08 March 2022
International Women's Day
We have interviewed our colleague Clare, Tax Manager at Haines Watts Edinburgh, who is a source of inspiration and motivation for her perseverance, work and passion. Clare tells us about her reasons for celebrating International Women's Day.
Tell us about your professional career
I was a late starter to accountancy. I got my first job at 31 where I started as a VAT assistant. I knew early on that I wanted to study for my professional exams. I chose the ACCA route and qualified in 2017. Having joined my first Firm in 2008 I progressed to the role of Associate Director. In late 2019, I felt that the time was right to move on and started my position with Haines Watts as Tax Manager. I have always enjoyed the tax aspects of my work and wanted to focus on this fully and continue my studies in tax.
What do you think makes International Women's Day so important?
While we have come a long way, it is a reminder that there are many women across the world who face struggles in education, in the workplace, also in many other parts of life.
International Women's Day is an opportunity to remind us that these struggles continue and despite there being a long journey ahead for many, it gives hope that there are improvements being made along the road to equality.
The theme of this year’s campaign is #BreakTheBias and makes us optimistic that we can achieve a gender equal world in the future.
Have you faced any barriers in your career as a woman?
I have been fortunate in my career not to have faced any barriers. However, I have often found myself to be the only female in management groups and development meetings.
Why do we need more women in leadership?
Women in leadership are role models to the younger generation. The hope would be that today’s children do not see gender as a barrier to realising their dreams.
What is the most important advice you have received?
The advice that has stuck with me is to “be yourself”. I have not changed who I am, to be accepted or to fit in.
If you can be yourself, then your confidence will grow, and in time you become less worried about what others think.
Is there a message you would like to send out to young women considering careers?
Follow your dreams! Anything is possible, you have to believe in that to achieve your goals. Take the positives from any knockbacks or setbacks, learn from them and move forward positively.
