The problems faced by women certified public accountants upon starting their profession and solution suggestions: A research in Bursa province

In the rapidly developing and changing world, the position of woman has always been a matter of debate. Women whose position was limited to their home by society and could not receive education in the past have become stronger and more independent and proven themselves in every field over the years. In fact, there are hardly any professions where women do not exist now. Department of accounting and certified public accounting are an example to that. Assuming the title of certified public accountant is probably one of the hardest things. A long and tiring process needs to be accomplished to assume this title. Despite this difficult process and social oppressions, women have proven that they deserve this profession and title to the full extent and become expedients for the profession owing to their delicate and regular work. The present study discussed the process of becoming a certified public accountant and focused on the distresses and problems faced during this process. The study used face-to-face interview technic which is among qualitative research methods. The study was conducted with 25 woman certified public accountants and the scope of the study was limited to Bursa province. As a result of the study, it was found that despite developments in society and accounting, specific employers, taxpayers, members of profession and individuals did not deem women worthy of the profession and they pushed them into the background. The participants stated that they struggled against prejudicial and sexist attitudes and had to make great sacrifices throughout the process in order to assume a title. They could not spare time to their families, friends and themselves due to a lack of the concepts of vacation and shift in the profession. Considering the study result, it is believed that equality can be ensured within the profession and the process may become healthier for women through professional arrangements and seminars to be organized by authorities.