2016 Most Powerful Women in Accounting

Women are increasingly attaining the reins of power in accounting firms, accounting for about 20 percent of firm partners. This is still not enough, according to thought leaders like Amy Vetter, CPA, who notes that women make up more than half of the overall workforce, so their representation in leadership is too low. Still, it is an improvement over a decade or two ago.

In just the last couple of years, two Big Four firms have appointed female CEOs: Cathy Engelbert at Deloitte, and Lynne Doughtie at KPMG. And as women continue to expand their leadership roles in firms of all sizes, as well as at technology vendors, in consulting, public administration and accounting education, they will increasingly draw more women into partner and manager positions, shaping the profession significantly into the future.

Through the Most Powerful Women in Accounting awards, CPA Practice Advisor celebrates the increasing presence of women at the highest positions in accounting firms and organizations that oversee the profession, and recognizes those who have had the most impact. Nominations were open to the public on CPA Practice Advisor’s website www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com, and the final selection of this year’s recipients was determined by the publication’s editorial staff and advisory board.