Career advancement for women in accounting

Abstract

Research suggests women are encountering barriers to career progression, often referred to as the glass ceiling. This study seeks data from accounting woman that have successfully shattered the glass ceiling and aims to characterise traits or strategies developed in order to become successful in the accounting profession today. The study consisted of semi structured interviews of successful women accountants. The results indicate the glass ceiling remains a barrier to women. Those barriers include gender discrimination and managing a work life balance with family. In order to be successful, respondents have developed strategies to overcome the barriers illustrating a sense of determination to succeed. Organisations are looking forward to more women joining the boardroom than previously.