Shedding Light on the AICPA Work/Life and Women's Initiatives Research: What Does It Mean to Educators and Students?

Abstract

This commentary interprets the data from the 2004 AICPA Report issued by the Work/Life and Women's Initiatives Executive Committee in terms of implications for accounting faculty who advise students and who have an interest in conducting research on public accounting workplace issues. The discussion highlights the survey results relating to the status of women, including current trends in women's advancement and alternative career paths in public accounting, and the career aspirations of today's generation of students. We link these AICPA findings to other research on public accounting workplace issues, and broader research that suggests some generational and gender differences that should be considered in advising students. Throughout we also suggest potential research questions. Finally, because it is not uncommon for students to ask us questions about academic careers, we consider gender bias parallels that may exist between public accounting and the academy.