At Talent Finance, we’re proud to have launched our new blog series Women in Finance – a platform dedicated to showcasing the voices of women shaping the future of the finance industry.
In this edition, we’re joined by Jennifer Rudder, CFO and Director of Corporate Services at BRE. Jennifer’s journey into finance wasn’t planned, but it’s one that has led to a career defined by strategy, leadership, and a commitment to equity. In this interview, she shares her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry, the women who inspired her, and advice for the next generation of finance leaders.
What first drew you to a career in finance?
I never intended to go into finance. My first degree was in biology – I wanted to be a veterinarian or marine biologist. After struggling to find the right path, I took a part-time receptionist job at an automotive parts wholesaler. Within three weeks, I was in the accounts team, and within two months, I became the assistant head of accounting. Numbers came naturally to me. A friend unexpectedly applied to a master’s program in accounting for me, which became my unexpected entry into finance.
Did you always see yourself reaching a CFO-level position?
No, I never planned my career strategically. I’m driven by staying interested, challenged and avoiding boredom. The strategic aspects of accounting fascinated me – understanding how businesses grow and work. I’ve always done the next thing that entertains and challenges me. Becoming a CFO wasn’t a deliberate goal, but a natural progression because I love strategy, talking to different parts of a business, and figuring out growth pathways.
Who inspired you most in your career?
Several of my Aunts were trailblazers in their respective fields and were strong female role models. As well as family, I was exposed to an incredible group of my Mom’s friends who were part of a generation of strong women who raised families independently, often overcoming significant challenges. All of these women taught me resilience, self-education, and the importance of pursuing your goals, regardless of obstacles.
How did you navigate bias in a male-dominated finance industry?
With difficulty. Early in my career, I was often the only woman in boardrooms full of male engineers. I had to be strategic – for example I couldn’t let my hair down too much at work events, had to present myself carefully, and use body language to command respect. I learned to sit back, take up space, and not make myself small. It was about being bold, brave, and understanding unspoken professional dynamics.
What changes do you want to see for women in finance?
Several critical areas need improvement: better maternity and paternity leave, genuine support for women during life transitions like menopause, and true pay equality. We also desperately need more diversity – not just gender diversity, but representation of the global majority in leadership roles. Companies must be intentional about recruitment, seeking balanced representation across gender and ethnicity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t discount your thoughts. I spent too many years not speaking up, even when I knew I was right. Whether I was building race cars or working in finance, I often held back. The worst that can happen is someone doesn’t listen. Learn to believe in yourself, understand your intelligence, and have the courage to voice your opinions, even if it feels uncomfortable. Most importantly, recognise that you are good at your job and be proud of yourself for your achievements.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to make finance more accessible and equitable. My hope is to create workplaces where being “the only” woman in the room becomes rare. I’m passionate about implementing policies that genuinely support women’s career journeys, ensure fair and transparent pay, and break down the networking barriers that have traditionally excluded women and people from ethnic backgrounds from senior roles.
What does authentic leadership mean to you, and how do you try to embody that as a CFO?
Authenticity is about being true to yourself and demonstrating your values and beliefs through your actions.
How do you build confidence in other women on your team and encourage them to step into leadership roles?
First, I give unequivocal trust and listen without judgement. Second, I make myself available for discussions to talk through different ways of solving problems so that the team know I support them and then have the confidence to grow.
What habits or mindset shifts have been most important to your success?
The most important shift is when I believed in my own ability. And the next most important is when I understood that work isn’t everything.
How do you continue to grow and stay inspired in your role today?
Through finding the next challenge and being fortunate enough to have inspiring peers.
What excites you most about the future for women in finance?
In progressive companies, finance is moving more towards business partnering which gives women in finance the opportunity to step out of finance and into different work streams.
If you could change one thing about how success is defined in finance, what would it be and why?
Success in finance should be measured by the value that finance brings to the business and how it helps a business grow.
Jennifer’s journey shows that a successful career in finance often takes unexpected turns, and that determination, support networks, and a focus on fairness can help women overcome challenges and thrive in leadership roles.
At Talent Finance, we’re proud to highlight stories like hers, showcasing the achievements, insights, and impact of women driving progress and shaping the future of the finance profession.
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-rudder-cfo-fd-md-ned/
The views expressed are Jennifer’s own and do not represent those of Talent Finance Ltd.
