In celebration of International Women’s Day, we sat down with Rachel Kilby, Group Financial Controller at Vizion Network, to discuss her journey into finance, the challenges she has faced, and what it means to be a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. For me, Rachel’s story really sings of the massive steps that society has made to close the gender gap and welcome women into the world of finance with more open arms – she herself admits she’s been “lucky” to have worked her way up the ladder without facing too much sexism (though ageism has played a part), compared to the paths of female generations before her. Her story is one of personal and professional resilience, confidence-building, and breaking stereotypes in the finance sector.

Career in Finance: A Route Explored

Rachel’s career in finance wasn’t planned as such. Like many, she was unsure about what she wanted to do after school. She was naturally good at maths but didn’t have a clear career direction, so after a “rebellious stage” of skipping classes, Rachel realised that the traditional academic route wasn’t for her, and so she pursued an apprenticeship in finance at 18. Her mother, who had studied for her accountancy exams while raising Rachel and her brother, provided an early glimpse into Accountancy as a career. 

Instead of following the university route, Rachel completed AAT and later ACCA qualifications while working, qualifying in 2023. She found that learning on the job suited her much better than purely academic study. Although this meant long evenings of revision after work, she valued the balance it allowed her to maintain as she gained on-the-job experience alongside her technical studies. Her journey demonstrates the value of alternative routes into finance, proving that university, or training in an Accountancy practice, are not the only pathways to success.

Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Mentorship

Confidence didn’t come naturally to Rachel in the early stages of her career. She describes herself as once being “shy and nervous,” lacking belief in her abilities. However, one of the key factors in her growth was having supportive mentors who gave her their time to teach her both technical skills but also to provide the reassurance and motivation she needed to believe in herself. This mentorship came from both male and female leaders, and played a crucial role in helping her step out of her comfort zone, take on new challenges and ultimately become the leader she is today.

Breaking the ‘Boring Accountant’ Stereotype

Rachel is determined not to fit the outdated stereotype of accountants being dull and unapproachable. She actively builds relationships across departments, ensuring that finance is seen as a collaborative and integral part of the business rather than a back-office function.

She also notices a shift in the industry, where younger finance professionals tend to be more personable and business-focused, moving away from the traditional number-crunching perception. This ability to bridge the gap between finance and the wider business is something she actively encourages in her team.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

As Rachel moved up in her career, she began to experience gender biases. She recalled a handful of experiences attending meetings where people assumed her male colleagues were the decision-makers, often overlooking her entirely (I’ll add here, though Rachel humbly didn’t make it a big deal, that these males reported into her, not the other way round.) When asked how she handles this, Rachel calmly commented that she doesn’t feel the need to openly call it out, but takes a different approach—letting her work speak for itself. By demonstrating her expertise and confidence, she quickly earns the respect she deserves.

She acknowledges that the motor industry, where she now works, is particularly male-dominated. As she’s moved up through the ranks, this has required her to be more assertive and stand her ground, something she has learned to embrace rather than shy away from. While she enjoys proving people wrong when they underestimate her, she also recognises the bigger issue—that women often have to work harder to gain the same level of respect that men receive automatically.

Interestingly, Rachel notes that she has faced age-related bias as well. Some individuals, particularly older women in interviews, have questioned her senior position due to her relatively young age. While these experiences used to frustrate her, she has now come to see them as a sign of her own success rather than a reason to doubt herself.

Building a Strong Leadership Style

Rachel’s leadership philosophy is rooted in trust, open communication, and a no-nonsense approach. When hiring, she prioritises attitude over experience, believing that technical skills can be taught, but a good work ethic and willingness to learn cannot.

Recognising how she had always preferred to “know where she stood” when learning (and still to this day), as a leader, Rachel values direct communication, both from her team and from her managers, preferring an environment where expectations and feedback are clear. This approach has helped her create a supportive and high-performing finance team. She fosters a culture of mutual respect, ensuring that her team members feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance when needed.

Despite being naturally independent, Rachel has learned that leadership is about more than just individual success—it’s about lifting others up. She takes pride in mentoring her team, many of whom had little to no prior finance experience. Watching them develop their skills and grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.

Looking Ahead: Career Progression and Work-Life Balance

With her career ambition set on becoming Finance Director in the future, Rachel is constantly seeking new challenges to keep herself engaged and learning. However, as an ambitious woman in finance, nearing a point in life where she is considering a family of her own, she is also mindful of how she might balance her career with future family life. Rachel is determined to navigate this path without compromising her ambitions. Discussing the impact that Covid had on working patterns and the mindset associated with “working from home,” we reflected that flexibility is much more accessible, to both men and women in the modern world, and shared parenthood is much easier than it has been historically – certainly a noteworthy observation when considering gender equality in the workplace.

Advice for Women in Finance

Reflecting on her journey, Rachel’s advice to her younger self—and to other women in finance—is simple:

• Be confident – Trust in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
• Find good mentors – Surround yourself with people who will push and support you.
• Stand your ground – Don’t be afraid to assert yourself in male-dominated spaces.
• Keep learning – Stay curious and keep looking for opportunities to grow.

Rachel’s story is an inspiring example of how women can break through barriers in finance. Her journey proves that with the right mindset, support, and determination, success is possible—even in the most male-dominated industries.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Rachel’s experiences serve as a reminder that progress is being made, but there is still work to do. By sharing stories like hers, we can continue to challenge outdated perceptions and create a more inclusive future in finance.