Why more women are choosing careers in accountancy 

Why more women are choosing careers in accountancy 

Clear qualification pathways, earning potential and job security are top reasons why more women are choosing careers in accountancy, but there are still sizeable barriers to entry, says Leigh Thomas, vice president EMEA at Intuit 

Accountancy has long been seen as a traditional, male dominated profession, but that perception is rapidly changing. According to our new research, women are increasingly driving this shift. Nearly a third of female students say they are choosing accountancy for its flexibility, 29% cite job security as a key motivator, and a striking 73% aspire to launch their own firms in the future. 

As we enter into the next generation of accountancy, we stride forward with women at the helm, and this is a sign not just of social progress, but of the ways in which accountancy is changing. Encompassing strategic advisory, tech leadership, and entrepreneurialism, the new era of accountant is here, and women are playing a key role in this evolution.  

Entrepreneurial spirit 

Entrepreneurial ambition is a key driving force behind this shift. Many are rejecting traditional career ladders in favour of building independent practices shaped by flexibility and innovation. One example is Grace Hardy, a former apprentice at Forvis Mazars, who founded Hardy Accounting at just 21 years old. Her remote-first practice and TikTok-led marketing strategy, underscore the growing role of digital fluency in establishing modern, entrepreneurial accounting practices. 

For others, like Keira Lake, an AAT student and finance assistant at Dorchester Town Council, accountancy offers the stability and portability needed to align with personal circumstances. With a partner in the Royal Navy, Lake values the profession as one that can fit with her lifestyle while providing consistent opportunities and a skill set that remains in demand wherever life takes her. 

Technology-led vision 

The role of the modern accountant has evolved significantly. The backroom number cruncher stereotype couldn’t be further from the reality for most firms. Today’s professionals are deeply embedded in strategic planning, digital transformation, and long-term business advisory. Technology is central to this shift and is one of the key forces propelling accountants from spreadsheet whiz to all-round strategic advisor. 

Our research demonstrates that 64% of accounting students aged 20-24 feel prepared to use emerging technology. Many identify digital literacy, data analytics, and advisory capabilities as top skills essential for their future success. 

As automation reduces the burden of repetitive manual tasks, accountants are free to focus on the work that matters most: building relationships, team development, and strategic decision-making. The profession’s future is more human than ever, defined by empathetic leadership. 

Levelling the playing field 

Despite encouraging progress, some barriers still remain. More than a quarter of students cite the cost of qualifications as a limiting factor, while 27% struggle to balance their academic commitments with their personal responsibilities. 

Many also point to a lack of mentorship and work experience as an obstacle to entering the profession. For women, these challenges are magnified by the gender pay gap and the lack of female leaders to look up to at senior levels. These factors don’t just hold back individuals, they risk slowing the pace of innovation and progress across the entire profession. 

To ensure the long-term growth, development, and retention of the new wave of female accountants, the industry needs to address these issues head on. This includes expanding access to mentorship, creating inclusive hiring pipelines, and embedding diversity into firm culture and policy. The objective is clear: give every aspiring accountant the freedom and support to succeed. 

Building networks and visibility 

Another crucial factor shaping the future of women in accountancy is visibility, the saying ‘you cannot be what you cannot see’ rings true. Professional networks, both online and offline, are giving women more opportunities to connect, share expertise, and amplify their voices. 

Hardy, for example, has built a strong presence on social media alongside running her firm. By using platforms such as LinkedIn and TikTok to share insights and practical tips, she is not only attracting clients but also inspiring a new generation of accountants to see the profession in a different light. 

At the same time, industry bodies and firms are investing in dedicated communities and events that highlight female leadership and create peer-to-peer support systems. 

By celebrating role models and giving women a platform to be heard, the profession not only attracts more diverse talent but also demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available. 

This sense of belonging and representation is helping women to imagine themselves not just participating in the industry, but leading it. 

The next chapter 

The profession is entering an exciting new phase. Accountants are now central to organisational strategy and as more women take on leadership roles, their influence will not only transform the profession itself, but also shape the businesses they serve, leaving a legacy that inspires future generations to follow. 

This article is sourced from the following link: 

https://www.accountancydaily.co/why-more-women-are-choosing-careers-accountancy