One-fourth of accountants want more DEI

One in four accounting professionals want to see more diversity, equity and inclusion activity in the profession. 

Twenty-five percent of accounting professionals want to increase to “active” or “highly active” roles in implementing DEI initiatives, according to new research from the Center for Accounting Transformation. However, less than one-third (30%) of firms implement DEI initiatives. The full report is expected this fall.

The initial findings were shared during a webinar, hosted by Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies as well as founder of the Center for Accounting Transformation. The panelists — Jina Etienne, founder and principal consultant at Etienne Consulting; Mary Bennett, CEO of MLBennett Consulting; Stephani Mason, associate professor at DePaul University; and Claire Costin, assistant professor at the University of Portland — discussed the importance of linking DEI efforts to business strategies as well as the need to retain diverse talent. 

Bennett emphasized the need for tailored strategies for different sized firms as small firms cannot implement DEI initiatives in the same way as large firms’ bandwidth enables. “DEI strategies should be customized based on the size and needs of the organization,” Bennett said. “Smaller firms can still implement effective DEI initiatives by understanding their unique challenges and opportunities.”  

Mason and Etienne discussed the importance of broadening recruitment efforts and reevaluating existing policies to be more inclusive. “Competent recruiters who understand DEI principles are essential,” Mason said. “Just because someone was a good accountant does not mean they should be the face of the firm when it comes to recruiting. We need skilled recruiters who can engage a diverse candidate pool.” 

“Belonging should be viewed as the ultimate outcome of successful DEI efforts,” Etienne said. “Creating an environment where all employees feel valued and can thrive is essential for long-term success.”  

Costin concluded the webinar, saying, “Progress in DEI is a game of millimeters, not miles. The fact that we’re here talking about how to move forward means that we want to, and that’s hopeful.”

The full recording of the webinar is available here for $10.