Women in Accounting: Stories of Success and Resilience

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” ― Estée Lauder

In accounting, women have made significant strides over the past few decades. Once a predominantly male-dominated profession, accounting today sees an increasing number of women who are not only entering the field but excelling in it.

Society is changing and emphasizing the importance of women in shaping the future of every profession.

In recent years, the accounting profession has seen a rise in gender diversity within leadership, with women holding 39% of partnership positions at U.S. CPA firms, up dramatically from just 23% two years earlier, according to the AICPA’s “2021 Trends” report released in spring 2022. Overall, women make up 46% of employee counts at CPA firms.

However, the journey for women in accounting is not without its obstacles. Issues like work-life balance, gender bias, and underrepresentation in executive positions still prevail. Despite all the hurdles, women have paved their way towards success.

To better understand the dynamics of women, Ace Cloud Hosting team spoke with three remarkable women who have made a significant impact in the accounting field.

Geni Whitehouse

1. Share your journey in accounting. What inspired you, and what are your significant achievements? 🏆

My journey in accounting began in a pretty typical way – at a Big 8 firm (at the time) in the tax department. Eventually, after 15 years in various tax roles – both public and private, I made a partner in a local Atlanta CPA firm and then decided the next day that I wanted to do something else. I was a trainer for a software company and then a PeopleSoft implementor (during the Y2K period).

That led me to executive roles in software companies, which led me to discover my ultimate mission in life based on my Why below.

My software roles required public speaking, which prompted me to spend many years learning how to make it easier for people to understand complex subjects like accounting and technology. I ultimately wrote a book called “How to Make A Boring Subject Interesting: 52 ways even a nerd can be heard.”

2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in accounting? How have they impacted your career, and what strategies helped you overcome them?

My son was born on January 30th (in the middle of tax season), and I went back to work after about 2 weeks part-time. My daughter was born 4 years later in March (also tax season), but by that time, I was working as a controller for a small software start-up. I became ill (partially due to the amount of stress involved in the role) during the pregnancy, was hospitalized for 6 weeks, and was fired while in the hospital.

My decision to leave accounting once I made a partner had a lot to do with the fact that I worked very long hours and had too little time with my children. I didn’t see the requirements changing at all once I made a partner – I saw the future ahead and didn’t like what I saw.

I now work in a CPA firm in Napa Valley part-time, as I have done for the past 17 years. I no longer do tax work but deliver advisory services to our clients.

3. How do you see the future for women in accounting? What trends and opportunities do you perceive?

The CAS profession and cloud accounting, in general, have made it possible for women to create the kind of life they want to live without having to choose between work and family.

4. What advice do you have for new CPAs and accounting freshers on preparing for challenges and opportunities? 📈

Get trained in communication. Find your voice. Learn accounting software and seek to listen and understand more than you seek to convince others of your own expertise. You have very unique and valuable skills and our profession needs them now more than ever.

Jennifer Wilson

1. Share your journey in accounting. What inspired you, and what are your significant achievements?

I came into accounting through the technology door, first learning about the profession by helping firms support their clients in the first implementations of microcomputer accounting software. I went to work at State Of The Art Accounting Software (later Sage Software) and was quickly promoted to VP of Sales and Customer Service.

In that role, I had all kinds of opportunities to learn about recruiting, engaging, retaining team members, channel sales and marketing, managing technical support, and starting the company’s first learning and development function. Leaving Sage in 1995, I then joined BDO as a non-equity partner, uniting a national ERP practice and delivering financial systems consulting services as Partner and Director of the Financial Solutions Group at BDO.

In January of 2000, I joined forces with Jim Metzler to co-found ConvergenceCoaching, LLC. At ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, we are a leadership and management consulting firm, helping firms develop compelling visions for the future, innovate and change, and attract and retain top talent. We are a voice for the Next Generation in our profession, sharing their ideals and hopes with existing firm leaders, seeking to drive change.

I’ve been blessed to be named as one of Accounting Today’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, INSIDE Public Accounting’s Top 10 Most Recommended Consultants, and CPA Practice Advisor’s Top 25 Thought Leaders, and AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor’s Most Powerful Women in Accounting.

Last week, I was the first recipient of the Josh Lance Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bridging the Gap Conference. Those are all wonderful honors, but my true privilege has been developing leadership and management skills in others, including my many team members at Sage, BDO, and ConvergenceCoaching, and helping prepare others to lead our profession forward.

2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in accounting? How have they impacted your career, and what strategies helped you overcome them?

As I was coming up in the profession, the imbalance in numbers between men and women and the expectation that women should do the heavy lifting at home certainly presented some challenges with being accepted as an equal in the profession.

