Why isn’t the accounting profession more diverse? Research points to the real levers of change
Research indicates that despite increased efforts to diversify the accounting profession through scholarships and mentoring, progress remains slow, with gender parity in senior management still decades away. The study suggests that systemic barriers in career progression are more significant than initial educational access.
Why it matters
This analysis challenges the effectiveness of current diversity initiatives and highlights the persistent gap between educational attainment and professional advancement.
Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels Why isn’t the accounting profession more diverse? Research points to the real levers of change Published: August 19, 2026 9:26am EDT https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-the-accounting-profession-more-diverse-research-points-to-the-real-levers-of-change-289618 https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-the-accounting-profession-more-diverse-research-points-to-the-real-levers-of-change-289618 Link copied Share article Share article
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For the past few decades, universities, employers and professional bodies globally have invested in mentoring programmes, scholarships and student support initiatives to diversify careers such as professional accounting. The assumption has been that if talented students have help to overcome barriers, representation will improve.
For many socioeconomically marginalised people, going to university is seen as the key to a better life. Accounting has been one of the professions that promises stable jobs, financial security and upward social mobility. But while more students are getting through the university gates, building a successful career in accounting has proved much harder than simply earning a degree.
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