ICAS Members win Women in Accountancy and Finance awards
ICAS is delighted to congratulate three CAs on receiving Women in Accountancy and Finance awards.
Saira Choudhry CA, Elizabeth Gammie CA and Deepti Vohra CA all took home awards at this year’s ceremony.
The Women in Accountancy and Finance Awards honour the inspiring achievements of women across all segments of accountancy and also help shape the discussion around how we can improve diversity within the sector as we highlight some of the most forward-thinking initiatives.
The awards aim to help move the diversity agenda forward, especially for women, as there are still many issues to be addressed and challenges to overcome.
Saira Choudhry CA, PwC, winner of Role Model of the Year - Practice (National and Global)
Saira is an audit partner in PwC's Asset and Wealth Management practice based in London, where she leads on their real assets audit practice.
Saira is passionate about improving inclusion and diversity in the workplace and is a Colourbrave advocate in her audit practice, driving forward the diversity agenda and encouraging people to have conversations about race. She is also an active committee member of Real Estate Balance, an industry organisation committed to addressing diversity challenges in the industry.
What the judges said: “Saira's energy and commitment to bringing awareness and change around the inclusion agenda coupled with her own career success is inspirational and it is clear from the testimonials that she is having a positive impact on those surrounding her.”
Saira said: “It means a huge amount to me to have won this award as I know from my own experience the impact that having positive role models can have. I would like more junior people in the industry to be able to look ahead of them and see people that they can aspire to who come from a wide range of backgrounds and demonstrate behaviours and ways of working that are inspirational.”
Elizabeth Gammie CA, Aberdeen Business School, winner of Leader of the Year - Business and Public Sector
Having qualified as a CA in 1983, Elizabeth joined RGU in 1986. In 2016 she was promoted to Head of Aberdeen Business School, where she has subsequently led transformational change, leading to a variety of awards and accreditations.
Elizabeth has contributed to the development of the future generation of accountants and the diversity of the profession by designing and leading an innovative Accounting and Finance degree which generates graduates who are highly sought after by the profession, achieve outstanding professional exam passes and have accelerated careers. She’s also been on various ICAS Boards and designed a Graduate Apprenticeship in Accounting in collaboration with ICAS and ACCA.
Elizabeth has also produced research work on gender issues within the accountancy profession, funded by ICAS, which continues to receive attention and she regularly speaks at events.
Elizabeth said: “I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of my educational leadership. I am extremely proud of what Aberdeen Business School has achieved in recent years and it is a pleasure to work with such a committed and enthusiastic group of individuals in the school.”
Deepti Vohra CA, PwC, Female Diversity Champion of the Year
Deepti joined PwC in 2003 as a graduate and was made a partner at the firm in July 2019. Originally born in India, gender equality is a subject Deepti is keen to tackle. She has championed PwC’s support for HeforShe and invited many male colleagues to make pledges to help combat inequality. Deepti also mentors women both within and outside the firm.
Congratulations to all three winners.