SAN RAMON, Calif., Nov. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Armanino LLP, one of the top 25 largest accounting and business consulting firms in the U.S., announced it launched an Executive Access Program. The program will pair high-potential female managers with firm executive committee members to provide them the opportunity to build relationships with key leaders and help drive career advancement. The firm also announced a Transparency to Partnership educational track to provide clearer insight and more transparency about what it takes to be a partner. Both initiatives were developed by Armanino’s Woman’s Advancement Network (WAN) and comes after extensive survey findings of male and female Armanino partners and managers provided insights on barriers and opportunities for female partner promotion. The WAN was created by the firm to address the gender gap at the partner level, by creating initiatives and events that foster an environment encouraging women’s leadership at the highest levels.
“Armanino is committed to not only meeting but exceeding the industry average of female partners,” said Andy Armanino, managing partner of Armanino LLP. “In the past three years, 29 percent of internal partner promotions were women, a trend we would like to see increase in the future.”
The nationwide Accounting MOVE Project, an annual report that has compiled and analyzed data surrounding women’s advancement for more than 30 years, conducted an internal survey for Armanino LLP that showcased several areas of disconnect between men and women in pursuing partnership. Results revealed that women were opting out of the partner track at twice the rate of men and that executive sponsorship was one of the most important factors in achieving partnership. The survey also revealed gaps in the understanding of the qualifications and benefits of partnership for both men and women.
The Executive Access Program provides high-potential females access to executives earlier in their careers to help them understand the path to partnership and recognize the benefits of partnership, and to encourage women to pursue partnership. The firm recently welcomed its inaugural class of 18 women who were paired with executive sponsors. Program members will meet regularly with their sponsors to track career progress and set goals.
“We have had a lot of great feedback so far, and people are very interested in participating in these new initiatives,” said WAN board co-chair and Armanino partner Stacie Kowalczyk. “The Executive Access Program filled up quickly, and we expect to see more women taking advantage of this opportunity in the future,” added WAN board co-chair and Armanino partner Min Riblett.
Additionally, the firm tapped its Learning and Development team to create training modules on partner qualifications, the benefits of partnership, flexibility and expectations, partner profiles and other relevant topics. These courses will be available to all interested firm employees, in order to address misconceptions and barriers.
About Armanino LLP
Armanino LLP (www.armaninollp.com) is one of the top 25 largest independent accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. Armanino provides an integrated set of audit, tax, business management, consulting and technology solutions to companies in the U.S. and globally. The firm helps clients adapt and change in every stage of business, from startup through rapid growth to the sale of a company. Armanino emphasizes smart technology, leading a cloud revolution of financial, operational, sales and compliance tools that are transforming the way companies do business. The firm extends its global services to more than 100 countries through its membership in Moore Stephens International Limited, one of the world's major accounting and consulting membership organizations. In addition to its core consulting and accounting practices, Armanino operates its division, AMF Media Group (www.amfmediagroup.com), a media and communications services agency. Its affiliate, Intersect Capital (www.intersectcapitalllc.com), is an independent financial planning, wealth and lifestyle management firm.
Kyle McGuire, AMF Media Group
925.790.2788
kyle@amfmediagroup.com