Leaders

As digital technologies, evolving tax regulations, and cross-border business activities reshape the profession, financial experts are expected to combine technical excellence with commercial insight and trusted advisory capabilities. This transformation has also created greater opportunities for professionals who can bridge financial expertise with a deep understanding of business growth.

Among the most significant developments within the industry has been the rise of women leaders who are reshaping its future. Increasingly, women are leading accounting firms, financial advisory practices, and corporate finance functions, bringing diverse perspectives, collaborative leadership, and a strong focus on long-term value creation.

Their journeys are also inspiring greater participation of women in finance, demonstrating that leadership is built not only on technical competence but also on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to empower others.

Prema Latha Teddu, Director, Sri Star Accountants, is one such leader whose journey reflects the transformative power of education, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Raised in Bhimadole, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, her path began with earning admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, where living away from home at a young age instilled independence and resilience.

Those formative years, spent away from her family, quietly strengthened her ability to adapt, persevere, and embrace change - qualities that would later shape both her leadership philosophy and her personal journey across continents.

Although she initially chose commerce on her father's advice, the subject soon became her passion, eventually leading her to pursue Chartered Accountancy after a life-changing presentation during her college years.

Completing every level of the Chartered Accountancy qualification on her first attempt, despite studying largely independently in her village, laid the foundation for a distinguished career.

She gained valuable experience in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and business advisory before advancing to the role of Regional Credit Manager at ICICI Bank, where she developed deep insight into the realities faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Migration to Australia marked another defining chapter. Arriving with her husband and two young daughters, she rebuilt her professional career from the ground up, earning CPA Australia membership and further qualifications in taxation and compliance while working across multiple areas of finance and business operations.

In 2022, she established Sri Star Accountants, named in memory of her late husband, Sridhar, transforming a shared dream into a purpose-driven practice. Today, her journey stands as an inspiring example of how determination, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to helping others can create lasting impact across borders.

Women Entrepreneur Review magazine engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Prema Latha Teddu; let’s hear from her.

As an entrepreneur and business leader, what have been the most defining achievements or turning points in your career, and how have they influenced your leadership philosophy?

My journey has been shaped more by life's defining moments than by professional titles. Becoming a Chartered Accountant proved that discipline and perseverance can overcome any limitation.

My years in banking taught me that behind every balance sheet is a business owner with aspirations, challenges, and responsibilities. Migrating to Australia pushed me to rebuild my career from scratch, strengthening my resilience.

The most profound turning point, however, was losing my husband in 2021. It transformed my understanding of leadership, teaching me that true strength lies in moving forward despite uncertainty.

Today, I lead with empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to serve because I believe meaningful success is measured by the positive impact we create in others' lives.

Moving to and building a successful business presence in Australia comes with unique opportunities and challenges. How has your personal journey shaped your perspective on leadership, resilience, and growth?

Migrating to Australia taught me that starting over is not a setback but an opportunity to grow. My family arrived with qualifications and dreams but without networks or local experience, so rebuilding our careers required patience, humility, and determination.

While establishing myself professionally, I remained committed to raising my two daughters, which gave me a broader perspective on success. The greatest test came after losing my husband, when leadership became deeply personal.

That difficult chapter inspired me to establish Sri Star Accountants and reinforced my belief that resilience is about choosing hope, purpose, and progress, even when life takes an unexpected turn.

What inspired you to establish Sri Star Accountants, and what core values have guided the firm's growth and reputation over the years?

Sri Star Accountants was born from both purpose and personal loss. Throughout my career, I realised many business owners excelled in their professions but needed trusted financial guidance to navigate taxation, compliance, and business growth.

I wanted to become that trusted advisor. After losing my husband in 2021, I established Sri Star in his memory, carrying forward a dream we had shared. Today, the firm stands for much more than accounting services.

It is built on integrity, continuous learning, and lasting relationships. I believe every financial statement tells a human story, and my role is to help clients understand that story and make confident decisions for the future.

The accounting and financial services sector is evolving rapidly. What major trends do you believe will redefine the way professionals serve clients in the coming years?

I believe the accounting profession is entering one of its most exciting phases. AI and automation will continue to streamline routine tasks such as bookkeeping and compliance, allowing accountants to focus on strategic advisory services. Clients today expect real-time insights, business planning, and proactive financial guidance rather than just annual tax returns.

While technology will transform how we work, I don't believe it will replace the human element. Trust, judgement, empathy, and meaningful relationships will always remain essential.

The professionals who succeed will be those who embrace innovation while combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence and a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve long-term success.

As a woman leader in the financial services industry, how do you approach mentoring, empowering teams, and creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals?

I believe knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is shared. Mentoring, to me, is about helping people build confidence rather than simply giving them answers. I am particularly passionate about encouraging women who want to restart their careers or begin their entrepreneurial journey later in life. I want them to know that it is never too late to pursue their ambitions.

Within my organisation, I encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability because our profession evolves constantly. I also believe leadership begins with listening. By understanding people's aspirations and strengths, I can help them grow with confidence and create opportunities that extend well beyond technical expertise.

As one of the Elite Indian Women Leaders in Australia, what legacy would you like to create, and what message would you like to share with aspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide?

This recognition is both an honour and a reminder to continue making a meaningful difference. My greatest hope is to be remembered not just for building a successful business but for helping people believe in themselves.

I want Sri Star Accountants to remain a trusted organisation that creates opportunities, supports entrepreneurs, and demonstrates that compassion and business success can go hand in hand.

To every woman pursuing a dream, my message is simple: it is never too late to begin. Life may not follow the path you planned, but every challenge can become a stepping stone. Keep learning, keep moving forward, and never underestimate your potential. Every chapter of life prepares us for the next one.

Prema Latha Teddu, Director, Sri Star Accountants

Prema Latha Teddu is the Director of Sri Star Accountants and a Chartered Accountant, CPA Australia member, and accomplished finance professional with experience spanning public practice, banking, taxation, and business advisory. Based in Australia, she is committed to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth while championing integrity, lifelong learning, and empowering women entrepreneurs through trusted financial guidance and mentorship.