allow graduates to get jobs in the future that include outsourced bookkeeping services for UK accountancy firms.”

For our 10th birthday, we ran a fundraising target to put a girl through school in rural Cambodia for her whole school career to prevent her from entering the sex trade

Jessica Pillow, Founder of Pillow May

ACHIEVEMENTS

“Over the span of my career, I would say having people recognize that I am a legitimate business person with knowledge of value to share. I have sat on the board of directors of my professional association (Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada) for many years, as well as being the regional network chair in my local market for even longer.”

“Achieving certification through that organization has been a great accomplishment. I encourage many other bookkeepers to do it as well. I have previously been involved in the Chamber of Commerce and also, on a personal level, many years an executive with a local H.O.G chapter. Here, I’m one of two female Road Captains.”

INDUSTRY STEREOTYPES

“The ‘women can’t be business owners’ mentality back when I first started in the business many years ago. I used to always be asked, “Is this your husband’s business?” This was always very frustrating. I was raised to lead by example. So, I did – and made it clear to people when asked that, “No, this is my business.” Usually, after a short conversation, they would realize I was totally capable.”

MY PLEDGE

“This year, I pledge to continue to lead by example and encouragement. I inspired many women to break out into business on their own, learn to ride motorcycles years ago, and these days show them that they are in control of their lives and can do anything they set their minds to. I will continue to share that at my age I can summit a mountain if I want.”

I inspired many women to break out into business on their own, learn to ride motorcycles years ago, and these days show them that they are in control of their lives and can do anything they set their minds to. I will continue to share that at my age I can summit a mountain if I want. 

Connie Sparks

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