The Monash graduate who changed the face of finance

13 July 2026

Emeritus Professor Izan Izan’s influence looms large in the field of accounting and finance.

Fifty years ago, Emeritus Professor Izan Izan faced the sizable challenge of building a career in a field where women were severely underrepresented.

Starting her academic career In the early 1970s, she was one of only six women in her cohort of more than 40 economics honours students.

Despite the imbalance, she excelled, graduating with first-class honours and winning academic prizes along the way.

But talent alone is not always enough.

“I really had to demonstrate my ability and show others what I could do,” she said. “You need to show your capabilities.”

That determination to succeed set the stage for a career that has towered over expectations.

A career of firsts

After Monash, Prof Izan took her ambitions overseas, completing an MBA and PhD at the University of Chicago.

“Chicago is one of the leading universities in the world, and I was taught by prominent leaders in their respective fields, some of them Nobel Laureates,” she said.

Returning to Australia, she began her academic career at the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW in 1979, before joining the University of Western Australia in 1981.

Her appointment as Professor in 1990 was groundbreaking.

“I was the first woman in Australia to be appointed as Professor within these disciplines,” she said.

From there, she served as Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at UWA and later as Executive Dean of the Division of Business, IT and Law at Murdoch University.

Recognition followed. In 2004, Prof Izan was elected Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia - once again, she was the first woman to receive that honour.

“Being a member elevates you to a high chair,” she said.

Her contributions to education have also been recognised at the highest levels.

In 2011, she received the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, and in 2015, UWA awarded her the Chancellor’s Medal for services to the university.

In 2025, she was honoured with the Monash Business School Dean’s Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

'Women are as capable as men'

Having shattered the glass ceiling in her own profession, Prof Izan has been encouraged to see more women reaching the top of their respective fields.

“Recognising that women are as capable as men has improved the system, and now we see more women being appointed as CEOs,” she said.

“The Governor-General, the RBA governor, Woodside CEO, even one of my former PhD students now heads Kmart — all women.”

Yet, she remains clear-eyed about the challenges that persist.

“There is still not enough understanding or appreciation of being a mother, and having to raise young children, and the challenges mothers face if working full time,” she said.

On teaching and legacy

While she has reached the pinnacle of her profession, Prof Izan believes her true legacy is not in titles or awards but the students she has mentored along the way.

“In my teaching, my aim has always been to be enthusiastic and effective,” she said.

“I hope to be remembered as someone who guided, challenged, and supported students to reach their full potential.”

She encourages current students to take charge of their own growth.

“Focus on your strengths, be positive, and show others what you can do,” she said. “Develop presentation and communication skills, the ability to be accountable and decisive, and the ability to work with others – these skills will help in your future career, whatever you do.”

Read more about Monash Business School’s alumni award recipients and our annual awards.