To read this content please select one of the options below:

A well-rounded life: the story of Eva West – pioneer accountant, philanthropist and environmentalist

Abdel K. Halabi (Federation Business School, Federation University Australia, Churchill, Australia) (School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa)

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal

ISSN: 0951-3574

Article publication date: 16 April 2024

69

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents the biography of one of Australia’s earliest female accountants, Miss Evelyn Maude West (aka Eva). The paper uses this history sub-genre to understand the significant impacts Eva West made across several fields. Eva West was not only a pioneer woman accountant but also an active philanthropist with an interest in social issues and a nature lover who promoted and encouraged an appreciation of the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper leverages a diverse array of qualitative resources, responding to Carnegie and Napier's (1996) call to expand the concept of the accounting-based archive. Notably, rare nature study diaries and a book detailing camping adventures serve as poignant examples, illustrating Eva West's profound social and environmental engagement. Additionally, personal and business letters, digitised newspapers, pamphlets, annual reports, minute books and even poems contribute to the comprehensive exploration of Eva West's life and impact. Collectively, these varied sources offer a rich tapestry of evidence, facilitating the documentation of this unique narrative.

Findings

Throughout her life, Eva West made significant contributions as a pioneering woman in the field of accounting, a dedicated philanthropist and a passionate environmentalist. Together, these offer a multifaceted portrait of a well-rounded individual. With a solid foundation in accounting, Eva utilized her expertise to benefit numerous charitable organisations, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Moreover, her deep love for the environment is illustrated in nature study diaries and books documenting her camping adventures, highlighting the interconnectedness between her accounting pursuits and her commitment to environmental stewardship.

Practical implications

While previous studies briefly mention the additional contributions of early women to various organisations and movements, none provide the depth of insight seen in the portrayal of Miss Eva West. Rather than critiquing these earlier narratives, this observation presents an opportunity for further research to honour pioneering individuals for their multifaceted roles beyond accounting. Future studies could spotlight trailblazers as accountants with diverse interests and societal contributions, whether in social or environmental spheres. Additionally, this paper demonstrates how archives maintained by individuals, such as nature or travel diaries and camping books, can enrich accounting and accountability-based historical research.

Originality/value

Biographical studies in accounting have played a significant role in advancing historical research, yet there remains a call for additional studies to gain deeper insights into specific individuals. Few biographical narratives have explored how accountants integrate their professional careers with other interests, particularly highlighting the well-roundedness of individuals, especially women. Furthermore, this paper contributes to filling the gap in research that examines the intersection of accounting professionals and environmental concerns.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge the valuable feedback provided by Professor Jill Atkins and the anonymous referees on earlier versions of this paper. Appreciation is also extended to Professor Laura Maran for her advice. Special gratitude is owed to Jenny Hammett for her pioneering work on Eva West, which provided invaluable insights and information. Additionally, the author would like to thank Matthew Burgess for generously granting access to Miss Jean Galbraith’s “The Book of Our Camps,” as well as to the Traralgon and District Historical Society for their support and assistance.

Citation

Halabi, A.K. (2024), "A well-rounded life: the story of Eva West – pioneer accountant, philanthropist and environmentalist", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-12-2021-5581

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles