Breaking the Glass Ceiling in the Accounting Industry: Challenges and Success
The glass ceiling. What is this metaphorical term? The glass ceiling is a way to describe the invisible barriers many individuals face in life, particularly minorities and women (Kagan, 2025). These barriers impact the ability to advance as a leader and reach higher levels of management in organizations (Kagan, 2025). These barriers are not a lack of ability or qualifications but include issues with discrimination, organizational culture, work-life balance, and sometimes a lack of mentorship. Now, narrowing this down, how can the glass ceiling be at play in a specific industry?
As a woman interested in accounting, I am thankful to have noticed significant changes in gender distribution over the years. Once a male-dominated field, it has shifted to women, representing 61% of all auditors and accountants (AccountingInsights, 2025). However, there are still disparities in leadership roles and a notable pay gap. In United States CPA firms, women hold around 23% of partner positions (AccountingInsights, 2025). Another key insight is that women in accounting and finance earn around 82 cents for every dollar men earn (AccountingInsights, 2025).
In accounting, women face several significant challenges that can negatively impact their career progression. One of these challenges is unconscious stereotypes and biases, which can result in women being overlooked for leadership roles and promotions, even with excellent qualifications and performance (AccountingInsights, 2024). Additionally, it is difficult for women to envision their path to success since there is such a deficit of female mentors and role models (AccountingInsights, 2024). Another critical issue is work-life balance (AccountingInsights, 2024). Accounting roles are demanding and can easily clash with personal and family responsibilities. All these challenges collectively contribute to the underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions within the accounting profession.
An inspiring success story of a woman in the accounting industry is Nicky Goringe Larkin’s. Larkin began her career in accounting, and within three years of qualifying with CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), she quickly rose to the position of finance manager (Rowland, 2019). Throughout her journey, she faced gender biases, was told she needed “greyer hair” to advance, and needed more experience (Rowland, 2019). Despite the discouragement, she persevered, and in 2007, she founded her firm, Goringe Accountants (Rowland, 2019). Today, Goringe Accountants is on its way to becoming a top 100 firm (Rowland, 2019). Nicky’s journey highlights the necessary determination and resilience to break through the glass ceiling and succeed in a historically male-dominated field.
Women can employ several effective strategies to achieve success in the accounting industry. Building strong professional networks is crucial. Having connections can provide one with support, advice, and opportunities needed for career advancement (Kmet, 2020). Another way to help women navigate their career paths and overcome challenges is to seek mentorship and sponsorship from experienced professionals (Kmet, 2020). Continuous education and professional development are necessary to remain updated with industry trends and to enhance one’s skills (Kmet, 2020). Additionally, it is crucial that women advocate for themselves and confidently communicate their career aspirations and achievements (Kmet, 2020). By leveraging these strategies, women can break through intimidating barriers they may be facing.
Breaking the glass ceiling in the accounting industry is crucial not only for achieving gender equity but also for fostering a more innovative and dynamic profession. For example, as leaders, women can offer diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving. This can enhance decision-making processes and drive success in an organization. Common leadership styles of women emphasize empathy, inclusivity, collaboration, and fostering a positive workplace culture. All these factors, in turn, can improve employee satisfaction and retention. Additionally, as more women are successful and hold top positions, they inspire other women in the field, encouraging them to pursue their personal career aspirations.
As women face several significant barriers, such as a lack of role models and unconscious biases, it has proven to be challenging to break the glass ceiling. However, many have successfully navigated these obstacles and achieved their career aspirations. One can feel inspired by their determination and resilience by looking and listening to their stories. By employing strategies such as seeking mentorship and advocating for oneself, women can continue making a substantial impact. The rise of women leaders is transforming the accounting industry, bringing diverse perspectives, and fostering positive and inclusive organizational cultures. It is crucial for organizations to support and promote women leaders. By doing so, they will help ensure an equitable and prosperous future for the accounting industry.
Works Cited:
AccountingInsights Team. (2024, October 19). Gender Balance in Accounting: Challenges and opportunities. Accounting Insights. https://accountinginsights.org/gender-balance-in-accounting-challenges-and-opportunities/
AccountingInsights Team. (2025, January 19). Evolving gender roles in the accounting profession. Accounting Insights. https://accountinginsights.org/evolving-gender-roles-in-the-accounting-profession/
Kagan, J. (2025, January 27). The glass ceiling: Definition, history, effects, and examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/glass-ceiling.asp
Kmet, C. (2020). Breaking through the glass ceiling. ILLINOIS CPA SOCIETY. https://www.icpas.org/information/copy-desk/insight/article/spring-2020/breaking-through-the-glass-ceiling
Rowland, M. (2019, April 1). She who dares… 5 success stories from Unstoppable accountants. AAT Comment. https://www.aatcomment.org.uk/audience/members/she-who-dares-5-success-stories-from-unstoppable-accountants/
Kyleigh Folsom is a busy season intern at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts. She is a dedicated junior at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) hailing from Meredith, NH. Currently pursuing a degree in accounting and recently accepted to the accelerated master’s program at UNH, Kyleigh has developed skills in financial reporting, auditing, and tax regulation. With a passion for numbers and a keen eye for detail, Kyleigh is on her way to building a successful career in accounting, ready to contribute significantly to the financial success of businesses.
Kyleigh is also a member of the University of New Hampshire Rutman Leadership Fellows Program, an initiative that teaches young individuals, particularly women, how to be strong, successful, and impactful leaders. Students taking part in this highly selective three-year program (sophomore through senior year) meet inspiring leaders, learn from their experiences, and implement what resonates to their own personal leadership journeys.
Each grade level has a different goal for the year. For juniors, we work on Rutman Roundtable. This is a chance for all junior cohort members to research, write, and post an article they’re passionate about, particularly related to women leaders.
