ABSTRACT The 2023 Canadian CPA Profession Compensation Study Report indicates that women CPAs earn, on average, 80% of what men CPAs earn, though the percentage varies according to age, position held, and industry of employment. Compensation is not the only factor in an individual's employment experience, however. In an article published by CPA Canada in 2024, three women CPAs indicated that their experiences include not feeling valued, not being able to be their authentic selves, and having their expertise questioned. The experience of these women reflects the findings from academic research and in industry and professional publications. This article investigates the nature of barriers to women's career advancement in professional accounting. Based on research published over the past 10 years (2015–2025), this paper looks critically at the literature addressing women in the accounting profession to identify significant gaps. The paper is organized according to career stage. In particular, this research looks at the literature as it relates to women joining (entering), progressing within (existing), and leaving (exiting) the profession. Based on this review, tangible steps to address equity gaps for women accountants are identified.
Anne K.H. Neal (Wed,) studied this question.