Over three quarters of male accountants believe that women are still being prevented from reaching the upper echelons of the industry, according to a new report.
The survey from Careers in Audit found 76 per cent of male accountants still thinking there is a 'glass ceiling' for their female colleagues, while many believe attempts to address this problem have had a negative impact.
Nine in ten of the male professionals interviewed said that attempts to make progression prospects more equal for women had actually negatively affected them as a male accountant.
"There is a lot of work to be done within the profession to iron out the mistrust, misunderstandings and differences of perception that currently exist between the sexes," said Max Williamson, chief executive of Careers in Audit.
"Senior managers need to take the lead and voice genuine support for such policies. They must create an environment in which women do not feel ostracised for having a family," he added.
As of next April the Gender Equality Duty will come into force, requiring all public bodies – and those, like accountants, involved in contracts with public projects – to be able to demonstrate that they are promoting equality between the sexes.
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