The career outlook for women in finance and accounting has improved over the past decade in the U.S., suggests a new survey from global staffing firm Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

Forty-two percent of chief financial officers interviewed said the ability of women in the finance field to advance through the ranks is better now than 10 years ago. Just 4 percent of executives said there are fewer opportunities for women.

“Many organizations have made great strides in promoting female professionals in accounting and finance to the executive ranks, but there’s more to do,” said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. “Ensuring a diverse staff and attracting and retaining top talent should be an ongoing priority. Offering work/life balance programs can be attractive incentives for employees with children, for instance.”  

CFOs were asked, “Compared to 10 years ago, in general, are there more or fewer opportunities for women to advance through the ranks in accounting and finance?” Their responses:

• Significantly more: 12 percent
• Somewhat more: 30 percent
• No change: 53 percent
• Somewhat fewer: 3 percent
• Significantly fewer; 1 percent
• Don’t know: 2 percent

The survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on interviews with more than 2,100 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in more than 20 of the largest U.S. markets.