Generally speaking, what would you say the environment is like for women working in the tax industry?
Historically, taxation has been a male-dominated industry, but I do notice a trend of more and more women opting for a career in tax. I believe that the tax industry offers equal opportunities in terms of education and academic achievements for both women and men. However, unfortunately, few women make it to top positions in law firms and accountancy firms. In the past few years the gender gap movement has raised awareness with regards to this matter and actions have started to be taken to address this imbalance, by implementing real commitments to fair talent recognition and increased discussions in the public space.
How would you say that compares to related industries such as law and finance, as well as with the wider business world?
Even though there is an increase in women's interest in a career in tax, if compared to other areas of law, taxation still has room to grow. Women tend to favour other practice areas, such as company law, family law or litigation. On the other hand, the finance industry, I believe, is very similar to taxation. Generally speaking, no matter the industry, the number of women that set ambitious career goals is rising.
What are the unique challenges women face in entering the tax industry, advancing in it and being able to choose a career development path best suited to their needs?
To pursue a career in taxation you need to be dedicated, meticulous, creative and I would also add ambitious. Particularly, nowadays, a career in taxation would entail dedicating time to keep up with all new changes locally, at the EU level and internationally. Working in tax also means that one needs to consistently deliver quality, relevant and practical advice and sometimes face tight deadlines and long working hours. Some women find this challenging, especially when starting a family and having young children. I myself have two young children and, even though sometimes it can be a demanding journey, if you are determined, effective, good at time management and focused one can manage to find a balance between a family and having a successful career. Speaking about myself, my children gave me the energy to further pursue my career. On top of that I want to set an example to my daughter that she can have both a successful career and be an on-the-spot mother to her children.
While figures suggest a parity between men and women – or perhaps even a majority of women – entering the industry at the lowest level, that figure skews heavily towards men as you rise in seniority, with men being four times more likely to occupy a senior role. What are the reasons for this disparity in your opinion and what steps could be taken to help redress the balance?
As mentioned above, a young lawyer or accountant may be brilliant at her job, sharp, focused and meticulous. However, when women start a family, they tend to shift their priorities and prefer opting for reduced working hours to care for their children. In such cases, their male counterparts are often more able to take over on big projects and client deadlines because of their greater availability. The key, I believe, is given by flexible working conditions, employers' support and benefits tailored to the needs of the modern female professionals, such as full-time nurseries at the workplace for mothers, flexible working hours, working from home opportunities and good childcare leave conditions. In my case, flexible working conditions helped me persevere further in my career, whilst also focusing on my family.
Do you think the industry as a whole (i.e. employers, regulators, industry bodies, etc.) collectively does enough to help women come into and rise in the sector?
There is a collective effort to help women pursue a career, coming not only from regulators and policymakers. I've noticed an encouraging bottom-up approach initiated by a number of employers at different levels in the industry. I encourage women to openly communicate with their employer to find the best solutions that address their concerns and priorities. If they are focused and give their utmost at work, employers would be very happy to accommodate them. Companies are aware of the role that talent acquisition as well as retention play in the path to success and strive to respond to the needs of valuable employees. Moreover, female professionals who prioritise both work and family life often learn to be time efficient and focused, bringing additional long-term benefits to their companies and clients.
Considering all of the above, how would you say the situation for women working in tax has changed over the last 10-20 years?
There is a clearly visible increasing interest by women in the industry and a redefinition of the ratio between genders. Taxation is no longer perceived as a man's world. Perceptions will continue to change and hopefully the figures regarding senior roles will also evolve, with more women taking the lead in the workforce. Social behaviour changes have also had a big impact in reshaping the taxation industry, with young adults starting a family later than previous generations, offering them more opportunities to climb the career ladder.
Are there any groups or employers you could identify as being ahead of the curve in terms of helping women advance in the tax space?
I think there are no particular groups or employers that are ahead of the curve. Forward-thinking employers from across a wide spectrum of industries and firm sizes can indeed fit this label, so long as they understand the importance of valuable employee retention, find solutions and offer flexible working conditions that empower women to take the lead and advance in the tax space.
What are the best lessons all employers in the tax industry could learn to help women advance in the sector?
Flexibility is key. Women who have a passion for their career and want to strive in the tax industry would appreciate their employer's flexibility. Not only will they be able to rise in their career but it would also encourage them to be even more determined and dedicated at their job.
If you had one piece of advice for a young woman looking to develop a career as a tax practitioner, what would it be?
Do not be afraid to pursue a career in tax. In tax one must have an eye for detail, be sharp, creative and meticulous – all these are traits that a female professional would strive in. Most important is that a woman can both have a successful career in taxation and have a family. You will be surprised how time management and determination can help both your career and family life. And finally, speak up and ask for help and solutions. If you are dedicated and good at your job, a change will be made.
