What is the Accounting MOVE Project?
The Accounting MOVE Project is an annual benchmarking initiative that uses demographic analysis and workplace culture assessments to drive greater inclusion in the accounting profession. It provides data-driven insights and practical strategies, enabling firms to enhance equity, representation, and business outcomes while positioning them as leaders in workplace inclusion.
MOVE pinpoints what really works to advance talent and build stronger leadership pipelines. Our secret? A proven mix of hard data, cultural insight and real-world best practices.
Beginning in 2025, we’re proud to launch an impactful partnership with the Center for Accounting Transformation, uniting our expertise to drive meaningful progress in the profession. This collaboration amplifies the ways MOVE supports firms in fostering internal growth and sustainable success.
Here’s how MOVE helps firms grow from the inside out:
- Advocacy for Women of All Backgrounds: We spotlight the voices, barriers, and solutions shaping the next generation of firm leaders.
- Benchmarks That Matter: Our data-backed insights show where your firm stands today and where it can go tomorrow.
- Research That Inspires Change: We turn firm-wide metrics into clear, actionable reports that shift mindsets and spark meaningful momentum.
- Events That Build Connection: Insights come to life when shared. Our events bring together people and ideas shaping the future.
- Custom MOVE Scorecards (This is where it gets personal): Our confidential firm-specific roadmaps show what’s working, what needs work, and how to move forward sustainably.
- Recognition That Raises Your Profile: Our annual ‘Best CPA Firms for Women’ and ‘Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership’ lists spotlight the firms that aren’t just imagining change, but making it happen.
Connect With MOVE All Year
Listen to our Podcast, MOVE Like This!
“Public accounting is built on fixing what’s wrong. Strengths give us a new lens, one that helps people see what’s already working and how to do more of it.”
At Clark Nuber, strengths-based coaching is more than a development tool, it’s a foundational part of the firm’s culture. Angela Oakley, Director of the Talent Advisor Program, shared how her team has integrated CliftonStrengths into every stage of the employee experience, from onboarding to ongoing coaching. By using strengths as a shared language, the firm fosters deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and personalized growth. What began as a grassroots effort in 2016 has grown into a sustainable, firmwide approach that continues to evolve and deliver meaningful impact.
Building Equitable, Forward-Looking Firms is a Game Changer in Accounting.
2024 Best CPA Firms for Women
In alphabetical order
2024 Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership
In descending order of percentage of women partners & principals. To qualify, women must comprise at least 31% of a firm’s partners and principals.
71%
64%
58%
57%
55%
53%
50%
47%
46%
40%
40%
39%
39%
36%
33%
33%
31%
What does MOVE mean?
The MOVE methodology has been used since 1998 when Joanne Cleaver developed it to support Working Woman magazine’s first “Top 25 Companies for Executive Women” list.
Pay equity programs, analysis and measurement. MOVE is not a salary survey but does examine how employers hold managers accountable for pay equity, and how employers address equity gaps.
Leadership, management and technical training and development, especially operating positions that involve profit and loss responsibility – key for rising to top leadership.
Flexible work practices are only effective when they drive business results. MOVE examines not just the existence of programs such as telecommuting, wellness and dependent care benefits, but also how they directly support productivity and business results.
Hands-on business development and supplier diversity demonstrate a company’s investment in the business-building skills of its women employees and women-owned businesses.
Accounting MOVE Project Supporting Partners
