Women in accountancy

The challenges

There is still an issue with women reaching the ‘glass ceiling’, but there has been continuing progress. In June 2024 43.4% of directors in FTSE 100 companies were women, reports the Female FTSE Board Report 2024 from Cranfield School of Management.

Why women mean business

Gender diversity in the workplace is fundamental to business success. Research has shown that companies with more women in leadership positions are more profitable and more efficient. Additionally, the Equalities Act 2010 means the issue of recruiting and retaining female financial talent is more pertinent than ever.

Skilled finance professionals remain in high demand and the competition for them is intensifying both on a national and global scale. In the UK and across the EU, women represent a large slice of this talent pool. They are becoming central to meeting the combined challenges of an ageing workforce, falling birth rates and a skills shortage.

International Women's Day - 8 March

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their economic, political and social achievements. International Women’s Day is an opportunity for ICAEW to share our commitment to championing the role of women, both in the accountancy profession and throughout the wider business world.

Find out more about ICAEW's involvement:

• Celebrating International Women’s Day: Prof Elaine Boyd OBE
• International Women's Day: UAE accountants on embracing equity

How we support female members

We equip female ACAs with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in what is still, unfortunately, a male-dominated industry. 

• Our ICAEW Women in Leadership programme grooms mid to senior level women for board level, senior management or director/partner positions. It provides solid leadership training with additional elements that focus on the needs of women specifically. The six month programme focuses on developing participants’ unique leadership style through a blend of workshops, peer learning groups and one-to-one mentoring sessions. WiL gives participants the unique opportunity to be mentored by an experienced finance leader from a large listed or private company. 

• Our Women in Finance Community provides networking and personal development opportunities to enable women in finance to achieve their potential. 

• The ICAEW Library's Career and personal development resources provide the latest publications and research as well as guides, articles and books on topics such as women in business, returning to the workplace, networking and leadership to support members in developing their careers and fulfilling their potential.

• Our Digital archive of women's stories, celebrating 100 years of women in chartered accountancy, brings to light the stories of our members so we can fully grasp the progress we've made.