The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honour the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organisations they run – worldwide.
Nicknamed Stevie for the Greek word for “crowned,” the Stevie Award has been hailed as the world’s premier business award.
The awards will be presented at a gala event in New York City on Monday, November 10, where Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements from among the Finalists will be revealed.
Over the past 18 months, Sally has led Lighthouse through a digital transformation involving automation, cybersecurity, and collaboration tools.
Key highlights include 97% adoption of the secure client portal, advanced protections through Practice Protect (including phishing detection, login monitoring, and user-based app permissions), and over 490 client meetings transcribed using Fireflies to save staff hours weekly.
These changes reduced administrative time by approximately 40% and improved the speed and security of client interactions.
“We wanted innovation without losing connection,” said Sally Freeman. “We invested in tools, policies, and training so staff feel supported, and our clients feel secure. To see our small Sydney firm recognised on an international stage means a lot.”
“Protecting our clients is not just a responsibility, it’s what drives us. Their compliance, their goals, and their peace of mind are what we think about every day,”
“To us, clients are never just numbers — they are families, stories, and contributions to our community. That’s why this recognition means so much.” she said.
About Lighthouse Accountants
Lighthouse Accountants is a boutique, mother–daughter run accounting and advisory firm
based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Founded by Kerrie Freeman in 2016 and joined at the foundation stage by her daughter, Sally Freeman, the firm supports more than 150 families and entrepreneurs with compliance, tax planning, business structuring, and strategic financial advice.
Combining personal care with cutting-edge tools, the firm also embeds global giving through its partnership with B1G1.
About the Stevie® Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs:
- Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards
- German Stevie Awards
- Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards
- American Business Awards®
- International Business Awards®
- Stevie Awards for Great Employers
- Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service
- Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence
- Stevie Awards for Women in Business
Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Honouring organisations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognise outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.
