Celebrating Women’s History Month at IWS
Ironwood Strategies is proud to be a female-owned and operated accounting firm! We believe that when women innovate and create, everyone benefits.
We're also proud to be a part of an industry that -- believe it or not -- is female-dominated at a whopping 61.7%. That's quite a significant increase from just a few decades ago. Nonetheless, there's still a ways to go. Same with many industries, the leadership ranks lack necessary representation from women and other minorities.
This Women's History Month, we've reflected on the amazing progress we've made thus far and what changes need to happen to truly achieve full parity in accounting.
Michelle Thomas
Client & Communications Coordinator at Ironwood Strategies
Q: In the past 35 years, the number of female accountants has risen by almost 20%. As a newcomer to the Accounting world, what's your perspective on this industry that was once considered "male-dominated."
A: I got my first impression of the Accounting Industry from Barney Varmn, CPA and QuickBooks instructor in Pawnee. If you've seen Parks & Rec, you know who I'm talking about, and you likely have a similar impression of accountants — tediously boring, slightly awkward, and typically, male. But, from my experience, I can testify that those stereotypes are not true...at least not here at Ironwood. ;)
The accountants that I've had the pleasure to work with and learn from have all been trailblazing, innovative, and witty women who refuse to adhere to the status quo. From what I can tell, things are rapidly changing in this industry for the better to make the work more efficient and impactful. I have no doubt these changes directly result from the 20% increase this industry had in female accountants in the past few decades. Now, we just need to support more women into management roles so our full potential can be realized!
Lynda Tompkins
Founder and Principal at Ironwood Strategies
Q: What is your best advice for women considering becoming an accountant or opening up their own firm?
A: Everyone's advice is usually along the lines of: "Find a trusted mentor, know your ideal client, being too busy is a good problem to have, etc.!" Even I have been guilty of that last one and probably just last week.
What I wish I had heard and what many people along the way who deserve credit for these lessons have since helped me to learn: Know your value and know that you will have to be strong enough to blaze your own trail unless you want to keep doing business the way this industry has done it FOREVER. Always speak the truth and with candor, even when someone does not want to hear it. Listen for the words not being said, and take the time to understand who you are helping! Talent will be a commodity that is hard to find; duplicating yourself should be an early priority! Have the humility and confidence to surround yourself with people who know more than you, do it better than you and EMPOWER them! Doing great & meaningful work does not equal a big payday!
Lastly, when you are exhausted and don't have another hour or day in you... a client you serve will show you how trusted and valued you are to them and it will feel so damn great!
Jenn Dimeck, MBA
Partner & CIO at Four Leaf Financial & Accounting, PLLC
Q: Women make up half of all accountants and auditors in the US, but only represent 24% of partners & principals and 25% of management committees.
Why do you think it's important for more women to take on leadership roles in accounting firms?
A: Women make up just over half of the population yet are still woefully under-represented in leadership positions of most professions. As our communities are awakening to the value of diversity in all areas of life, our workplaces need to lead the charge.
As leaders in this profession, we are natural team builders. We nurture the next generation of leaders and deliver high-value, quality work with our attention to detail. Mentoring and promoting women as leaders bring balance and harmony to teams, creating synergies that deliver exceptional client value.