Resources For Women In Finance: Expert Career Support

The finance sector is set to grow 7% in the next 10 years, with 980,200 jobs opening each year¹. Women make up 46% of finance jobs but only 15% of top positions¹. Despite progress, there are still hurdles to overcome. Luckily, many resources exist to support women in finance, like professional groups, mentorships, and learning opportunities.

100 Women in Finance (100WF) is a global group aiming to empower women in finance. Their “Vision 30/40” plan wants women to hold 30% of senior roles by 2040¹. With over 600 volunteers worldwide¹, 100WF works with companies to boost women’s presence in finance and leadership¹. Their financial reports for 2021 and 2022 are available, showing their financial health¹.

Key Takeaways

The finance sector is expected to grow 7% over the next 10 years, with about 980,200 job openings annually.
Women hold 46% of financial sector jobs but only 15% of executive positions, indicating a gender gap in representation and pay.
Initiatives like 100 Women in Finance (100WF) aim to empower women in the industry and increase their representation in senior roles.
100WF has over 600 active volunteers and collaborates with corporate sponsors to support women in finance and leadership positions.
The organization’s financial information is available in the Form 990 filings, providing transparency on their activities.

Introduction to Women in Finance

The finance world has been mostly men, but women are changing this. Female finance professionals are working hard to bring more gender diversity in finance. Despite progress, women still face many obstacles, like biases and less access to money and mentors.

Overview of the Current Landscape

A McKinsey study found that 52% of women in tech and finance struggle to move up². Feeling important and part of the team is key to doing well and staying. Yet, women are still not seen in top roles or paid fairly.

Significance of Representation

The digital world offers chances for women to earn money and get services like credit and insurance³. But, women own less of this digital world, which limits their power³. It’s important to break down barriers that stop women from making choices and controlling their money³.

Groups like 100 Women in Finance work with companies, nonprofits, and schools to help young women². They focus on introducing, educating, and connecting women to the finance world².

The finance world is still working on being more diverse, but there’s hope²³. Thanks to groups and people pushing for change, a fairer future is possible²³.

Educational Programs and Scholarships

Women looking for financial education and career support have many resources available. Girl Develop It offers software development workshops for women and non-binary individuals⁴. These programs teach technical skills and create a supportive community for women in finance and tech.

Scholarships and grants help women pursue their finance dreams. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) offers scholarships and educational resources for women in tech fields like fintech⁴. The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) also provides scholarships for women studying accounting and finance⁵.

Notable Institutions Offering Support

The EFWA Women in Transition Scholarship gives up to $16,000 over four years for female students in accounting⁴.
The EFWA Women in Need Scholarship awards $2,000 per year for two years to female students in their sophomore year of accounting⁴.
The EFWA Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) scholarship offers $2,000, a one-year student membership, and CMA entrance exam fees for women in accounting⁴.
The EFWA Moss Adams Foundation Scholarship gives $1,000 for one year to minority women or those returning to school for junior, senior, or graduate studies⁴.
The EFWA Michele L Mcdonald Memorial scholarship provides $1,000 for women returning to college from the workforce or raising children to study accounting⁴.

Scholarship Opportunities for Women

There are many other scholarship opportunities for women in finance. The AAUW American Fellowship offers $6,000-$30,000 for women conducting research or completing dissertations⁴. The AAUW Career Development Grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 for women advancing their careers⁴. The AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships provide $5,000-$18,000 for women pursuing degrees in programs with low female enrollment⁴.

These scholarships help women overcome financial barriers in finance careers. They show the growing support for women’s financial empowerment⁶. By using these resources, women can make big strides in their financial and professional goals⁴.

“Investing in the education and financial literacy of women is crucial for empowering them to make informed decisions and achieve financial independence.”

Networking Opportunities for Women in Finance

Women are making great strides in finance, and finding supportive networks is key⁷. Groups like Women in Fintech and Women Who Tech host events and share news to help female finance professionals succeed⁸. The Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) also offers career growth and networking for women in finance.

Professional Associations to Join

Women in Fintech – Connecting women in the rapidly evolving financial technology sector
Women Who Tech – Supporting and empowering women in the tech and finance industries
Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) – Offering career resources and networking for women in accounting and finance

Conferences Worth Attending

⁷ The 100 Women in Finance held its 12th Annual Hong Kong Gala, raising over HKD 3 million for the 100 Women in Finance Hong Kong Foundation⁷. Cindy Yan, Senior Managing Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, won the 100 Women in Finance APAC Industry Leadership Award⁷. The 100 Women in Finance Milan Committee also has events planned for Q4 2024 in Milan, offering chances to network, learn, and grow.