In all my professional roles, I have always engaged in significant business travel, which was difficult to manage as the mother of three children. I sometimes joke that as much as I love my husband, Brian, I also wished I had a wife to help do the thinking and planning for the children’s well-being, school and homework, extracurricular activities, plan birthday parties, interact with grandparents, plan meals, manage clothes and more. My contemporary male counterparts, for the most part, had someone in their lives managing those things for them, where I and my female counterparts, managed all of that and growing the business.

Happily, more women have ascended to leadership, and we’re doing our best to elevate other women and bring them along, too. And, next-generation male team members naturally take on more at home, which has also created a shared empathy in the workplace with male colleagues for the important home roles women have traditionally played, normalizing parental leave, flexibility, and so many other benefits that make holding a “big job” easier for women.

3. How do you see the future for women in accounting? What trends and opportunities do you perceive?

Women are rising! As Baby Boomers continue to retire and Gen X, Y, and Z ascend to leadership and ownership, I envision the profession being led with more equity and parity, with an increasing number of women and other underrepresented minority owners and Managing Partners.

I also envision a profession where men feel empowered to take parental leave and share equally with their significant others in their home life, such that balance, flexibility, and family-first become the norm, not the exception, for all gender identities.

4. What advice do you have for new CPAs and accounting freshers on preparing for challenges and opportunities?

Try to experience different kinds of client work and leadership and management opportunities to find the places where you are most interested, where your gifts lie, and where the greatest need is. You have unlimited options, so don’t lock yourself in too soon!

Jessica E. McClain

1. Share your journey in accounting. What inspired you, and what are your significant achievements? 🏆

My journey in accounting began in elementary school when an after-school teacher introduced me to the world of numbers and money. This early exposure sparked a fascination that stayed with me throughout my education and eventually led me to pursue a career in accounting.

After completing my education, I spent over ten years in public accounting, where I worked as an auditor. However, five years ago, I felt a strong pull toward the nonprofit sector, driven by a desire to do work that positively impacts people’s lives. Transitioning to this sector has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made, as it allows me to use my expertise to benefit my local community directly.

Throughout my career, I’ve drawn inspiration from pioneers like Mary Washington, the first Black Woman CPA, whose resilience and determination broke barriers in our profession. I’m also deeply inspired by Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, the first person of color to chair the AICPA, whose leadership continues to pave the way for diversity and inclusion in accounting. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved thus far and look forward to what lies ahead as I continue to grow and make a difference in this profession.

2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in accounting? How have they impacted your career, and what strategies helped you overcome them?

As a woman in accounting, I have faced several challenges that have significantly shaped my career. One of the obstacles has been dealing with bias, whether subtle or overt. Navigating a profession where women are often underrepresented in leadership positions has required resilience and a commitment to proving my capabilities time and again.

Another challenge I encountered was the lack of support and flexibility when I became a mother. Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of motherhood was incredibly difficult, especially in an environment that didn’t always recognize or accommodate the unique needs of working mothers.

This experience was particularly isolating and challenging, but it also fueled my determination to succeed. These ordeals and challenges, while difficult, ultimately made me stronger and more determined. They also sparked a deep commitment in me to support other women who face similar struggles.

I’ve made it a priority to advocate for more inclusive policies and create supportive networks for women in the profession, particularly those navigating the complexities of career and motherhood. Through these efforts, I hope to help pave the way for the next generation of women in accounting, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

3. How do you see the future for women in accounting? What trends and opportunities do you perceive?

The future for women in accounting is promising, yet it requires continued effort and advocacy to ensure that the progress made thus far is built upon and expanded. I see several key trends and opportunities that could shape this future:

• Flexibility and Work-Life Harmony: The accounting profession has traditionally been seen as demanding, with long hours, especially during busy seasons. However, the shift towards remote work and flexible schedules, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is creating new opportunities for women who need to manage their careers with other responsibilities, such as caregiving and personal interests. Firms that prioritize flexibility and work-life harmony, as I like to call it, will be more attractive to female talent and could see greater retention and satisfaction among their female employees.
• Increased Need for Soft Skills: With the rise of technology and technological advances in the accounting profession, there is an increasing need for soft skills such as empathy, communication, and relationship-building. These skills are essential for client relations, team management, and leadership. Women, who often excel in these areas, are uniquely positioned to leverage these skills to advance their careers and lead with a human-centered approach in a technology-driven world.

Increasing Representation in Leadership: More women are stepping into leadership roles within the accounting profession, from CFOs to partners in firms. This trend is encouraging as it creates more role models for younger women entering the profession. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that women are represented at the highest levels of leadership. Additionally, many women in these roles bring a diverse set of experiences and interests outside of work, which enriches their perspectives and decision-making abilities.

4. What advice do you have for new CPAs and accounting freshers on preparing for challenges and opportunities? 📈

I would give two pieces of advice to new CPAs that have been essential to my career success. Ensure you are intentional about networking. Networking is crucial in the accounting profession. Attending industry events, volunteering within the profession, and connecting and building relationships with colleagues and other professionals are important. Building a solid network can open up opportunities for career advancement and provide valuable support and guidance.

