As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to acknowledge and highlight the achievements of women in various industries. With this in mind, we take the chance to connect with Li Qian, our Head of Finance who has made significant strides in her career to share her experiences as a woman in finance, the challenges she has faced and overcome, and provide a valuable insights and advice for young women interested in pursuing a career in finance.
About
Hello everyone! I am Liqian. I am the Finance Manager in Elitez and this year marks my 8th year with the group.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?
After two and a half years of working in the retail industry, I decided to further my education. I chose Accountancy as my major because I enjoy numbers and mathematics. I pursued a part-time degree while beginning my career with Elitez. Upon completion of my degree, I was selected for CPA Australia’s scholarship program. As a result, I decided to continue my education and completed all six professional accounting papers. Elitez has been very supportive of my personal development and learning, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned at work. I find the job to be quite interesting and challenging, and I hope to continue working in this field.
What your story in Elitez, and how did you get to where you are today?
Well when I first joined Elitez, there was no finance team within the organization as our accounts are outsourced to another accounting firm.
As the company grew, the number of salespeople and the volume of transactions increased significantly.As a result, we decided not only to bring the accounts back in-house, but also to expand our team both locally and internationally. We also began to hire people to work remotely for us. This allows the company to reduce its support team’s overhead costs. I began my career as a Finance Executive, now eight years later, I am a team manager in charge of about 12 members of the finance team.
I do have my own set of challenges over the years, just like everyone else, but Elitez provided excellent learning opportunities for me to develop my problem-solving skills as well as my understanding of how to attract and retain talent. And I’d also like to give a special thanks to my team, who have always been there for me and are crucial to my success.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in finance and how did you overcome them?
In your opinion, how important is it to have gender diversity and inclusivity in the finance industry, and why?
What has been your greatest achievement at Elitez Group?
One of my greatest achievements is having witnessed and contributed to my team members’ growth. They always go above and beyond what I expected like a family, and that is very heartwarming. I still find it hard to believe that I build this dream team! The turnover rate for my staff is low. Believe it or not, besides myself, another team member had worked here for more than 6 years!
How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?
My approach involves engaging with colleagues through meaningful conversations to understand their work-life balance and offer guidance on career paths and personal financial planning.
Additionally, I contribute to the company’s success by providing recommendations on financial matters and assisting business unit leaders in financial reviews, budgeting, and planning. This dual focus allows me to support individual growth while also contributing to the overall financial health and strategic direction of the organization.
Lastly, how can employers work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone?
I believe creating a more equitable and inclusive future in our industry starts with rethinking our recruitment strategies. It’s about giving everyone a fair shot, not just those with prestigious degrees or certifications. Attitude and potential should weigh just as heavily. Moreover, within the company, it’s crucial to provide opportunities tailored to individual needs and aspirations. That means clear communication, flexible career paths, and ample training resources for everyone. Mentorship programs can also play a pivotal role, especially for minority employees. Connecting them with senior leaders who share similar backgrounds can provide invaluable guidance and support, making their learning experiences more relevant and impactful. Ultimately, by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can build a stronger and more vibrant community for all.
Reflecting on Liqian’s inspiring journey in finance reminds us of the power of perseverance and ambition. As you contemplate your own organization’s growth and development, consider how our range of services, from HR support to outsourcing solutions, can propel your business forward. Let’s embark on this journey together. Contact us today to explore how we can tailor our services to meet your unique needs and goals.
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