Gender Parity in U.S. Public Accounting Firms: The Mentoring Solution

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Abstract

In the United States, approximate gender parity exists in the enrollment of students in accounting programs, in the graduation of students at the baccalaureate and masters levels in accounting, and in new hires at public accounting firms. However, a similar gender parity does not exist at the senior managerial and partner levels in public accounting firms. The U.S. accounting profession, through broad initiatives undertaken by its national associations and more focused actions by specific accounting firms, has developed a number of formal initiatives to remedy this situation, yet progress toward gender parity has been less than hoped. This paper outlines the current state of gender inequality at the partner level in U.S. public accounting firms and argues for increased mentoring efforts as a key to greater success in achieving gender balance at senior levels in the profession.

Authors

• Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Quinnipiac University

• Gary P Schneider, Quinnipiac University

• Aamer Sheikh, Quinnipiac University

• Kathleen Simione, Quinnipiac University