Proportion Of Women In Top Finance Roles Needs Improving

Thu, 11 Nov 2010

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has called for female professionals to be given improved access to senior-level roles within the UK’s male-dominated finance industry.

The call comes in response to new research which suggests women are not being given enough opportunities for top-level career development.

A survey conducted by CIMA and University of Bath found that just 12.2 per cent of FTSE 100 board positions are currently held by female professionals, despite women making up 46 per cent of the UK’s working population.

It also revealed that women working in the finance sector are six times less likely than their male counterparts to be promoted to the role of chief financial officer or chief executive.

According to CIMA, a "critical mass" of women in senior roles produces the best financial results for companies.

The Institute said that men are more likely to volunteer for special projects, promote their achievements within the organisation, seek international experience and change employer in order to advance their careers .

However, it added that UK employers can help redress the balance by actively developing female staff, encouraging mentoring and offering flexible working practices.

Charley Tilley, CIMA's chief executive, said: "CIMA has one of the highest growth rates in female members of all the accounting institutes, with 65,000 female members and students internationally."

"However, there is still some way to go before we see equal representation of female leaders in business."
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