Career progression of women in the accountancy profession in Kumasi metropolitan assembly of Ghana

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.