WHERE ARE THE WOMEN LEADERS?

I sat down with my first cup of coffee of the day with the idea of catching up on the last few days reading. It seems like the longer that I am in public accounting the more it changes. The more it changes, the greater the reading requirement becomes.

In the November 1 edition of Accounting Today, the major headline was “Where are the women leaders (in public accounting firms)?” As I read the article written by Liz Gold, I found myself nodding with approval of the article’s comments. I also found myself nodding with disapproval.

If you read the Wall Street Journal, you will note that there are a number of Fortune 500 companies with women as their CEOs. Many nations now have women as their heads of state. So why are women scaling those very high walls on a more frequent basis, while their counter parts in public accounting can’t seem to get over the backyard fence?

The AT article reports that 55 percent of new hires in CPA firms are female, but the number of women partners in CPA firms hovers around 25 percent.

The article offered some insights which you may or may not agree with.

One point offered by Gale Crosley, the co-coordinator of the Forum for Women in Accounting, was: “Women are taught to be responders, not initiators…business protocol require that if you are going to rise to the top of the accounting profession, you’ve got to be an initiator. Being an initiator, having self-confidence and being fearless around self promotion are all traits necessary to succeed in the profession.”

A second point was offered by Rita Keller: “I don’t think women want partner bad enough.” She stated (and I paraphrase) that women make good money at the manager level, with prestigious titles, and found that CPA firms are willing to work around their family schedules. She states that life has been good to women in public accounting and is puzzled at why women would complain.

A final point was offered by L. Nakarmura, a former KPMG partner, now the managing partner of a large local firm in California: “They (women) knew that to be the parent they wanted to be, they couldn’t be the employee they expected of themselves. So they chose to leave the profession because they couldn’t find a way to balance home success and work success.”

My money is on the last of the three points. Public accounting is extremely demanding. The general public thinks that we work hard from January through April 15 and then play the rest of year. In fact, tax filings occur throughout the year. Accounting services, audit services, financial consulting and software implementation are year-round concerns. Every month of the year has both State and Federal deadlines. A standard work week for most public accountants is between 50 and 60 hours. Burn out and alcoholism are major issues in the profession.

I have been in this business for about 26 years. I have found women to be bright and most capable. I have found them to be motivated and initiators of the first level. I have found their management skills to be equal of men’s although their style is different (women want to talk things to death before making a decision).

I also have observed that the family is a higher priority than the job for female accountants. Frankly, I consider that a good thing. So, if you are a potential employer, know that there are some incredible female talents out there. But also recognize that their kids will always come first and you must be flexible on this issue. It seems like a small price to pay for top quality talent.

--Steve Cook is the managing shareholder of Cook and Associates, PLLC, a certified public accounting firm with offices in San Antonio and San Marcos, Texas.