Leading female professionals, business owners and executives across the finance sector have been recognised at the milestone event, which was attended by more than 800 industry participants and supporters.
Momentum Media head of events and professional development Jim Hall said the winners represent the finest professionals and leaders in Australian finance.
“Congratulations to all of the winners of the first-ever Women in Finance awards,” Mr Hall said.
“It was an amazing night, and we’re proud to elevate the achievements of these inspirational women who are not only role models for women in the financial services industry, but for the industry as a whole.
“By rewarding their hard work and dedication, and recognising the companies who have made diversity their mission, we hope to highlight the inspirational high achievers from the financial sector and recognise the rising stars of tomorrow.”
The winners of the inaugural Women in Finance Awards are:
Accountant of the Year
Jo Heighway
Deloitte
Association Leader of the Year
Kathryn Bordonaro
Commercial Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia
Bookkeeper of the Year
Diane Lucas
Direct Management
Business Development Professional of the Year
Trish Wilson
AsteronLife
Chief Executive Officer of the Year
Jan Edwards
BDCU Alliance Bank
Chief Financial Officer of the Year
Anna Harper
SocietyOne
Director of the Year
Nicky Lonergan
SV Partners
Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant of the Year
Maria Skotidas
Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting
Financial Planner/Adviser of the Year
Elle Ross
Equitem
Fintech Leader of the Year
Lisa Schutz
Verifier
Human Relations Professional of the Year
Sarah Black
SocietyOne
Innovator of the Year
Jo Heighway
Deloitte
Investment Manager of the Year
Catherine Allfrey
WaveStone Capital
Legal Counsel of the Year
Ailsa Bailey
National Australia Bank
Marketing Professional of the Year
Deirdre Boyle
AIA Australia
Mentor of the Year
Carmella Galasso
ANZ Banking Group
Mortgage and Finance Broker of the Year
Deslie Taylor
Mortgage Choice
Office Administrator of the Year
Rachael Keuning
Walsh Accountants
Principal of the Year
Tracy Kearey
Home Loan Connexion
Public Relations/Communications Professional of the Year
Bessie Hassan
finder
Regional Leader of the Year
Jan Edwards
BDCU Alliance Bank
Risk Adviser of the Year
Liz Trotter
Triple A Financial Services
SMSF Adviser of the Year
Jemma Sanderson
Cooper Partners Financial Services
Thought Leader of the Year
Alexis Cheang
Mercer
Young Leader of the Year
Marissa Schulze
Rise High Financial Solutions
Women in Finance Excellence Award
Jo Heighway
Deloitte
COMPANY AWARDS
Employer of the Year
Westpac Banking Corporation
Recruiter of the Year
Profusion Group
Women's Community Program of the Year
Women with Cents