When I became an accountant and a business owner, I never aspired to be a business owner. So that was the first leadership that I really had. And then since that time, I’ve really been able to build my business to a point where now I’m aiming to contribute about 20% of my time to giving back to the community. It keeps me really connected with other professionals, the community, and even outside the accounting and finance space, using the skills I have developed to lead in that way.

– Kyelie Baxter (FCPA), Managing Director at IQ Accountants

In this special episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I moderated a global panel discussion at the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore. I was joined by Kyelie Baxter (IQ Accountants), Uthaya Ponnusamy (RSM Singapore), and Magdalene Ang (R Chan & Associates, ACCA Singapore Chair) for a panel session I moderated called “Influence, Integrity and Impact: Navigating the Reality of Women Leading in Accounting”.

Together we explored:

✅ Career journeys and leadership pivots

✅ Building confidence and personal brand (hello USP!)

✅ Ethics vs. earnings — where we draw the line

✅ Mentoring, connection and navigating invisible barriers

✅ Creating influence with integrity and making an impact

Listen if you’re looking for insight, inspiration, or real-world stories from women reshaping leadership in accounting.

Highlights

• [0:03:12] Panellist introductions: Kyelie Baxter describes her path in public practice and giving back to the community.
• [0:04:51] Magdalene Ang introduces herself, sharing her various personal and professional roles, and thoughts on why she chose finance.
• [0:07:30] Uthaya Ponnusamy introduces her career path, the importance of mentors, and growth in accounting.
• [0:09:20] Heather Smith talks about her experience as a content creator and brings up the importance of engaging communication “edutainment”.
• [0:11:21] Panel shares unique selling propositions (USPs): Importance of sincerity, adaptability, and simply being oneself.
• [0:15:53] Strategies for leadership and confidence: Kyelie emphasises process, planning, and mentorship; others agree on adaptability, team strengths, and mentorship.
• [0:19:52] Communication skills and influence: Tips for circling influence and using collaboration to break barriers. Female-specific challenges are discussed.
• [0:26:36] Ethics and earning: Panel shares anecdotes about professional and ethical dilemmas, the importance of integrity, saying “no”, and transparency with clients.
• [0:32:52] Overcoming assumptions: Kyelie and the panel share stories of being underestimated as young women, facing imposter syndrome, and building support networks.
• [0:38:12] Final takeaways: Each panellist shares a key message—foundation of values, importance of mentors, integrity, and empowering others.
• [0:41:15] Panel session closes; appreciation for attendees and encouragement to continue the conversation.