Why ACCA Has a Remarkable Number of Female Students
Last Update On 15th January 2025
Duration: 5 Mins Read
The accounting profession, previously dominated by males, is gradually changing with more women enrolling as ACCA students. It reflects a larger societal shift and growing recognition that gender equality will be an issue in the workplace, with the number of female students in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, or ACCA, steadily rising. This blog explores why there are so many female students in ACCA, the role of women in ACCA, and how the ACCA qualification is paving the way to greater opportunities for women in accounting.
What is the Myth of the Glass Ceiling?
The term “glass ceiling” is generally used to describe the invisible barriers that exist in preventing women from rising to the top of their chosen careers. For many years, this was considered an inherent limitation placed on women in a number of professions, including accountancy. Recent statistics, however, indicate that this myth is slowly being dispelled, particularly in the accounting field.
Over the years, a number of women in accountancy have kept on growing. It has grown from 39% in 1983 to 60% in 2012 and 49% in 2017. Such figures show that females not only join the accounting field but are growing as well. This, in turn, has been facilitated by flexible work schedules and the ability to perform some accounting tasks remotely with the help of technology, which has greatly helped women in balancing work and personal life. In this way, the profession has become more accessible and attractive, especially to those with family commitments.
How are Women Shaping ACCA?
Women have been very instrumental in the development and success of the ACCA qualification. For a long period of time, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has been at the forefront of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The first female member of ACCA, Ethel Ayres Purdie, was inducted as far back as 1909. She became a very important figure in the history of ACCA. Purdie was not only an advocate for women’s rights but also a vocal proponent of fairer taxation policies.
Today also, women are the significant performers in the global presence of ACCA. As a matter of fact, since ACCA today operates in over 180 countries, females constitute 46% of its membership—a signal that more females are engaging in the profession. The commitment of the ACCA to the issue of gender equality is further reinforced by the mere fact that prominent female figures include Vera di Palma, who was the very first female president of the ACCA, and Helen Brand, chief executive officer of the ACCA. Such women leaders are shaping the future of accountancy by being at the forefront and acting as role models for future generations of female accountants.
Women are helping shape the future of accounting by leading the organisation and setting an example for future generations of female accountants.
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Who are the Present Trailblazers that Define ACCA?
But women in ACCA not only achieve great things in the organisation itself but also have a great impact on the whole accounting industry. Today, women students and members of ACCA are leading the way forward for the profession. From pioneering leadership in ground-breaking leadership to innovation in accounting practices, women in ACCA are helping chart the ACCA course for the profession in the future.
The ACCA qualification itself has grown to accommodate the demands of the modern professional by providing a broad range of ACCA modules that cover everything from traditional bookkeeping principles through to current developments affecting the accounting profession. It is this adaptability that has drawn women to the ACCA qualification as more women seek out qualifications that allow flexibility and career development opportunities.
Moreover, its global presence means that women ACCA students can avail themselves of every facility and support system for better preparing themselves from students to professionals. Another valuable element of diversity within the ACCA community is that it provides women of all different cultural and professional backgrounds with the ability to network, learn from one another, and support each other through their careers.
What Expectations Take Centre-Stage for Females in ACCA?
Many of these women who seek the ACCA qualification tend to add a bit more to it. A great work ethic, attention to detail, and sensitivity towards people’s needs ensure that women make very welcome and valuable additions to the accounting profession. These qualities will be valued when one finds a position of leadership that involves much more sensitivity in collaboration with others.
Besides, women look at career opportunities more holistically. While attractive financial rewards mean a lot, they need to be appreciated in their job and have their personalities and characters developed. And that has been one of the reasons why the ACCA qualification has been attractive to many: it provides a wide avenue toward successful careers and leadership in the accountancy profession.
Most women with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants expressed openness to cross-border job options, too, while quite a large number make their choice associated with the movement abroad or shift in the scope of job practice for further proficiency. ACCA therefore provides ample scope for these women to comply with the career structures and meet set goals irrespective of geographical constraints or personal background.
Conclusion
The increasing number of female ACCA students qualification is a factor that has changed the face of the accounting profession. While more women pursue the ACCA qualification, they are not only changing the accounting industry but also breaking down barriers and challenging outdated stereotypes. The commitment of ACCA to gender equality, flexibility in its qualification process, and its global recognition are among the aspects that have made it so appealing for women to achieve professional growth.
As women continue to make their presence felt in the accounting profession, the outlook for the industry is brighter and more inclusive than ever. With organisations such as the ACCA behind their backs, women find new paths to success and leadership in finance and accounting.
FAQs on Why ACCA Has a Remarkable Number of Female Students
In which country does ACCA have more scope?
Though there are large contingents of ACCA members in many countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Philippines, and Canada head the list of countries where qualifications are viewed as highly respectable and offering great career prospects.
Why does ACCA have a remarkable number of female students?
ACCA has a high number of female students due to the flexible study options, the global recognition of the ACCA qualification, and because the organisation takes the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment seriously. These factors make the ACCA qualification an attractive choice for women seeking to advance their careers in accounting.
Who was the first woman member of the ACCA?
The first woman member of the ACCA was Ethel Ayres Purdie, admitted in 1909. She was one of the pioneers for women in accounting and an active fighter for women’s rights and equal rights, including fairer taxation.
How many ACCA holders are there in India?
India has a substantial number of holders of the ACCA, with thousands of professionals holding an ACCA qualification. Since the actual count may be at large and will keep on changing, India comprises one of the biggest markets in terms of both ACCA students and members.
How many students are studying ACCA?
Presently, there are over 200,000 ACCA students worldwide, with a growing number of female students joining the ranks. The reason why the ACCA qualification has continued to attract students from the world over is its flexibility, global recognition, and career opportunities.
