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Celebrating Women in the Accounting Industry in Australia: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future
March heralds in International Women’s Day (March 8th), prompting us to reflect on the incredible women in our workplaces and personal lives. With a continuous focus on gender parity, it’s important to check in with our colleagues and have meaningful conversations about how we show up at work, how we can lift each other up, and what we can all do to improve any inequities. Each workplace and industry are different; some are more or less well balanced from a gender parity perspective, whilst others have a way to go. Let’s look at our own industry and hear about the experiences of one of our own female accountants.
Historical Context: Women in Accounting
The accounting industry is the backbone of the Australian economy, ensuring businesses run smoothly and financial laws are adhered to. But beneath the balance sheets and financial statements, there's a quieter transformation taking place—women are increasingly shaping the landscape of accounting in Australia. Over the past few decades, women have not only found their place in the industry but are also making remarkable strides in leadership and innovation.
For much of the 20th century, accounting was largely a male-dominated field in Australia. Traditionally, it was seen as a profession for men, particularly in senior roles like partners or directors. However, the rise of the feminist movement and changing societal attitudes about women in the workforce began to challenge this notion in the latter half of the century.
In the 1970s and 80s, Australian women began to gain greater access to tertiary education, and more women started entering the accounting profession. The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and other major institutions started seeing an increase in female accounting students. This change laid the foundation for women to rise through the ranks of the industry.
A Shift Toward Gender Diversity and Equality
Fast forward to today, and Australia is experiencing a significant shift toward gender diversity in the accounting profession. According to the latest statistics from CPA Australia, only 8% of their members aged 70+ are females, versus 61% who are aged 20-29 years old! A significant shift indeed. CPA Australia’s overall membership is now 49.8% female – a much more balanced representation. *
One of the most encouraging aspects of this shift is the increasing number of women in senior roles within the Australian accounting industry in 2025. Women are now serving as CEOs, partners, and directors in top tier firms such as PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, as well as mid-tier firms such as ASVWadeson. There are many women running their own accounting practices too, right across the country.
However, the path to equal representation has not been without its challenges. In a male-dominated industry, women have often faced barriers, from pay gaps to limited opportunities for career progression. We spoke with Narelle, a 25-year veteran of the accounting profession in Victoria, who reflects on her sometimes rocky road to seniority. She remembers being great at accounting at school, and, inspired by a (male) teacher decided to enter the industry. She loves the feeling of genuinely producing results for clients and fixing their headaches. But she had to endure her own headaches as an emerging female accountant in a masculine-skewed culture. Challenges such as non-inclusion in meetings, dismissive behaviour in front of clients, less pay than male counterparts and lack of training, especially when returning from maternity leave. But she stuck with it despite the challenges, finding her own way to success by letting her results speak for themselves. Narelle cites the independence, initiative and strength required to survive in those early days continues to contribute to her success today.
Mentorship and Support Networks: Key to Progress
Thankfully the tides are turning across the industry and we’re seeing an increase in gender equality initiatives and mentorship programs for women to help level the playing field. There are several networking groups in Australia specifically for women in accounting, which offer a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow within the industry. These kinds of networks provide women with the tools, resources, and inspiration to take on leadership roles and overcome challenges.
Many firms now actively invest in training programs to help women move into management roles. Initiatives such as flexible working arrangements and parental leave policies are also making it easier for women to balance the demands of their careers with family responsibilities.
Challenges Women Still Face
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Gender bias is still a concern, with women sometimes being overlooked for promotions or leadership roles in favor of their male counterparts. The gender pay gap is also prevalent in some parts of the industry, despite women now comprising half of the workforce.
The lack of female representation in the highest levels of leadership remains a barrier today. While many women are entering the profession, fewer are making it to partner or senior executive roles. Addressing this imbalance is an ongoing challenge.
The Future of Women in Accounting
The future looks promising for women in the accounting profession. With more women entering the industry and more firms focusing on inclusivity, the tide is turning. The ongoing push for equal pay, better work-life balance, and mentorship opportunities will continue to drive gender diversity forward.
At the same time, technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are changing the landscape of accounting, opening new opportunities for professionals of all genders. These changes could level the playing field further, as they shift the focus from traditional accounting skills to strategic, advisory roles—areas where women are increasingly excelling.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As more women rise to leadership positions and pave the way for others, the accounting industry in Australia stands to benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workforce. With ongoing advocacy for equality, mentorship programs, and a growing recognition of the value women bring to the table, the future of women in accounting looks bright.
Women are no longer just a part of the accounting workforce—they are shaping its future, leading with vision, expertise, and a commitment to making the industry more inclusive and dynamic.
If you're looking to start or further your career in accounting, consider one of our many Accounting courses. We’re happy to chat with you to discuss the right entry point for your experience.
