21 August 2012
NZICA calls on employers to tackle the gender pay gap
Female accountants are paid less than men according to an annual survey of members of the New Zealand Institute of
Chartered Accountants (NZICA).
“The gender pay gap needs to be tackled by all New Zealand employers, including accountancy firms. The face of our
profession is changing and pay and conditions need to change as well if we are to attract and retain staff,” says Jeana
Abbott, NZICA Director - Marketing and Human Resources.
“The number of women in the profession grew by 3% over the last year. Women now make up 42% of our members, broadly in
line with the wider workforce, but on average they’re paid 26% less.
“Our figures show that women are still paid less even when experience is taken into account. In fact, the pay gap is
wider for those with more experience than for those with less. Women with less than five years’ experience are paid on
average 9% less but those with over 21 years’ experience are paid 23% less on average.”
“We are publishing the results to raise awareness of the gender pay gap. NZICA will be working with its members to look
at ways to tackle the gap.
“We recognise that pay gaps are often unintentional and can take time to reduce. We also acknowledge that all workplaces
are different and each must find solutions that fit their own individual circumstances.
“We encourage all employers to look at their own workforce composition and to look at what they can do to address any
pay gaps in their workforce.”
Details of the survey findings are included below.
About NZICA
NZICA is the membership body of choice for over 33,000 accounting and business professionals, working around New Zealand
and across the globe. We act in the members’ and public interest through regulating the profession, developing financial
reporting standards and promoting quality, integrity and expertise. Our members hold one of three prestigious
professional accountancy designations: Chartered Accountant (CA), Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) or Accounting
Technician (AT).
About NZICA’s remuneration and employment survey
NZICA’s annual remuneration and employment is an invaluable guide and authoritative source of information on
remuneration and employment in New Zealand’s accounting industry.
The 2012 survey was conducted independently by Colmar Brunton in June and July and received over 8,800 responses from
NZICA members. The results have a maximum margin of error of ±1% at the 95% confidence interval.
Source data: Average remuneration of Chartered Accountants by gender by experience
ExperienceMenWomenPay gap<5 years$86,869$79,205 9%5-10 years$124,653$106,49715%11-15 years$159,916$133,36817%16-20 years$190,711$142,68825%>21 years$185,232$141,78523%Overall$153,658$114,40126%
Note: Based on New Zealand based Chartered Accountants in full time roles: men n=3,466, women n=2,686.
ENDS