A Synthesis of Research Studies Regarding the Upward Mobility of Women in Public Accounting.

The article focuses on studies regarding the upward mobility of women in public accounting in the United States. A substantial number of women have entered the public accounting profession during the last decade. The problem remains that only 3.7% of the partners in Big Eight accounting firms are women. This lack of upward mobility for women is costly to the accounting firms in terms of lost training dollars, decreased employee morale and high turnover, not to mention the opportunity costs involved with untapped mind power and expertise. Furthermore, the profession is vulnerable to costly litigation from discrimination suits. In recognition of the need for concerted action by the profession, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has identified the upward mobility of women in accounting as one of 14 major issues facing the profession. It has been viewed that if women are to advance more rapidly to the partnership ranks, they must learn the importance of actively participating in professional organizations and office activities, realize the need to develop significant relationships with successful mentors, and recognize the necessity of promoting their own accomplishments.