Sandra Magann, Principal and Founder of Magnified, has been recognised as one of the Global Top 50 Women in Accounting, celebrating her commitment to empowering women in business. Sandra shared what this recognition means to her and the Magnified team in the March Women in Business edition of Focus magazine.
This award demonstrates your success in accounting and supporting the women on your team and female business leaders. Why is this your passion?
During my 35-year career in accounting, I’ve been continually impressed and inspired by women working hard to achieve success and build the lives they want for themselves and their families. Supporting these women through employment, mentoring, volunteering and providing business accounting services is extremely rewarding.
How do you support the development of women in your team?
As my business has grown, I’ve hired and promoted female accounting professionals. For instance, one trainee completed her degree and is now pursuing further certification. In addition to enhancing our team’s technical skills, we have also invested in soft skills, such as communication, productivity, emotional intelligence, and self-care through workshops, conferences, and our in-house book club. By offering career advancement opportunities and flexible work arrangements, we’ve built a team with shared values of Relationships, Integrity, Potential, Innovation, and People.
How does this extend to helping other women in business?
Education is key to empowerment. I recently completed a Women in Leadership Program to enhance my mentoring skills. I also hold workshops for businesswomen, providing essential knowledge to build confidence and capabilities. At Magnified, in addition to providing accounting, tax and compliance, we support our clients’ business growth with advisory services, goal-setting, business planning and coaching.
You also give back to women in our community. Which organisations have you contributed to?
I’m proud to be Treasurer of Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services and have volunteered with Hastings Business Women’s Network, Luminosity Youth Summit and Dyslexia Mid North Coast.
What tips can you share for women looking to grow their business?
Understanding your financials is crucial for making informed decisions. Some consider doing the books the boring bit, yet the numbers reveal so much — opportunities to seize, emerging issues to watch, and where you should focus to unlock your business’s full potential.
