Women leaders in Accounting | A Roundtable Conversation | Women's Day 2024

She Balances the Books: Women leaders in chartered accountancy

For 2024 Women’s Day, we sat down with three chartered accountants—CA Sujata G, CA Neelima Jayanthi, and CA Rema Sarma. Hosted by Geena Bharwani and powered by Zoho, the conversation explored the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities faced by women in the finance world. Together, they proved that balancing books isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about navigating personal and professional life with grit and grace.

Chartered accountants explained through a child’s eyes

How do you explain a complex career like chartered accountancy to a five-year-old? The panelists shared creative approaches, showing the practicality and dedication their work requires.

• CA Jayanthi likened her role to that of subtitles in a movie, making sense of an organization’s financial story.
• CA Sujata G described the career using an analogy of balancing toys, where every exchange is carefully tracked and accounted for.
• CA Sarma compared herself to a teacher, someone who guides and corrects missteps but in the corporate world.

These simple metaphors reflect how much thought goes into making complex concepts relatable—a skill they’ve mastered through their profession.

Battling stereotypes from the start

Growing up, the panelists faced society’s biases head-on. From comments about the “limitations” of women to perceived gender roles, their paths were forged with determination.

• Jayanthi grew up in a supportive household but overheard remarks like “Oh, two daughters?” That fueled her drive to break stereotypes.
• Sujata G. hailed from a modest background and faced criticism when her parents sent her for further studies, defying traditional expectations.
• Sarma grew up in a joint family, inspired by her uncle’s professional success but well aware of societal assumptions about women.

Their stories highlight how early experiences shape the resolve to succeed, often against the odds.

Redefining career paths in chartered accountancy

From different inspirations to unique journeys, their motivations to become CAs were deeply personal:

• Jayanthi was inspired by her cousin, an all-India rank holder who excelled without formal coaching. That memory stuck, setting her on her career path by sixth grade.
• Sujata G.’s path took a detour. Initially pursuing science, she began her CA journey after marriage, juggling two kids and studies.
• Sarma admired her uncle, a CA, who managed to balance work flexibility and family, proving that both worlds can coexist.

Each story reveals the power of role models and how personal challenges shape professional ambitions.

Why women drop out of the CA pipeline

While more women are entering the CA course, fewer climb to leadership roles or build long-term careers. The reasons often tie back to life’s big events.

• The biological graph vs. career graph: Marriage, relocation, and motherhood often pull women away from work.
• The numbers speak: Of India’s 4 lakh CAs, only 25% are women, and less than 10% of practicing CAs are female.
• Support systems matter: The panelists agree—family support is often the deciding factor between career continuation and dropout.

Despite the challenges, these women prove that boundaries can be pushed when support systems are in place.

Workplace bias: The subtle and not-so-subtle

Whether it’s hiring biases or clients doubting their expertise, each panelist shared moments that prove equality is still a work in progress.

• Jayanthi faced questions about her ability to handle “pressure” and late-night calls during an MNC interview because she was married. She declined the job, refusing to compromise her potential because of vague assumptions.
• Sarma shared how clients would often seek “confirmation” from a male colleague, questioning her insights despite her qualifications.

These stories reveal the importance of shifting not just policies, but also mindsets.

Mentoring the next generation

The panelists understand that their success isn’t just for them; it’s a platform to lift others, especially aspiring women accountants.

• Sarma’s advice to parents: Let your daughters focus on their careers before rushing into marriage.
• Sujata G.’s view: Marriage doesn’t have to wait—education and careers can restart when priorities align.
• Jayanthi’s approach: Her firm offers flexible roles, enabling women to work remotely during life transitions like marriage or relocation.

Encouraging young women to explore, persevere, and adapt is at the heart of their mentoring efforts.

Bridging the gap with empathy

In leadership, women bring unique strengths to the table. Empathy and flexibility, for instance, allow them to connect deeply with their teams.

• Jayanthi’s leadership mantra: Creating inclusive environments at work builds long-term loyalty and trust. Flexible work options helped her retain key talents through life transitions.
• Sujata G.’s stance: Women leaders nurture emotional bonds, making teams collaborative and resilient.

As more women rise to leadership positions, they hold the power to create workplaces that work with people, not against them.

Empowering women at every stage

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has launched initiatives aimed at helping women succeed.

• Maternity concessions: Women CAs on maternity leave are exempt from mandatory training requirements during that period.
• Flexibility programs: Job portals now connect women with remote or flexible work opportunities that fit their needs.

These steps ensure women can prioritize both family and careers without having to choose one.

Using their influence for impact

Each panelist has ambitious goals to create a better future for the next generation of female accountants:

• Sujata G helps economically disadvantaged students pursue CA, with several now well-established professionals.
• Sarma aims to attract more women into the CA profession and encourage them to actively lead. She recently became the third female chairperson of her branch, blazing a trail with her efforts.
• Jayanthi leads diversity efforts at her firm and supports education initiatives for underprivileged girls. Her team is proving that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword but a practice.

Their efforts show how influential women can use their platforms to drive real change.

Looking ahead

Change is slower than it should be, with experts estimating 100+ years for true gender parity. Nonetheless, these women continue to break barriers, support their peers, and help redefine success on their terms.

Chartered accountancy, like life, requires balance. It takes strong leadership, empathy, and the ability to overcome biases. These women remind us that while challenges persist, so do opportunities for growth—and they’re leading the way for the next generation.

So, let’s count her in. And better yet, let’s make sure she stays. Women’s voices, perspectives, and leadership are not extras; they’re necessities for building stronger businesses, families, and communities.

What steps will you take today to uplift the women around you?