AMERICAN SOCIETY OF WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS DISCUSS BUSINESS OUTLOOK IN 2010 WITH TOP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS (McLean, Va, February 1, 2010) – The American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), the premier organization for women in the accounting and finance fields, brought industry leaders together in a one-day meeting to discuss the market outlook in 2010. Speakers from both corporate and nonprofit organizations discussed the following topics:
• The current economy and trends impacting women in business;
• The financial market outlook for 2010, and
• An overview discussion on motivating and retaining skilled accounting and financial professionals in this downturned economy.
Margaret Barton, executive director of the National Women’s Business Council, an independent federal advisory council, created 21 years ago by former President Ronald Reagan discussed the statistics dealing with women in business. For example, according to The Catalyst (http://www.catalyst.org/), "women are 61.1percent of all accountants and auditors.” Additionally, "women are 19 percent of all partners at firms, although they are 43 percent of all new partners.” Another surprising statistic is that "women were 7.3 percent of all Fortune 500 CFOs.” Why is this? Is this because women are underrepresented in business, paid less for the same amount of work, or juggling the roles of professional/wife/mother? These statistics shed light on a topic that needs more research to understand women’s expectations in the business world.
"These industry experts opened our eyes to the changes in our industry and how our organization can stay on the forefront of thinking and acting to make sure women in business stay on the top of their field” said Stacey L. Craig, CPA, President, American Society of Women Accountants.
With this statistical knowledge, Josh Howarth, from Robert Half International, suggested that organizations look to low cost/no cost ways to increase employee loyalty and morale. He suggested employees value being recognized and that recognition be communicated throughout organizations. Howarth suggested that CEOs should focus on holding recognition conference calls, sending special notes to employees on their anniversaries, as well as recognizing employees even for the smallest victories.
ASWA is the resource for all women accounting and finance professionals whether new to the field, experienced, or considering a career transition. ASWA provides an opportunity for networking, continuing education, practical resources and benefit programs that strengthen their professional growth. Through meetings like this, ASWA can stay at the forefront of learning and continue to facilitate the success of women in business in the accounting and finance fields.
About American Society of Women Accountants:
Founded in 1938, ASWA provides women in accounting and finance the leadership, education and networking opportunities needed to achieve their career goals. More than seventy years later, ASWA is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women in the entire accounting and finance community. The organization's mission is to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession. Visit
www.aswa.org for more information.
