Jessica Bailey

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we’ve taken over Hannah’s profile to ask her for the advice she would give to women considering a career in accountancy and to find out who inspires her the most.

I’m currently studying for my ACA qualification and I’m a Semi Senior accountant at HSKSG.

What I love about my job is that it is flexible to my needs, it’s not too pressured and everyone is extremely approachable. As it is, I have a lot to juggle with my personal life and my studies.

Unfortunately, in a previous role I was shut down and belittled by management in individual and in group situations for giving an idea because I was a female. I was unable to have an opinion unlike the males in the firm. I felt the best solution at the time was to keep my head down and stay quiet.

I only overcame this when I left the firm and at that point, I realised this type of behaviour wasn’t normal.  I now ensure I speak up for myself, I will always give opinions and I always ensure that I am now treated fairly, with respect and equally to everyone else.

I would advise any woman who was considering an accountancy career to go for it, you won’t regret it. I think it’s important to have something for yourself, your own ambitions outside of being a Mum for example.

It’s a great sector to be in because it is very diverse, flexible (Hybrid working) and there are plenty of development opportunities.

Who has inspired me? I think Karren brady is an impressive woman, she encountered a lot of sexism and is a strong campaigner now in business. It’s not easy to speak up, it takes courage and bravery and I think it’s great that she’s using her position to help other women.