The strength of a female perspective in accountancy

On Saturday, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day — a day we at PIA Group never let pass unnoticed. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on four inspiring women, each with their own story of growth and ambition. One of them is Febe Deblaere, Junior Advisor Accountancy & Tax, who shows how dedication and perseverance can lead to a successful career. Curious about her story? Read about it here!

For Febe, what started as a holiday job led to an internship and eventually to a permanent job at the PIA office Accountants Tielt. After studying Accountancy & Taxation, she knew her future lay in this sector, although the beginning was sometimes quite overwhelming. ‘The difference with school was huge. Suddenly you get all kinds of dossiers on your plate and that took some getting used to. Of course, you learn best by doing and that also made it fun. Fortunately, I could always count on a strong team that helped me where necessary,’ Febe says with a broad smile.

Febe sees challenges as the best teachers. ‘You are immediately immersed in reality and that is exactly what you need to learn quickly,’ she says. An intensive three-day agricultural course and working with complex files made her realise that every challenge is an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Within PIA Group and at Accountants Tielt, innovation is key: ‘From more efficient working methods to the support through the PIA Academy - there is always room to develop yourself further.’

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Febe sees a marked change. ‘I work in an office full of women and that is rare. It shows that the accountancy sector is evolving,’ she notes. She believes women are a great asset with their precision and diligence. In the process, she has learned a lot from her office supervisors Daisy and Julie: ‘They gave me the space to make mistakes and learn from them - that's golden,’ Febe says proudly.

For Febe, success is a combination of professional growth and a healthy work-life balance. Besides her job, she likes to make time for sports. ‘Jumping fitness on Mondays and a brisk run help me keep my energy up,’ she shares with a laugh. This balance gives her the strength to take new steps every day with fresh courage towards her dream: to grow into a ‘real accountant’ with a coveted ITAA title.

Febe concludes with a powerful message for young women: ‘Women should not let men push them away. Be confident, seize opportunities outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to speak up.’ According to her, it is essential to believe in yourself and give yourself space to experiment and learn.