
When I started out in Chartered Accountancy 25 years ago, it was rare to see high-ranking women in the profession. That’s no longer the case – but we’ve still got some way to go before we really break the accountancy glass ceiling.
Accountancy is not a man’s world
At ICAEW we think there’s a strong economic case for recognising and retaining the best talent, whether male or female, and from whatever background – because those are the people who will lead the profession to new heights, enabling it do what it does best, helping organisations succeed and grow sustainably. In fact, the kinds of interpersonal skills and communications skills that you need are often seen as typically ‘female’ (for all that I don’t believe in those kinds of labels).So where are we at and how can we help women break through?
What is the accountancy profession doing to support women?
So how have we improved things?
One thing is quite subtle, and it’s actually about recruiting the right people, whatever their gender and encouraging diversity in backgrounds by widening routes to the profession. In careers’ sessions for students and young people we talk about the ethical foundations of the profession, and why this is important in all sectors; and the ACA’s flexibility as a qualification, where you can work in business, in practice, or self-employed. This is a change of emphasis.Share this story