Abstract:
This study investigated the barriers to women career advancement and
progression in the accountancy profession in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study
sampled 48 female accountants from various institutions who also occupy diverse
positions in the Metropolis. Data was collection through questionnaire and were
further analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and
percentages. The study revealed that most of the female accountants pursue a
career in accounting due to their educational background. It was also found that
the pay or salary was the least reason for most females wanting to go into the field
of accounting. Again, it was identified that most female accountants are not able
to progress because of factors such as childcare and family responsibilities,
discrimination in promotion, poor work environment, long hours of work and
heavy workload or paper work. Lastly, the study revealed that the female
accountants’ commitment to the job is greatly influenced by workplace incentives
like maternity leave, retirement benefits and regular performance appraisal. It was
also evident from the results that most institutions do not offer benefits such as
on-site day care centre for nursing mothers, medical allowance, overtime pay and
performance bonus. The study therefore recommends that family and spouses of
female accountants should offer regular support to them especially when it comes
to the upbringing and caring for the children; since this can serve as a major
barrier to women’s career progression.
