There might be many more female accountants than there were 30 years ago but are still under-represented in the top ranks of accounting firms, according to a new survey.

The survey from the Illinois CPA shows that men hold 82.8 per cent of leadership positions compared with 17.2 percent held by women.

This might change over time although some claim it might be also a case of male and female accountants following different career paths. Men are more likely to follow a continuous linear career path, instead of taking time out, which means the financial rewards are better.