Online Networking Platforms

⁸ Online platforms and webinars also connect women’s finance networks. Webinars with KPMG cover topics like networking, elevating female talent, and mentorship⁸. These webinars are short, lasting from 19 to 25 minutes, helping women use technology and financial strategies to add value to their work.

Name	Focus	Description
Shelley A. Svoren	Start-up Businesses and Investors	CEO and Founder of Infinite Branches, works with start-up businesses and investors to build sustainable organizations within the global aviation industry⁷.
Sadia Wern-Sukhera	Investment Expertise	CEO of Vertevis Capital Partners GmbH, brings over two decades of distinguished experience in the finance sector, particularly in investment⁷.
Courtney Hutchison	Impact Investment Consulting	CEO and Founder of Hutch Impact Advisors, operates an impact investment consulting firm serving venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds⁷.

Mentorship Programs

In the fast-paced world of finance, mentorship can really help women advance in their careers⁹. The WPFN (Women’s Public Finance Network) Mentorship Program is a great resource for women in finance⁹. It pairs experienced mentors with ambitious mentees, offering the support needed to succeed in the industry.

Finding a Mentor in Finance

Finding a mentor can change a woman’s career in finance. The WPFN Mentorship Program connects women in public and private finance, helping them build strong relationships⁹. Mentors and mentees can be in different states, using GFOA’s network for calls or online meetings⁹. The program lasts a year, but mentors and mentees can keep in touch longer if they want⁹.

Women Mentorship Initiatives

Other groups are also helping women in women in finance careers. VersaFi, a top financial services firm, has mentored over 1,000 women¹⁰. Their program shows how important mentoring is, with 75% of private sector leaders saying it’s key for their growth¹⁰. Also, 77% of companies with mentoring see better employee retention and performance¹⁰.

VersaFi’s program helps women at all career levels, with programs for both new and experienced professionals¹⁰. Women in these programs say mentoring has greatly helped their growth, both personally and professionally¹⁰.

Women in finance can find great mentorship through programs like WPFN and VersaFi’s⁹¹⁰. These opportunities help women learn from experienced professionals, build skills, and feel more confident in their careers.

Career Development Workshops

In finance, women are making great strides, but there’s still work to achieve true gender parity. Luckily, many career development workshops and training programs are available. They aim to empower women and help them advance in the industry¹¹.

Skills Development Workshops

These workshops focus on building essential financial skills. They cover topics like financial modeling, Excel, and leadership. This way, women get the tools they need to excel in their careers¹¹.

The average salary for jobs with a computer science degree is $78,214¹¹. The job outlook for computer and information technology occupations is expected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031¹¹. This makes these skills very valuable in finance.

Leadership Training Sessions

Many workshops also focus on leadership development. They cover communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking. This equips participants with the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles¹².

Women hold over 32% of senior management roles in mid-market businesses. The number of companies with female CEOs or managing directors has risen from 15% in 2019 to 28%¹².

Organizations like the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) lead in providing these resources to women in finance¹². The AFWA has 57 chapters nationwide and offers scholarships for those entering accounting and finance¹². Their Women Who Count Conference brings together over 200 professionals annually, offering insights and CPE credits¹².

By investing in their professional development, women in finance can unlock new possibilities. This can lead to greater representation and success in the industry¹¹. The finance sector is expected to grow by 7% over the next 10 years, creating about 980,200 job openings annually¹¹. This makes it a great time for women to take advantage of these workshops.

Online Learning Resources

In today’s world, online learning is key for women wanting to learn more about money. These sites offer courses on finance, accounting, and more. They help women learn and grow in the finance world.

Top Websites Offering Financial Courses

Websites like Discover Accounting and Cue Career give info on finance jobs and online courses. For example, Healthy Rich offers financial education for just $7 a month. HerMoney has a $395 course called Finance Fixx to help women manage their money.

Recommended Podcasts for Women in Finance

Podcasts like The Millennial Money Woman and WIFE.org share tips on money and success. They talk about making a million dollars and being financially free. These shows inspire and teach women to reach their money goals.

They give women the power to control their finances and open up new chances for success.

