2024 Accountants: Gender pay equality is a gradual process, not instant.

TLDR:

Key Points:

• Gender pay gap at partnership level in PwC New Zealand is 21%.
• Improving diversity at senior levels is key to closing the pay gap.

The gender pay gap in accounting firms, specifically at the partnership level, remains a significant issue in New Zealand. According to outgoing boss Mark Averill of PwC New Zealand, the gender pay gap at the partnership level is 21%, while for the rest of the employees, it stands at 7.2%. Averill acknowledges the gap at the employee level but highlights that the gap at the partnership level is more concerning.

Improving diversity at senior levels is seen as a crucial step towards closing the gender pay gap in accounting firms. Addressing issues related to promotions, leadership opportunities, and representation at higher ranks can help in achieving gender pay parity. CA ANZ has also called for mandatory pay gap reporting in New Zealand to increase transparency and accountability in addressing this issue.