Celebrating Women in Accounting and Finance Breakfast

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Join CPA Australia for an inspiring morning of conversation, connection, and insight as we celebrate the evolving role of women in shaping the future of the profession.

This special breakfast event will bring together influential women from across the Northern Territory to share their leadership journeys, career experiences, and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing today’s business and finance landscape.

Featuring a keynote address and moderated panel discussion, the session will explore diverse pathways into leadership across government, governance, business, advisory, and emerging professional roles. Attendees will gain valuable insights into career progression, strategic leadership, resilience, and the changing nature of influence within the profession.

This session also offers 2 hours of CPD, providing valuable professional development through leadership insights, real-world experiences, and practical discussion around the evolving role of women in shaping the future of the profession.

Designed to encourage genuine conversation and meaningful connection, this event is open to both CPA Australia members and non-members.

Event Format:

Networking and breakfast
Keynote presentation
Moderated panel discussion
Audience Q&A

Whether you are an emerging professional, established leader, business owner, or simply passionate about the future of the profession, this event offers an opportunity to hear from inspiring women making an impact across the Northern Territory.

Learning outcomes:

Explore the evolving role of women in shaping the future of business, leadership, and the profession.
Gain practical insights into leadership, governance, strategic decision-making, and career progression from experienced industry leaders.
Recognise the value of diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and representation across business and finance sectors.
Reflect on strategies for professional growth, resilience, and building influence throughout different stages of a career.

Julie is a highly accomplished director, auditor and advisory professional with more than 30 years’ experience in risk management, internal audit, financial audit, forensic analysis and business process improvement.

Julie was the Auditor-General for the Northern Territory from September 2014 to September 2024 and is currently Deputy Chair of the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. She is a Registered Company Auditor.

Previously, Julie held senior positions at Deloitte for 16 years, including as Assurance and Advisory Partner at Deloitte Darwin. Prior to that she worked in various accounting and non-accounting roles across a range of sectors including tourism, horticultural and retail.

Julie is a Fellow of CPA Australia and also holds fellowships with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Governance Institute of Australia and the Institute of Public Administration Australia. She is a professional member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia holding the designations of Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Audit Professional and Certification in Risk Management Assurance. Julie is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

She has previously held the role of Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors General (ACAG). Julie has a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of South Australia and has completed a double Diploma in Government (Fraud Control and Investigation).

Mary Linnell is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, inventor and business leader - a visionary with a passion for people and possibility. Mary is known for challenging audiences to see themselves — and their potential — through fresh eyes. Mary is the Founder and Managing Director of Easy Glass Services, a successful glass and glazing company that has served the greater Darwin community 24 hours a day for 24 years. A respected voice for women in construction, Mary actively advocates for the opportunities, versatility and the benefits this pathway offers. Mary is also the creator of Power Stance - a platform through which she challenges people to recognise their own strength, take ownership of their future and step confidently into their power.

Mary’s perspective is shaped by a remarkable life journey that includes adoption, immigration, divorce and single motherhood. These experiences underpin her resilience, humour and distinct leadership style. Mary’s work has been recognised through numerous awards including the Charles Darwin University Alumni Award for Industry Excellence, Telstra NT Business Woman and Entrepreneur of the Year, the National Association for Women in Construction Crystal Vision Award, and the Master Builders Award for Excellence among others.

Tiziana Hucent, FCPA is a senior finance executive with over 22 years’ experience across public sector financial policy, accounting, reporting, and governance. She currently serves as Executive Director, Finance at the Northern Territory Department of Treasury and Finance, where she provides strategic advice to government on complex fiscal matters and leads whole‑of‑government financial reporting and policy frameworks.

Throughout her career, Tiziana has played a key role in strengthening financial governance, implementing major accounting reforms, and developing future finance capability across government. Tiziana is passionate about supporting women in finance and accounting, building strong leadership pipelines, and promoting excellence in public sector financial management.

Karen had 37 years’ experience in business advisory services in Western Australia and Northern Territory (NT). She has lived in the NT since 1991 where she was an equity partner in the Deloitte Australian partnership for over 20 years. Karen led the private advisory services team in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. Karen was also the Office Managing Partner at Deloitte in the NT for several years. Karen was the 5th female ever to become a Partner in the Deloitte Australia partnership. Karen has retired from public practice and now focusses on non-executive director roles. Karen is recognised for her strategic direction and leadership through a variety of board roles including currently as a non-executive director on the Airport Development Group and chair of the Risk and Audit committee, a non-executive director on ASX listed Beetaloo Energy Group and chair of the Risk and Audit Committee.

Karen is also Chair of the NT Screen Industry Advisory Committee and President of the NT Council of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Karen has previously been on the NT National Security Advisory Group, Darwin Port Corporation board when government owned, Member of Investment Advisory Group for Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet, inaugural treasurer and board member of Energy Club Northern Territory, director of Darwin Festival and Member of Ministerial Advisory Council for Department of Business. Karen is passionate about rural Australia and committed to helping shape a prosperous and sustainable future for the Northern Territory.

Nikita MacMurray is an accomplished executive finance leader with a strong track record in strategic financial management, governance and organisational leadership. She is a CPA, holds an MBA, and most recently attained her GAICD, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and governance excellence. Nikita began her career as a cadet accountant in Broken Hill, initially unaware of the dynamic and influential career opportunities the professional would provide. Since then, she has developed extensive experience across the finance function, building a reputation for both technical expertise and strong leadership.

For the past three and a half years, Nikita has served as Manager Finance at TGen, where she plays a key role in financial stewardship, business improvement and strategic decision-making. In November 2025, Nikita stepped into the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer, further cementing her position as a trusted senior leader within the organisation. Nikita is passionate about developing future finance professionals, fostering inclusive workplaces, and supporting greater representation of women in leadership.

Celebrating Women in Accounting and Finance Breakfast

Hilton Darwin

Hilton Darwin