Mary Harris Smith: The First Female Chartered Accountant
In a profession historically dominated by men, Mary Harris Smith stands out as a true trailblazer. Born in 1844 in London, she became the world’s first female chartered accountant but her path to recognition was far from straightforward. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in her own abilities.
Early Life and Career
Mary Harris Smith was born into a middle-class family and showed an early aptitude for numbers and business. In the late 19th century, opportunities for women in finance were virtually non existent, but Mary refused to let that stop her. She trained as an accountant and began practicing independently, something almost unheard of for a woman at the time.
By the 1880s, Mary had established her own practice, offering services in bookkeeping, auditing, and financial advice. Her skills and professionalism were widely respected, yet her gender remained a barrier to full professional recognition.
In 1888, Mary applied to join the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – the professional body for chartered accountants. Despite her experience and impeccable credentials, she was rejected solely because she was a woman. The ICAEW’s rules at the time explicitly restricted membership to men.
Undeterred, Mary continued her work and reapplied several times over the next few decades. Each time, she was met with the same response – women were not allowed.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
It wasn’t until after World War I, when attitudes toward women’s roles in society began to shift, that Mary’s persistence paid off. In 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed, making it illegal to exclude women from professions solely based on their gender.
Mary wasted no time. In 1920, at the age of 76, she was finally admitted to the ICAEW, becoming the world’s first female chartered accountant. It was a historic moment, not only for Mary but for women in the accounting profession worldwide.
Mary’s Legacy
Mary Harris Smith’s achievement paved the way for future generations of female accountants. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging outdated norms.
Today, women make up nearly half of all chartered accountants in the UK – a remarkable shift that can be traced back to the doors Mary Harris Smith pushed open over a century ago.
Mary’s legacy reminds us that progress is often hard-won but with determination and resilience, change is possible.