Women in Accountancy Forum Calls for Mentorship and Leadership Growth

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) hosted the Women in Accountancy Forum on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Imperial Royale Hotel, bringing together female finance professionals to discuss mentorship, career growth, and leadership in the accounting field.

CPA Gloria Wakooba, Chairperson of the Women in Accountancy Committee, emphasised the importance of actively seeking mentorship.

“Mentorship isn’t like tomatoes in a market—you must seek it out,” she remarked. She said that through Practical Experience Training (PET), aspiring accountants gain real-world exposure, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Reflecting on her own career, she shared how excelling in financial management led to an unexpected mentorship opportunity that launched her career. “Hard work attracts the right opportunities,” she added.

Women’s Perspective in Accounting

CPA Freda Anne Namatovu, Director of Frontier Advisory Partners Limited, challenged attendees to look beyond numbers and focus on problem-solving and adaptability.

“Adding value to society is the true mark of an accountant,” she noted. She encouraged professionals to continuously learn and position themselves as strategic problem solvers in their organizations.

CPA Nancy Owino Amuge, Finance Manager at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), highlighted the persistent leadership gap in the profession.

“Women make up 44.6% of chartered accountants but only 9% of CEOs and 18% of CFOs in FTSE 350 companies. The gap is real, but so is the opportunity for change,” she stated.

She pointed out the barriers women face, including bias in hiring, work-life balance struggles, and limited leadership roles.

“We must bridge the gap through mentorship and policy changes,” she urged, citing Deloitte’s recent appointment of its first female head of audit and assurance as a step in the right direction.

Breaking Barriers in the Profession

The forum underscored the need for women to step forward and occupy leadership spaces. Attendees were encouraged to take initiative, sit at the front, and actively participate in professional spaces.

“Each time you look down on yourself, no one else will look up to you,” one speaker emphasised.

Reflecting on her journey, CPA Namatovu spoke about the three levels of professional growth in accounting: acquiring foundational knowledge, mastering analytical skills, and ultimately adding value to society.

“Being an accountant is not just about compliance; it’s about solving real problems,” she said.

The Women in Accountancy Forum served as a platform to inspire female professionals to take charge of their careers, seek mentorship, and strive for leadership positions in the accounting field.

The discussions reinforced the need for continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic thinking to drive success in the profession.