“Financial education gives individuals personal control over money and other financial resources, allowing them to make informed financial decisions confidently.”¹³

Groups like the National Endowment for Financial Education and Women’s Institute for Financial Education provide lots of financial learning tools. They help women become financially smart and independent¹³.

Financial Literacy Resources

Helping women in finance means they need to know about personal finance. Luckily, there are many resources out there. These include books, financial planning tools, and apps. They aim to give women the knowledge and confidence to handle their money wisely.

Books That Empower Women in Finance

Books are great guides for women in personal finance. “Women & Money” by Suze Orman, “The Latte Factor” by David Bach, and “The Financial Diet” by Chelsea Fagan are some examples. They cover topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. This helps women take charge of their financial future¹⁴.

Financial Planning Tools and Apps

There are also many tools and apps to help women manage their money. Apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), and Personal Capital help with budgeting, tracking expenses, and investing. They make it easier for women to keep track of their finances¹⁵.

For a more personal touch, tools like those from MsMoney offer advice on saving, investing, and retirement planning. They focus on women’s financial needs¹⁴.

“Empowering women to take control of their financial future is crucial for achieving financial independence and security.”

Resource	Key Features
Mint	Budgeting, expense tracking, credit monitoring
YNAB (You Need a Budget)	Budgeting, goal-setting, debt management
Personal Capital	Investment management, retirement planning, wealth tracking

By using these resources, women can learn and grow. They gain the skills and confidence to make smart money decisions. This helps secure their financial futures¹⁵.

Work-Life Balance Support

For women in finance careers and female finance professionals, finding a good work-life balance is key. It’s tough to balance work needs with personal life, but there are ways to make it work. There are strategies and resources out there to help.

Companies with Family-Friendly Policies

Some finance companies are now focusing on supporting their employees’ work-life balance. They offer things like flexible work hours, lots of parental leave, and even childcare at work¹⁶. For example, 88% of people want to work from home to improve their balance¹⁶.

Work-Life Balance Strategies

Women in finance talk about the need for planning, being open, and keeping things in perspective. They say things like setting priorities, drawing clear lines, and using support systems help manage time and duties¹⁶. In fact, 28% of those working from home part-time might look for a new job if they have to go back to the office full-time¹⁶.

By using these strategies and taking advantage of family-friendly policies, women in finance careers and female finance professionals can do well in their jobs and have a happy personal life too.

“Preparation, transparency, and maintaining perspective are key to achieving work-life balance as a woman in finance. It’s about prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and leveraging support systems to create a sustainable career and personal life.”

– Morgan Stanley Professional

Work-Life Balance Challenges for Women in Finance	Strategies for Improvement
Long work hours and demanding schedules Lack of flexible work arrangements Childcare and family responsibilities Gender pay gap (women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man)¹⁶ Increased turnover among women in caregiving roles¹⁶	Negotiate flexible schedules and remote work options Utilize family-friendly policies offered by employers Seek out mentorship and support networks Prioritize self-care and work-life balance activities Advocate for equal pay and advancement opportunities

By tackling these challenges and using smart solutions, women in finance careers and female finance professionals can succeed in their careers and enjoy their personal lives¹⁶¹⁷.

Success Stories to Inspire

The financial world was once dominated by men, but women are now making their mark. The AFWA’s Women of Influence program shares the stories of these trailblazers. They show diverse career paths and offer insights for those starting in finance.

Profiles of Influential Women in Finance

Catherine Wood’s ARK Innovation ETF was named the best ETF of the year in 2018. This shows her success in the financial market¹⁸. Abigail Johnson’s company, Fidelity Investments, managed over seven trillion dollars in 2019. This highlights her significant influence and success¹⁸.

Muriel Siebert was the first woman on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 1967. She later became the chief banker of New York State in 1977. She managed around $500 billion and ensured no banks went bankrupt under her leadership. This shows her strong financial skills and crisis management¹⁸.

In 2020, U.S. companies hired a record number of CFOs. By August 2020, 90 women held the CFO role at S&P 500 and Fortune 500 companies¹⁹. Dhivya Suryadevara was named in Forbes ’40 Under 40′ in 2015 and 2018. She was also recognized as one of Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance in 2020¹⁹.

Kathy Willard has been the CFO of Live Nation Entertainment since 2007. Zita Cobb founded the Shorefast Foundation to revitalize Fogo Island and Newfoundland and Labrador¹⁹.

