The Women in Accounting and Finance event, hosted by the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), once again showcased the power and achievements of women leaders in the field. Held at PwC's downtown Toronto office, the event was hosted by Lana Paton, Vice Chair & Managing Partner of GTA & Southwestern Ontario at PwC Canada. Lana, a committed supporter of SAF and mentor to young women who want to pursue a career in accounting and finance, also serves as Chair of SAF's Director’s Advisory Council.
This year’s event celebrated the accomplishments of female professionals in accounting and finance, offering a platform for these leaders to discuss their journeys, lessons learned, and perspectives on work-life balance. The event, focused on a panel discussion, featured four highly accomplished women in the field:
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Renee Milligan (MAcc '15), Partner, Tax Value Creation at KPMG, who shared her insights on navigating complex international tax landscapes.
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Meng Wang (BAFM '12), Founder at Our Little Treasures who discussed her journey from SAF graduate to business owner, shedding light on the resilience and adaptability needed for entrepreneurial success.
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Benita Brown (MAcc '04), Tax Partner and Private Equity & Pensions Tax Leader at PwC, who offered her expertise on managing private equity taxes and the challenges faced by women in high-stakes financial roles.
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Lucy Qi (MAcc '10), Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at OMERS, who spoke about her transition into corporate finance and her role in shaping strategic investments.
The event fostered open and honest dialogue, with panelists sharing their personal stories, including challenges in balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Many of the speakers spoke candidly about the demands of their roles, especially as working mothers in high-pressure environments. The stories and advice offered by the panelists emphasized the importance of perseverance, adaptability and support networks in achieving both personal and professional fulfillment.
The Women in Accounting and Finance event serves as an empowering platform for SAF alumni, encouraging attendees to not only celebrate their accomplishments but to continue advocating for women’s representation in accounting and finance. This annual gathering exemplifies SAF’s commitment to fostering leadership and inclusivity, inspiring the next generation of women to pursue and excel in these fields.