Rachael Stewart Director - Accounting and Outsourcing

Rachael has been with Forvis Mazars for 11 years and specialises in delivering finance transformation projects across a range of sectors. 

Experience

Rachael is passionate about evolving the role of finance and is focused on growing accounting advisory services at a national level, repositioning the offering so that clients view the firm as a strategic, insight-led advisor rather than a traditional accounting provider.

She has significant experience supporting clients at each stage of their business journey, advising not only on financial matters but on how to drive growth, improve performance, and enhance decision-making within the finance function.

Rachael plays a key role in strengthening client relationships through the design and delivery of head of finance (HoF) sessions and roundtables, enabling deeper engagement with clients and prospects. These sessions provide valuable insight into client priorities, challenges, and future direction, helping to shape tailored advisory solutions and support business development opportunities.

Recent projects include:

• Project lead on a range of finance function reviews, identifying weaknesses and risks, and implementing practical changes to optimise performance across multiple industries. 
• Managed a complex data migration and audit readiness project for a large not-for-profit organisation, overseeing multiple workstreams over a 12-month period and coordinating closely with internal and external stakeholders, including reporting to an external body. 
• Delivered interim financial controller and finance director roles for a variety of organisations, driving digital transformation and challenging legacy processes to improve efficiency and control. 

Work Highlights

• Recognised as a top emerging leader: Awarded #13 in the “35 Under 35” (2019) for delivering high-impact transformation projects at Forvis Mazars.
• Global leadership & governance: Board member for Forvis Mazars’ Mid-Market Businesses group, leading and project managing global transformation initiatives.
• International experience & best practice delivery: Completed a strategic secondment with Forvis Mazars Australia, embedding global best practice to enhance client delivery, operational excellence, and solution design.