Carmen Cojocaru
Managing Partner at Kreston Romania | ESG Technical Director at Kreston Global ESG Advisory Committee
Jelena Mihic Munjic
Managing Director, Kreston MDM Serbia
Women in accounting
November 19, 2024
In a recent feature on women in accounting, Liza Robbins, Chief Executive of Kreston Global, Jelena Mihić Managing Director at Kreston MDM Serbia, and Carmen Cojocaru, ESG Technical Director and Managing Partner at Kreston Romania, share their perspectives on gender diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession in an article for The Accountant.
Professional milestones for women in accounting, shaped by local, regulatory, and legislative changes, mirror broader societal progress towards gender equality. Zoya Malik, editor-in-chief of International Accounting Bulletin, speaks to accounting leaders about their career journeys, the advocacy of trailblazers, and global initiatives aimed at overcoming exclusionary practices and creating opportunities for future generations of female accountants. Insights are shared by Sarah Ghosh, immediate past president of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA); Asmâa Resmouki, president of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC); Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International; Liza Robbins, CEO of Kreston Global; and Allee Bonnard, audit and assurance partner at Deloitte UK.
Pictured left to right: Liza Robbins, Jelena Mihić and Carmen Cojocaru
Liza Robbins: Gender bias
Reflecting on her career, Liza notes, “I entered the accounting industry 16 years ago, when I was appointed CEO of Morison Global. I was the second female CEO of an international group and 16 years on, I am one of four out of nearly 50 groups.” As a long-time advocate for gender diversity, Liza highlights the barriers women still face, including the challenge of balancing family and career, limited access to leadership roles, and persistent biases. “These issues can be overcome by creating more supportive and inclusive work environments, promoting flexible working conditions, and ensuring equity in advancement opportunities,” she adds.
Jelena Mihić: Resilience, adaptability, and support systems
Liza also references the experience of Jelena Mihić, Managing Director at Kreston MDM Serbia, whose career has been shaped by her roles as a woman, entrepreneur, and mother. Jelena’s approach to managing these responsibilities exemplifies resilience and adaptability. She has worked to promote a culture of shared responsibility within her firm, advocating for flexible work schedules, parental leave, and remote work options. “Her mantra is that there are no shortcuts to success: you do things properly, take the time to build a solid base, and the results will follow,” Liza observes.
On a broader scale, Liza notes that women are increasingly outpacing men in educational achievements, and businesses must adapt to attract diverse talent. “The use of remote and flexible work options, enabled by the advances of technology, support the employment of women who often need flexible working arrangements to juggle their non-work-related responsibilities,” Liza says. She stresses the importance of evolving business models that meet the needs of older women in the workforce, including phased retirement and executive coaching.
In her view, the accounting industry must position itself as a dynamic field that embraces new technologies and values empathetic leadership. “As people skills and emotional intelligence grow more important, women’s natural ability to build strong relationships will lead to greater success.”
Carmen Cojocaru: Advocating for women at all career stages
Carmen Cojocaru, ESG Technical Director and Managing Partner at Kreston Romania, also contributes to this conversation, highlighting the need for the industry to actively support women at all career stages. Carmen’s personal journey—from employee to entrepreneur while raising a family—underscores the importance of balancing work and life. In a country like post-revolution Romania, where women often had to prove themselves in ways others did not, Liza believes fostering a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and well-being will empower women to reach their full potential.
A collective vision for the future
The stories of these women collectively highlight the evolving role of women in accounting. The industry is increasingly recognising the need for flexible work environments, mentorship, and the promotion of gender diversity at all levels. However, the journey towards true equality requires continued efforts to break down barriers, both societal and structural.
As more women take on leadership roles, they not only bring fresh perspectives but also help pave the way for future generations of women in accounting. By continuing to promote inclusive practices, ensure equitable advancement opportunities, and provide robust support systems, the accounting industry can create a more diverse, dynamic, and successful future for all professionals.
To read more about Kreston Global’s UN Sustainability Goals, including gender equality, please visit our impact plan.
