Top 50 Women in Accounting 2021

Why we celebrate 'Women in Accounting'

We first launched the 'Women in Accounting' initiative on International Women's Day in 2018, as a way to honor and recognize women who are driving change and creating opportunities for the next generation within the Accounting and Bookkeeping industry.

Since then, we've had over 1500 nominations globally and shared the stories of our 200 winners to date, and we can't wait to do the same this year.

This year, we're focusing on celebrating the unique and diverse stories of women in our industry, striving towards personal and professional progress.

It’s about reflecting on the struggle to ensure we break down the limitations, barriers, discrimination, and inequality that women face, recognising that none of our experiences are the same and we all (men and women alike) have work to do to make real change.

It’s about making intentional, meaningful changes to champion different voices, and to make space to listen to a range of lived experiences that don’t reflect our own.

Nominate a woman in your network today, whether it's a woman you work with, a woman whose passion and dedication inspire you, or a woman who has acted as a mentor or guide on your professional journey.

Our Judging Panel

Nayo Carter-Gray

Chief Executive Officer
1st Step Accounting

Baltimore, MD, United States

Emma Crawford-Falekaono

Head of EMEA Region
Ignition

London, United Kingdom

Sharon Critchlow

Executive Director
Discover Your Bounce

Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom

Francesca Deery

VP People & Culture
Ignition

Sydney, Australia

Rebecca Mihalic

Director
businessDEPOT

Sydney, Australia

Melanie Power

Founder & Director
Bookkeeper Revolution

Maitland, Australia

Heather Townsend

Founder
The Accountants Millionaires' Club

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Jackeline Velez

Director, U.S. Hispanic
Xero

Houston, TX, United States

Twyla Verhelst

Head of Accountant Channel
Freshbooks

Calgary, AB, Canada

Judging Process

After April 6th, the judges will receive the award submissions and allocate a score of 1-10 for each question.

Our judging criteria this year will focus on the following key pillars:

Experience
Encouragement
Empowerment

Experience
What have our nominees achieved professionally, and how has that been informed by their unique lived experience / story.

Encouragement
How are our nominees actively and practically encouraging the next generation of female leaders in our industry?

Empowerment
How does the work our nominees do support and inspire others to reach their potential, and claim the full confidence of their strength as a woman?

Some credit will be given to nominees that receive multiple nominations, but only one award submission per person will be accepted. The judging panel is responsible for determining the score allocation for each question. The scores for each question will be totalled, along with any additional credit for multiple nominations.

The final total will determine the shortlist of the Top 50.

Women tend to undervalue themselves. I strive to help them to see their value more clearly & have the confidence to charge rates that allow them to build a successful & sustainable business."

Teresa Slack

CEO at Financly Bookkeeping Solutions, Top 50 in 2019

I actively work hard to build strong partnerships and relationships within my network and beyond.
I work hard to ensure I create an atmosphere in the workplace that is welcoming for all."

Ria-Jaine Lincoln

Director at Ria-Jaine & Co Ltd, Top 50 in 2019

Top 50 Women in Accounting for 2020

Celebrating all the amazing women who are driving advocacy, change and creating opportunities in the Accounting and Bookkeeping industry!

View the 2020 Top 50

Top 50 Women in Accounting

Check out our top 50 lists from previous years

2019 Top 50 Women in Accounting

Our 2019 Top 50 list of women leading the charge in advocacy, change and community within the accounting industry and beyond.

View the 2019 Top 50

2018 Top 50 Women in Accounting

A recognition of the outstanding contribution, and professional and community achievements, of our Top 50 list and nominees.

View the 2018 Top 50

2017 Top 50 Women in Accounting

The inaugural Women in Accounting awards, celebrating the leaders, mentors and peers making a difference locally and globally.

View the 2017 Top 50

Hear from our Top 50 Women in Accounting Alumni

Inclusivity goes beyond gender, race, age and religion, it also includes social and physical (dis)abilities. One of my career goals is to create a company culture that is comfortable and accommodating to all people, no matter where they come from or what their circumstances are."

Twyla Verhelst

Head of Accountant Channel at FreshBooks, Top 50 in 2019

Blogs and Resources

Content and practical resources that we've created to continue the #WomeninAccounting conversation.

A simple act of recognition can spark real confidence

Reflections on how the simple act of recognition can spark real confidence & impact a life for the better.

Bias is bias [unconscious or not]

Rebecca Mihalic unpacks how to identify and call out bias to ensure we can make real change for generations to come.

Previous year's webinars

As we celebrate the stories of Women in Accounting around the globe, we unpack how our community can best encourage, empower and equip women in the accounting industry to take action and drive inclusion in the working world.

Inclusion through action: hosted by Madeline Pratt

A diverse panel from across North America and the United Kingdom share their stories and insights as women in accounting.

Watch recording here

Inclusion through action: hosted by Rebecca Milhalic

A diverse panel from across Australia and Papua New Guinea share their stories and insights as women in accounting.