Women Are Getting the Title of Partner But Not the Biggest Clients

The number of female partners in accounting has skyrocketed from 4% in 1989 to 39% today. On the surface, it's a massive win for the profession.

But when you look closer, there's still a long way to go.

Despite making up 44% of the CPA workforce, women account for only 26% of lead engagement partners in the S&P 500, according to a recent analysis in The CPA Journal, “Glass Ceiling Shattered?”

In other words, women are getting the title of partner but not the biggest clients.

The disparity is even more visible in particular sectors. For example, Energy, Real Estate, & Utilities audits have <20% female lead partners.

It’s not enough to promote women to partner if the most prestigious, high-fee engagements remain behind a legacy 'boys' club' wall. If we want true equity, we have to look at who is holding the keys to the S&P 500.