In celebration of International Women’s Day, our Audit Trainee, Emmeline, is the first of three SRLV staff members to share her experience of building a career as a woman in the industry, what has inspired her professionally, and her aspirations for the future.

Before joining SRLV, did you feel nervous about starting your accountancy journey in a historically male‑orientated industry?

Naturally, there was some apprehension. At university, I didn’t initially consider finance because I assumed it was dominated by men. Historically, there may have been some truth in this, and although it would never have stopped me from pursuing the profession, it meant that I felt I might need to speak a little louder to make sure I was heard. There was always that worry that you could be dismissed or underestimated, or that you wouldn’t be seen as confident or capable as your male counterparts.

Before SRLV, I had a particularly bad interview experience elsewhere which really knocked me. The interviewer stopped me ten minutes in and made comments about how nervous I seemed compared to confident male candidates. It was uncomfortable and it reinforced the stereotype I had feared.

My interview at SRLV was the complete opposite. I was interviewed by Karen Atkinson and Izzy Stanley, two incredibly strong women who made me feel empowered and valued. They listened, encouraged and respected what I had to say. It was a very positive experience and a real contrast to what I had encountered previously.

Can you share any moments or experiences that have shaped your perspective as a woman in accountancy?

My SRLV interview reshaped my outlook. It showed me that the environment you step into matters hugely. We have strong female leaders across the firm, especially in audit. Seeing women like Linda Botha, Karen Atkinson and Olga Sibanda achieving so much in a field that hasn’t always welcomed women is incredibly inspiring.

Even though we now work in a much more inclusive era, it is still encouraging to see women in senior roles who paved the way despite greater challenges. That representation genuinely makes a difference.

I have always felt respected within the audit team. Both the men and women I work with value everyone’s input equally. Your gender or background doesn’t affect how your voice is received, which is exactly how it should be.

What is your experience of diversity and inclusivity in the office?

SRLV is a very diverse firm, and this is visible at all levels. You can look at the managers, directors and partners and see someone who reflects your background or experience, which is important because it shows there is no glass ceiling here.

Opportunities are available to everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from. You are encouraged and supported based on your ability and contribution, not your identity.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in accountancy?

Don’t be put off by the assumption that accountancy is just for men: it isn’t. Women bring different perspectives to their work, and those differences are real strengths.

Trust your instincts when choosing a firm and find somewhere you feel valued. My earlier interview experience taught me what the wrong environment looks like, but SRLV showed me what the right one feels like.

Don’t let your interpretation of male confidence influence your decisions. When I started, I assumed everyone knew exactly what they were doing. The truth is that all trainees (men and women alike) are learning from scratch. Confidence often comes later, so don’t doubt yourself before you’ve even begun. Focus on finding a place that will support you, nurture you and recognise your potential.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations within the profession?

I feel lucky to be living in a time where I can see strong female business leaders everywhere, through podcasts, social media and in my day‑to‑day work. That visibility is inspiring. For previous generations of women, achieving their career aspirations wouldn’t have been so easy to imagine.

I’m also inspired by our female clients. Many of them are finance directors, managers or CFOs. They started out exactly where I am now, and they’ve built amazing careers while often juggling additional challenges, including motherhood. Their achievements show what is possible.

Within the firm, I look up to the women in our audit team who consistently demonstrate their expertise. They review my work, provide guidance and show me what strong leadership looks like. Seeing their success encourages me to believe that I can reach those heights too.

Equality at SRLV

As of January 2026, SRLV’s staff is made up of 51.5% women and 48.5% men. We remain committed to ensuring that every individual has equal access to opportunities at every stage of their career. Recruitment, training and progression at SRLV are based solely on skills, capability and experience – never on gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, nationality, beliefs, age, disability or any other personal attribute.

Read Emmeline’s full testimonial here.

We are always looking for unique and talented individuals to join our team. Visit our careers page to explore our full list of current opportunities.