I would add that it’s essential to embrace lifelong learning. The accounting profession constantly evolves, with new standards, regulations, technologies, and best practices emerging. Staying abreast of business trends and changes through continuing education and professional development opportunities will be crucial.

Nancy McClelland

1. Share your journey in accounting. What inspired you, and what are your significant achievements?

My path to accounting is anything but traditional – I actually started as a Music Education major at the University of Michigan. Life took an unexpected turn when I landed a role at a community arts school, teaching music theory and serving as a business manager. This position revealed my true calling – while there were many great teachers, few could effectively manage the business side of arts organizations.

This insight led to a position as Business Manager at a renowned violinmaking studio. Working with their CPA sparked my interest in taxation, and her mentorship – marked by the gift of my first CCH Master Tax Guide – was transformative. This experience taught me the importance of recognizing potential in others, something I’ve committed to doing throughout my career.

I founded my firm in 2001 and earned my master’s in Accounting and my CPA license. Today, we’re a team of nine, providing services from bookkeeping to advisory for small businesses in our Chicago neighborhood. “What sets us apart is our holistic approach – we don’t just handle tax compliance; we partner with clients to keep our community vibrant and healthy.”

In 2024, I launched ‘Ask a CPA,’ a subscription community for bookkeepers, offering a non-judgmental space to learn how to prepare tax-ready books and to ask questions they can’t, for whatever reason, ask their clients’ tax preparers. Returning to my education roots and helping these fantastic members thrive has been a joy.

Along the way, I’ve been named a Top 50 Women in Accounting, a Top 10 ProAdvisor, Bridging the Gap’s “Mentor of the Year”, and an award-winning blogger for MSN.

And yes… I’m known as “The Dancing Accountant” – a nickname that stuck after a client spotted me performing in a 1960s go-go dancing troupe at a neighborhood event. It’s become part of our firm’s unique identity and represents how we break the traditional accountant mold while emulating the highest professional standards.

2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in accounting? How have they impacted your career, and what strategies helped you overcome them?

I’ve dealt with condescension, minimization of my accomplishments, and having my work stolen and taken credit for – multiple times. To say nothing of outright blatant sexism and harassment. I don’t know a woman alive who hasn’t.

However, my mother was an amazing example of independence, perseverance, and standing up for what’s right. I have always found myself going back to the legacy she and her generation left for ours – they fought for women’s rights. They paved the way for us to forge our path unburdened by some of the crushing limitations impeding their professional progress. So, I feel I owe it to them to call out sexism, racism, homophobia, and bigotry where I see it. I owe it to them to find my voice and say something when my sisters and I are wronged.

It’s been a pretty terrible blow in recent years to feel like we’ve come so far – and then to realize how much farther there is to go. But as Marianne Williamson says, “When you let your light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” We must speak up. We must unmute ourselves.

3. How do you see the future for women in accounting? What trends and opportunities do you perceive?

A topic that my friend Ashley Francis often brings up that I feel is overlooked by many is the facility that many women have with LLMs – large language models of AI, such as ChatGPT. These models, with their basis in natural language processing and verbal learning, are actually well adapted to the way many women process the world and engage in relationship building. I think that women are uniquely positioned to have a competitive advantage in this arena.

I’ve noticed that our natural talent for juggling multiple priorities and really connecting with clients gives us an edge when working with these AI language tools. What really excites me is how this shift plays to our strengths. We’re not just number-crunchers – we’re strategic advisors who happen to be good at explaining complex ideas in ways that make sense. Ultimately, they allow us to focus on what we do best: building relationships, solving complex problems, and helping our clients see the bigger picture.

4. What advice do you give new CPAs and accounting freshers on preparing for challenges and opportunities?

I see a lot of women struggle with “impostor syndrome.” I think this comes from the idea that we have to somehow prove ourselves to be perfect before we’re entitled to have a voice, and once we achieve that perfection, we’ll magically become fearless. But it doesn’t work that way.

I’ll always remember when I started dancing professionally – I was terrified. I would see my friend Lolo in costume, get up on stage, forget her age, and just be her true self 100%. I told her, “I wish I could be more like you… you’re fearless!” And she said, “No way; I’m just as scared as the next person; the difference… is that I do it anyway.”

We need to recognize that we have already earned our seats at the table, so just take a deep breath and say what needs to be said – even if it’s daunting. You are not alone.

Vision for the Future

The resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking mindset of women are reasons they overcame the challenges in accounting and other professions, along with actively shaping its future, advocating for greater flexibility, inclusivity, and leadership opportunities for the next generation of women in accounting.

The future for women in accounting appears promising, with increasing opportunities, flexible work environments, leadership roles, and the recognition of the importance of soft skills.

They see a future where gender equity is more achievable, with more women ascending to leadership positions and balancing their professional and personal lives more effectively.

What are your views? Share in the comment section below.