Lessons Learned from Their Journeys

These women in finance have faced and overcome many challenges. Their stories teach us the value of continuous learning, building strong networks, and embracing challenges. Their success shows what can be achieved with dedication, resilience, and a passion for finance.

Women still face obstacles in finance, but these pioneers have paved the way. Their achievements show that hard work, determination, and excellence can lead to success in finance²⁰. These women have not only achieved success but have also inspired and empowered others to pursue their financial dreams²⁰.

Name	Accomplishments	Impact
Catherine Wood	ARK Innovation ETF named best ETF of the year in 2018	Showcased success in the financial market
Abigail Johnson	Fidelity Investments managed over $7 trillion in assets in 2019	Demonstrated significant influence and success in the industry
Muriel Siebert	First woman to earn a seat on the NYSE in 1967; Became chief banker of New York State in 1977, overseeing $500 billion	Broke significant barriers and showcased financial acumen and crisis management skills
Dhivya Suryadevara	Named in Forbes ’40 Under 40′ in 2015 and 2018; Recognized as one of Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance in 2020	Highlighted as a rising star and influential leader in the finance industry
Kathy Willard	CFO of Live Nation Entertainment since 2007	Demonstrated long-term success and stability in a senior finance role
Zita Cobb	Founded the Shorefast Foundation to revitalize Fogo Island and Newfoundland and Labrador	Showcased entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community development

These women’s financial empowerment stories inspire and motivate aspiring female financial advisors. They show what can be achieved with hard work and a passion for finance. We aim to empower the next generation of women leaders in finance¹⁸¹⁹²⁰.

Conclusion: Empowering Women in Finance

The future of women in finance is bright. The industry is starting to see the value and perspectives women bring. With more women in the mix, companies can grow and succeed in new ways.

By supporting education and mentorship, women can reach their full potential. This helps them grow in their careers. It’s a win-win for everyone.

How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

You can help by joining groups like the Accounting MOVE Project²¹. They work to get more women in finance. You can also be a mentor to help others grow.

Going to industry events and online groups can also help. It’s a great way to meet people and find new opportunities.

The Future of Women in Finance

The future for women in finance is looking good. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, women will have more chances to lead. They’ll help shape the industry’s future²².

By supporting women’s financial knowledge, they can make better choices. This helps the economy grow and brings new ideas to finance²¹. Women’s unique views can lead to success for everyone.

FAQ

What is the current state of women in the finance industry?

The finance sector is growing fast, with 7% growth over 10 years and 980,200 jobs opening each year. Women make up 46% of finance jobs but only 15% of top positions. Despite progress, there’s still a long way to go.

What challenges do women face in pursuing finance careers?

Women in finance deal with biases, stereotypes, and less access to capital and mentors. A McKinsey study found 52% of women in tech/finance struggle to move up. Feeling valued is key to staying and doing well in their jobs.

What educational resources are available for women in finance?

Women in finance can find help through groups like Girl Develop It, which offers coding workshops. Scholarships and grants help women in finance careers. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) also offers resources and leadership chances.

What professional organizations and networking opportunities exist for women in finance?

Groups like Women in Fintech and Women Who Tech host events and share news and resources. The Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) helps with career growth and networking. Online events and platforms connect women in finance.

How can women in finance find and leverage mentorship opportunities?

Mentorship is key for finance careers. Attract Retain Advance (ARA) offers mentorship for women in tech and finance. A good mentor can offer valuable advice and support.

What career development workshops are available for women in finance?

Workshops cover skills like financial modeling and leadership. Robert Half shares insights on finance trends and skills. The AFWA Career Center has tools for job searching and career growth.

What online learning resources are available for women in finance?

Online platforms teach finance, accounting, and more. Sites like Discover Accounting and Cue Career share career paths in finance. Podcasts with successful women in finance offer advice and motivation.

What financial literacy resources are available for women in finance?

Resources include books, tools, and apps for financial empowerment. The Robert Half Salary Guide helps with salary information. Wall Street Oasis provides salary guides and financial modeling resources.

How can women in finance achieve work-life balance?

Work-life balance is essential for women in finance. Prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and use support systems. Some companies offer family-friendly policies to help balance work and life.

Where can I find success stories and profiles of influential women in finance?

AFWA’s Women of Influence program showcases successful women in finance. These profiles offer insights and diverse career paths for aspiring finance professionals.