Amanda Lee (SW) and Jessica Clarke (EY) win Women in Banking & Finance awards

Accounting and consulting firm SW has celebrated the ‘Achievement in Professional Services’ title won by chief marketing officer Amanda Lee in this year’s Women in Banking & Finance Awards.

Lee was appointed as CMO in the middle of last year after first joining SW as head of business development and marketing in 2017, and oversaw the accounting and advisory firm’s most recent brand update and awareness campaign.

Meanwhile, Jessica Clarke, a technology consultant who joined Ernst & Young’s financial services practice as an intern in Melbourne in 2021, has received the Women in Banking & Finance’s ‘Rising Star’ award for 2024.

Speaking on Lee’s national accolade, SW chair Stephen O’Flynn stated: “We are incredibly proud of Amanda and all that she has achieved as a leader at SW. She consistently delivers results beyond expectations and embodies a commitment to driving tangible changes, promoting diversity, and supporting socially responsible outcomes.”

O’Flynn further commended Lee for her dedication to mental health programs, policy creation, and mentorship, and noted her leading role in company initiatives including the firm’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), modern slavery statement, and advancement of gender equality. Lee also serves as the employee representative on SW’s CSR committee.

“No one wins these awards by themselves,” Lee said in response. “I have a brilliant team and have had the support and encouragement of so many people across my career and especially at SW. I love our culture and I’m excited to be able to put a spotlight on such a great firm. Congratulations to WiBF on creating this incredible platform for women and to all the other finalists.”

Other finalists from the consulting sector this year included two of Clarke’s EY colleagues for the Rising Star award – Miriam Green and Arshu Maskey – and Archana Yallajosula, who was promoted to director at Protiviti at the start of the year and was recognised in the ‘Regulation & Compliance’ category. Meanwhile, EY’s Baby Nagayo won last year’s award for professional services.

The industry association says its annual awards are an occasion “to honour and celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations that are making remarkable strides in Australia’s banking and finance industry. This event is not just about recognising their achievements but also about highlighting efforts to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion across the sector.”