If you’ve ever second-guessed your rate, hesitated to go after a promotion, or felt like you had to prove yourself twice as hard, you’re not alone. For many women in accounting, confidence doesn’t come easily—and that lack of confidence can quietly chip away at your career, your income, and your well-being.
In a powerful conversation between Nicole Kehl and CPA MOMS founder Mayumi Young, we explore why so many smart, capable women in our profession struggle to own their worth, and what we can do to shift the story.
The Roots of Self-Doubt in a Male-Designed Industry
As Mayumi points out, the accounting industry wasn’t built with women in mind. It was created over a century ago by men, for men. That matters, because the systems, expectations, and “rules of success” often don’t reflect how women work best, especially working moms.
When the structure around you doesn’t support your strengths or realities, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But here’s the truth: the system is outdated, not you.
The Perfectionism Trap
Many women in accounting won’t apply for a role unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. Meanwhile, male counterparts often apply when they meet just a fraction. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to believe we have to be ready, perfect, or overqualified before we step forward.
This mindset bleeds into everything—including pricing. Mayumi shares that even after decades in business, she still grapples with questions like, “Am I charging too much? Am I really worth this?” And she’s not alone. Undercharging is often rooted in a deeper fear of not being “enough.”
Confidence Isn’t Earned—It’s Practiced
Here’s the shift: confidence doesn’t come after you hit a milestone. It comes before. It’s a choice. A muscle. A daily practice of remembering who you are and what you’ve already overcome.
You didn’t become a CPA by accident. You worked for it. You earned it. And that credential is proof of your capability—even when your inner critic tries to tell you otherwise.
So how do you stop undervaluing yourself?
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Inventory your wins: Write down the times you figured it out, succeeded, led, or grew. Use these as evidence.
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Challenge your pricing: Are you undercharging because it feels “safe”? What would happen if you charged based on the value you bring, not the hours you spend?
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Surround yourself with support: Confidence is contagious. Be around women who reflect your brilliance back to you.
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Let go of perfection: No one is ever “ready”. Take the leap anyway.
You Are Already Enough
As Mayumi says, “Just the presence of the desire is evidence of your ability to fulfill it.” You don’t need to wait until you feel more confident to show up boldly. Showing up is the work.
You’re not failing. You’re evolving.
Ready to own your worth and build the career you truly want? Join the community that gets it: https://cpamoms.com/start