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They cite a range of attributes including age, gender and disability according to the latest research ‘Promotion and Prejudice’ from CareersinAudit.com, a job board for audit professionals. 

Over three-quarters (79 per cent) of accountants believe that age discrimination still exists in the profession, with 74 per cent believing that accountants miss out on promotions because of this factor. 

Anti-discrimination policy 

Other prejudices in the workplace which can prevent promotion include one’s gender (74 per cent), disability (68 per cent) and social background (68 per cent).

Over a  third (36 per cent) revealed that they had personally missed out on a promotion because of their age and almost over a quarter (29 per cent) stated their gender played a part in missing out on furthering their career and a further 22 per cent believing their appearance determined whether they received a promotion.

Whilst over half of those surveyed were aware their company had an anti-discrimination policy in place, nine-in-ten accountants surveyed believe that firms should have tighter policies to prevent discrimination.

In addition, 89 per cent of accountants believe that the buck shouldn’t stop with firms and the industry’s regulatory bodies should be taking further steps to combat these prejudices.

Part of the problem lies in firms not doing enough to encourage employees to report incidents where they feel discrimination has taken place. 

Nepotism 

Over a third (36 per cent) of accountants worry that reporting an incident could ruin their chances of a future promotion and worryingly over a quarter (28 per cent) said that HR or management would probably not care.

Perhaps there is some truth in the old adage ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’, as almost two-thirds (63 per cent) believe nepotism plays a big part when it comes to being promoted within the industry, whilst nearly half (44 per cent) believe getting on well with the CEO helps to achieve a promotion.

More than half (60 per cent) of accountants agree that a man is more likely to be promoted when competing with a woman with the same qualifications.

In contrast, 22 per cent of accountants believe that someone would miss out on a promotion because of height and 23 per cent for being bald.

Eight-in-ten accountants (83 per cent) revealed they would leave their current job within a year if they were not awarded a promotion they deserved.

Over two-thirds (68 per cent) of accountants believe discrimination against a person with a disability still exists in the workplace, with over half (58 per cent) stating accountants with a disability miss out on promotions.

Diversity and equality at work 

Max Williamson, director of CareersinAudit.com, said that getting promoted should be based on ability, qualifications and suitability for the role.

He pointed out that one would hope that these statistics would be significantly lower, given legislators have worked hard over the past few years to ensure greater diversity and equality at work.

“Both companies and the accounting profession need to take a tougher and more pro-active stance to prevent any form of discrimination in the workplace taking place.  At the same time, firms need to do more to encourage employees to report incidents, without fear of negative repercussions," Williamson concluded.

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Related links

• CareersinAudit.com