This month, we talked to three remarkable women leaders from IFAC's network partners: Hilde Blomme, Deputy CEO of Accountancy Europe, Alta Prinsloo, CEO of the Pan-African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and Rachel Chee, Executive Director of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA).

These interviews offer an exclusive glimpse into the dynamic journeys and profound insights of women who have paved their own way in the world of finance, accountancy, and leadership. As staunch advocates for diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence, these inspiring role models have not only broken barriers but are also shaping the future of the profession.

Through engaging conversations, we uncover their perspectives on a range of topics, from the pivotal role of education in driving success, to the transformative power of diversity, and the evolving landscape of the accountancy profession. Their stories serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements that can be attained through dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a positive impact.

We invite you to explore the wisdom and experiences shared by these trailblazing women as they provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance for aspiring leaders, professionals, and changemakers alike.

  • Hilde Blomme

    Meet Hilde Blomme

    Hilde Blomme joined Accountancy Europe in 2003 and has been Deputy CEO since 2011. Hilde provides regulatory and technical expertise and contributes to developing the Accountancy Europe strategy. She is deeply knowledgeable on reporting and assurance practices in the areas of financial and non-financial information (NFI), sustainability and, ESG. Hilde spent nine years as an external auditor for both multinational and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) clients with PricewaterhouseCoopers in London, New York and Brussels. She started her professional career in the financial sector and with small practices serving SMEs clients.

    Read Hilde Blomme's Interview
  • Rachel Chee

    Meet Rachel Chee

    Rachel Chee is the Independent Non-Executive Director of Berjaya Food Berhad and the Executive Director of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA). She steers and supports the CAPA's mission, working in collaboration with leaders from member bodies, committees and stakeholders (such as regulators and standard setters), to provide guidance and thought leadership in the development, enhancement and coordination of the accounting profession in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Read Rachel Chee's Interview

  • Meet Alta Prinsloo

    Alta Prinsloo became the Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) in 2020. She is an executive who is accomplished in strategic planning, capacity building, program implementation, and partnership development. Ms. Prinsloo joined the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board in 2002, and served as deputy director before transitioning to IFAC, where she has served in various executive roles, including governance & nominations, strategic planning, risk management, finance, operations & information technology, human resources, and intellectual property.

    Read Alta Prinsloo's Interview
Hilde Blomme

Deputy CEO, Accountancy Europe

Hilde Blomme joined Accountancy Europe in 2003 and has been Deputy CEO since 2011. Hilde provides regulatory and technical expertise and contributes to developing the Accountancy Europe strategy. She is deeply knowledgeable on reporting and assurance practices in the areas of financial and non-financial information (NFI), sustainability and, ESG. Hilde spent nine years as an external auditor for both multinational and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) clients with PricewaterhouseCoopers in London, New York and Brussels. She started her professional career in the financial sector and with small practices serving SMEs clients. Hilde is qualified as a US Certified Public Accountant, Belgian Chartered Accountant and member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She holds an MBA in International Business Management, a Master’s degree in Applied Sciences and a Master’s degree in Company Law from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven/Brussel, Belgium. She speaks Dutch, English and French.
Rachel Chee
Rachel Chee

Executive Director, Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants

Rachel joined CAPA in June 2023. Prior to her current role, she held senior positions at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) from 2012 to 2023. As Head of Education and Regional Consultant, Rachel was responsible for advancing education and capacity building initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

From 2008 to 2011, Rachel served as the Technical Director of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). In this capacity, she led the Institute’s technical department, fostering collaboration with regulatory bodies and international organizations. She also played a pivotal role in standard-setting, training and implementation support for the accounting profession in Malaysia. Additionally, Rachel contributed as a Technical Advisor to the IFAC Developing Nations Committee and Small-and-Medium Practices Committee.

Rachel began her career as an auditor with BDO Malaysia. She is a Fellow member of ACCA and a member of MIA. Beyond her professional roles, Rachel also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director for a public listed company in Malaysia.

Alta Prinsloo

Alta Prinsloo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA).

Ms. Prinsloo joined the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board in 2002, and served as deputy director before transitioning to IFAC, where she has served in various executive roles, including governance & nominations, strategic planning, risk management, finance, operations & information technology, human resources, and intellectual property. She has also overseen a wide variety of initiatives, including accountancy capacity building, Accountability. Now. – an initiative focused on transparency and accountability in the public sector, the IFAC Member Compliance program, professional accountants in business and in small- and medium-sized practices, and the Knowledge Gateway.

From 1997 through 2002, Ms. Prinsloo worked at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, becoming its technical director in 2000. In 1996, she worked at Amalgamated Banks of South Africa where she was responsible for professional development of the internal audit function. Prior to that, she worked in the national technical and training office of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

She is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Commercial Accounting of the University of Johannesburg, serves on the Advisory Board of the School of Accountancy of the University of the Free State, and chairs the Governing Council of the South African Journal of Accounting Research. She also chairs the IPPF Oversight Council of The Global Institute of Internal Auditors and is a member of the Board of the African Society of Association Executives and the ESG Exchange Advisory Committee.