Interview with Emiley Phillips
Photography by Chantal Azari, Hair by hauseofshee, Makeup by Zakiyah Shani
To mark International Women’s Day 2023 we interviewed 6 powerful and inspirational women all working in different career fields. Today’s profile is Emiley, a regular IALH contributor and practicing accountant.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me is a day to celebrate and reflect on how far women have come. At a point in time, not even too long ago, women were unable to access adequate medical care, attend university, vote, own a property, get divorced and so much more – the list goes on! IWD is all about celebrating the change. It just shows that when you stand up for what is right, a positive impact can be made and remain for decades (and hopefully for eternity).
What is your job now and how long have you been doing it?
I am an accountant and I have been working within the industry for the last eight years.
How did you get into the job you do now?
So it’s a funny one! I actually started off wanting to be an architect and did work experience at a local building contractors. They recommended me to the architect so I could get some more industry knowledge. The first thing I was asked was if I was good at art and my answer was no. I then was asked what I was like with numbers and Excel and put it this way, I was a whizz! So then I started as a bookkeeper and worked my way up to being an accountant.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I would say number crunching – I love numbers. But I also love the fact I can use my knowledge and skills to help other people out. Business owners tend not to be a fan of doing the accounts/taxes/books – and that is where I come in handy. I enjoy the fact I can save other people from the task they dread, for my pleasure, it’s a win-win.
What advice would you give somebody who is interested in becoming an accountant?
For those with an interest in accounting I highly suggest getting industry experience. Get in touch with your local firms, those that are small are best as this gives you more opportunity to trial a range of departments i.e. payroll, tax, CIS, VAT, end of year accounts, self-assessment. You really want to try as much as you can so that you can then chose your favourite of the bunch and specialise in that. Another way to get experience is to manage your own accounts, after all practise makes perfect! Get yourself a free account on Xero or QuickBooks and practise using it. Being able to use these key accounting softwares will really help you with your future career prospects. You can even get knowledge from YouTube too – I found that great for hints and tips!
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?
Yes, I have certainly faced barriers in my careers due to being a woman and continue to to all day every day. Especially working in a male dominated industry. This can range from being spoken down to and ignored.
Is the career you have now the one you dreamed of when you were younger? If not, what was it?
I had so many different ideas when I was younger; I wanted to work as a magazine editor (from watching the Devil Wears Prada) and be a fashion designer, something creative like that. Thinking back, one thing I always wanted to do when I was younger was have some sort of connection to the property world, and by all means have my own property – or a few! So I definitely think I will be getting some side projects or renovations on the go, to be able to fulfil this dream.
If you could invite three inspirational women, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
Firstly, without question it would be my mum (who I have dinner with most evenings). She is a true inspiration. She has given me everything and made me who I am today. All of the wisdom, advice, support – she would be great at a dinner party! She is so strong, independent and hard-working and all of these characteristics I have developed are thanks to her. Forever grateful!
Next would be Princess Diana as she was a person that stayed true to herself despite everything she had going on with her life. She didn’t let the Royal Family and her Princess title take her away from her core beliefs and what she felt was right. I find her such an inspiration and also someone I have many questions for.
Lastly it would be Kim Kardashian as she has turned a negative image into a positive one, which I find to be an achievement and something to be proud of. It cannot be easy! I just love how she monetises everything too! Its something I would want to have a conversation about and really understand more.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To my younger self I would say: always be true to myself and never loose sight of that. Continue to work hard, follow your gut and just be patient. Everything will come in its own time.
3 products you can’t live without
Head over to @ItsALifestyleHun to see Emiley answer our quick fire questions and stay tuned all week for more fabulous women!
