ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) publishes inspiring personal journeys of several women in finance from around the world in the new Leading Inclusion: Simple Steps and Significant Leaps, report.
Detailing a unique mix of experiences from members and future members, this latest report highlights the opportunities and obstacles they have faced in their pursuit of success. The individual stories shared highlight career milestones and offer food for thought with reflections on a range of topics from balancing family life to job promotions. Given the real threat of inequality in the profession, the stories provide much needed career motivation to aspiring finance professionals everywhere.
The report specially highlights the distinctive views of a woman finance professional in the Middle East, with a story from Ayesha Al Zaabi in Abu Dhabi who shares her experience of transforming Dubai’s government processes through the Smart Dubai government initiative. Ayesha was initially in charge of finance, but budgeting and procurement were soon added to her portfolio, and she has also become an advocate for accountancy, encouraging more people in her organisation to gain ACCA qualifications.
Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA said: ‘The stories shared in this report provide inspiration for any finance professional looking to succeed, as the accounts encourage those already in the profession and help them be alive to the opportunities around them. No one is immune to struggles but through sharing experiences we can all learn from each other and approach circumstances more confidently. The pandemic has intensified the challenges that many people face with inequalities seemingly intensifying. So, this is the time to tell our own stories, learn lessons from each other and all play our role in building a fairer profession for all.’
Fazeela Gopalani, Head of ACCA Middle East said, “ACCA has had inclusion and access to all as a core value since it’s foundation in 1904. The Leading Inclusion: Simple Steps and Significant Leaps report discusses the relevance of this agenda to accountancy and finance professionals. through presenting several stories from ACCA members and future members from around the world, people see that what may, at times, seem unachievable can in fact be attained. This compilation of stories is truly a global testament to this.
About ACCA:
ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. We’re a thriving global community of 227,000 members and 544,000 future members based in 176 countries and regions that upholds the highest professional and ethical values. We believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society that supports both public and private sectors. That’s why we’re committed to the development of a strong global accountancy profession and the many benefits that this brings to society and individuals. Since 1904 being a force for public good has been embedded in our purpose. And because we’re a not-for-profit organisation, we build a sustainable global profession by re-investing our surplus to deliver member value and develop the profession for the next generation. Through our world leading ACCA Qualification, we offer everyone everywhere the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. And using our respected research, we lead the profession by answering today’s questions and preparing us for tomorrow.
