BY DI SNEDDON
Cessnock accountant, Simone Palfreyman, was named Accountant of the Year at the 2025 Women in Finance Awards.
The Women in Finance Awards is one of Australia’s most respected national recognition programs for women across the financial services sector.
Simone knew she was a finalist and was happy with that achievement. She was excited to be a presenter at the forum prior to the awards and says the event is one that fills her with inspiration and motivation.
She loves the nomination process because it requires reflection on the industry and how she does business.
“I have to say how amazing it is to be working in the finance industry. We get the chance to make a change for people, to help people every single day and it is an absolute privilege to get to do that in this industry,” Simone shared in her acceptance speech.
Simone is the Principal of Palfreyman Chartered Accountants based in Cessnock.
The award recognised Simone’s progressive leadership style, her transformative impact on the accounting profession, and her significant contributions to the business community through her education-focused, client-first approach to service delivery.
Comments from adjudicators stated Simone’s ‘proactive model of year-round support, financial education and relationship-driven advisory work has empowered countless businesses and individuals to operate with greater confidence, clarity and resilience.’
