Untapped Potential: Many Intelligent Female Accountants are Not in the Workforce

Author

Heidi Sundberg, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Accounting

Abstract

As the shortage of accountants in the U.S. continues to increase, it is crucial to examine what barriers are keeping women from remaining in the workforce. This research project focuses on women in accounting, especially mothers, and what changes can be made so that they are more likely to continue pursuing career growth, instead of becoming stay-at-home moms. This report focuses on what barriers women in Utah’s accounting profession face when trying to get promotions while fulfilling family commitments and how their perspectives differ from those of their management.

The basis of this research was done through a survey that was sent out to thousands of accounting professionals across Utah. The survey consisted of questions related to work-life balance barriers when pursuing promotions. I hypothesized that employers were not aware of all of the barriers that women face when trying to get promoted while balancing a family. I believe that the three biggest challenges they face are culture, support from their spouse, and work-life balance challenges.

This research project concluded that women are more likely to stay in the workforce while having a family if the company offers flexible work hours, part-time positions, paid time off, equal promotion opportunities, and parental leave. Concerning promotions, the most valuable resource is a mentor within the organization. It would also be very helpful for companies to outline clear promotion paths for part-time employees. These findings will help employers to make changes in their companies that will create more welcoming work environments for women.

Recommended Citation

Sundberg, Heidi, "Untapped Potential: Many Intelligent Female Accountants are Not in the Workforce" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1030.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1030