The pay gap is widening between male and female accountants over 45, according to a study from financial recruiter Robert Half.

The study shows that  the average basic salary for a male chartered accountant over 45 is £98,400, over 60% more than their female colleagues’ average of £60,500.

Conversely under 30, female accountants currently receive an average wage of £47,300 (an increase of 3% from the previous year), while the average male salary is only 4% higher at £49,300 (a decrease of 5% from the previous year).
 
Phil Sheridan, managing director Robert Half UK, says: “One of the interesting outcomes of the downturn seems to be the narrowing of the gender pay gap for those who have recently embarked on their accountancy careers.

“Historically, some of the difference in salaries between genders has been attributable to the fact that the average male accountant tends to be older and longer qualified than their female counterparts. As women continue along their career path it is important that this gap doesn’t widen.”