Tell the story behind the numbers, award-winning accountant says

Georgina Fordham, the national finance manager at Campbell Page, is open about never wanting to be an accountant. However, she says, she understands why her parents suggested it as a career path.

“Like hairdressers, most people need an accountant. When times are good or bad, most people will turn to an accountant. It is such a great qualification that can take you around the world and back, open doors you never thought possible and grow you as an individual for the better,” she told Accounting Times.

“Accounting teaches you resilience, technical abilities, soft skills and most importantly relationship building. As an accountant, no two days are the same. You can make this profession what you want, or you can utilise the skills you learn to grow and develop a business.”

The possibilities are limitless, she continued, “and the profession is accepting of all … even the non-typical ones like me”.

“Gone are the days of hours spent in front of spreadsheets in the back office. Accountants and finance professionals now have a very important seat at the table, and thanks to technology, we can now provide some amazing advice at the flick of a switch,” she said.

Last year, Fordham won the Corporate Accountant of the Year – Not-for-Profit category at the inaugural Corporate Accountant Awards. It was, she said, a shock to take home the trophy.

“I was in the middle of moving states and going to live with a brand-new government contract that was tripping the size of our business, so I just thought nothing was on my side. But, to be honest, it meant the world to me,” she said.

“I still don't know to this day who nominated me, but I want to say thank you to whoever did. I feel I have never been the ‘typical’ accountant and have fought the norms for a long time.”

“My goal has always been to change the perception of an accountant one person at a time while still being me and to inspire the next generation. By receiving this award, it allows me to see that I am making a difference in the industry. An industry that I am so proud to be in,” she said.

Challenges and opportunities in FY27

Looking ahead to the new financial year, Fordham said that a major change she foresees is an emphasis on the story told by the numbers, rather than on the numbers themselves.

“I was asked by a group of master’s students the other day what I believe the most important skill is for corporate accountants and to be honest ... it is being able to read, understand and then interpret the story the numbers tell,” she said.

“It is understanding the relationship between the numbers and the operations of a business. Without this, you can't pivot as easily in an ever-changing world.”

The world is changing, she said, and technology is changing the nature of work, “but it is up to us as accountants to interpret the data and use the story for incredible change. It has never been a better time to be an accountant”.

When asked what will constitute best practice for corporate accountants against the backdrop of such shifting sands, Fordham said that remaining professional and ethical during periods of rapid change is integral.

“As accountants, we are relied upon in so many different areas from operations to shared services, to external stakeholders, to boards and investors … remaining relevant in your industry and staying up to date with advancements, standards and the ever-changing technology world is so important … otherwise you are left behind,” she said.

“I think work culture is changing too ... maybe it is because I am a Millennial, or maybe because I am a realist. Work will always be only one part of your life ... make sure you balance this.”

“I used to always be told about work/life balance, but for so long I had zero balance. My work was life ... now I am realising I can give back in so many other ways using the skills I have as an accountant, which gives me so much more balance than I used to have in life,” she said.

Furthermore, to achieve such best practice, corporate accountants will have to leverage, experiment with, and learn from technology, Fordham said, including by surrounding themselves with others who embrace it and run with it.

“Working in finance is no different. Build the dashboard and build it again and again and again ... there is so much room for growth in this profession ... I believe the biggest opportunity is a curious mind ... things are changing and now is the perfect time to ask those questions, challenge those norms and be your true self.”

Why corporate accountants should be recognised

Accountants, Fordham believes, are introverted people deep down – she describes herself as an extroverted introvert, and those who know her understand that being the centre of attention “is not my thing, and that I would rather fly under the radar making genuine change”.

However, she added, she is learning that recognition is not something to be ashamed of.

“It is something to grow from, to learn from and to celebrate.”

“I look back at one of the hardest periods in my life, and the one thing that kept me going was my job as an accountant. So, for those out there who think they are invisible, you are not; you are so important, and without you, the world of business and the world in general would not be able to run,” she said.

“So take that leap; put yourselves out there, break your comfort zone and if not you, nominate someone who inspires you so they realise the impact they make.”

“And, remember, just because someone comes across one way doesn't mean that's what they feel inside. That one nomination could be the thing that turns their bad days back into good, and you wouldn't even realise it,” Fordham said.

Australia's in-house finance professionals play a critical role in helping organisations navigate complexity, drive performance and deliver long-term growth. The Corporate Accountant Awards 2026 recognise the individuals and teams whose expertise, leadership, and commercial impact are helping shape the future of corporate finance.

For professionals looking to benchmark their achievements against the nation's best, the awards offer an opportunity to gain recognition on a national stage among peers, leaders of the profession, and the broader business community. Those who aren't eligible to enter themselves can still help recognise excellence by nominating a colleague, leader or finance team whose contributions deserve to be celebrated. A nomination is often the catalyst that encourages high-performing professionals to share their story and receive the recognition they've earned.

Submissions for the Corporate Accountant Awards 2026 are now open and will close on Friday, 31 July at 5:30pm AEST. To submit an entry or nominate a deserving colleague, click here.