Scottish accountancy firms attempt to address gender gap
Accountancy firms in Scotland are attempting to address the profession’s gender gap with a range of flexible working initiatives. According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS) adjustments will be made to support women to progress in the profession, as for example allowing them to take part in promotion assessments while on maternity leave.
The Herald Tribune reports that the organisation believes that accountancy firms need to embrace flexible thinking and address the needs of women more substantially. Isobel Sharp, president of ICAS and a partner at Deloitte, told the Herald Tribune: „We have to get across the message that having children is not in any way a disadvantage.“ A growing number of women are being trained and qualified as chartered accountants in Scotland and the number of female managers is almost in line with the admission of female students in related courses. This development indicates that younger women are breaking through the glass ceiling.
Yet, the study also points out that a discrepancy still exists in senior management positions in accountancy firms, as well as at partnership levels, particularly in larger firms. Just ten per cent of partners in the big four UK accountancy firms are currently women. Furthermore the survey indicates that more flexible working is needed, such as part-time positions or job sharing. Firms should pursue a cultural change within their organisational environment as well as a more proactive and positive marketing of the flexible message to employees.
