Gender Equity in the Accounting Profession: An Update

Abstract

In this paper we contribute to the literature on gender equity in the public accounting profession in three ways. We provide an overview of the current status of gender issues in the public accounting industry, including: workforce demographics, compensation, discrimination lawsuits, impressions from female leaders, and the Accounting MOVE Project. We also present results of a survey of college students that show that, despite the industry’s female retention efforts through multiple women’s initiative programs, there are still significant differences in gender perceptions of the public accounting industry. Finally we summarize some key areas that we recommend the public accounting industry continue to focus on to improve female retention rates.