The Accounting MOVE Project announces the opening of registration for its 2024 edition, themed “Private Equity’s Impact on Accounting Career Paths.” This initiative is geared toward diving into the significant changes introduced by private equity in the conventional paths of accounting careers.
The Accounting MOVE Project is an annual survey of accounting and financial firms that measures demographic data and workplace culture to help advance women and other underrepresented groups. It creates annual lists of the best firms for women and best firms for equity leadership.
Cindy Stanley, executive director of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA), commented, “Private equity is definitely shifting the dynamic of how firms are managed and will certainly impact traditional career paths. We believe this research is important to the profession as a whole, but particularly to women in accounting who are more likely to feel the impacts of these shifts. We encourage firms to participate in the Accounting MOVE Project so we can uncover as many data points and best practices as possible to share with the profession so we can identify new ways for women to succeed on their own terms.”
Additionally, the project will look into the critical topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within accounting firms. Recognizing the enduring value of DEI initiatives despite prevailing skepticism, the project seeks to distinguish between performative measures and strategic frameworks.
Tricia Bencich, associate director of inclusion and social responsibility at Moss Adams, added, “Creating a culture where employees can thrive in their careers without giving up their personal lives, where client needs are met or exceeded, and where the firm as a whole succeeds is not an impossible goal. It does take a commitment to listening to your people, doing all you can to create an inclusive culture, and understanding that one size never fits all. We are excited about this year’s MOVE research and encourage firms to participate so we can have a discernable impact on the profession and the opportunities it provides to all that work within it.”
The 2024 Accounting MOVE Project survey launches on April 29, and a final report will be issued in October.
Firms interested in participating can register on the Accounting MOVE Project website, with an archive of past reports and resources available for reference.
