IRS Leads in Employment Diversity

TaxDiversity released its “Minorities in Tax 2010” study, once again showing that the tax profession continues to lag behind the overall minority US civilian labor force when it comes to hiring, retaining, and advancing minority tax professionals.

According to the most recent census data spanning a six year period, minorities in the tax profession have increased their representation; however not enough is being done to improve the recruiting, training, mentoring, and elevating of diverse tax professionals especially in management positions.

“I see a tremendous opportunity for minorities to advance in the tax profession,” said Tony Santiago, founder of TaxDiversity. “If the tax field as a whole can improve its awareness and commitment to recruiting and retention strategies, we could see a dramatic shift in minority representation, one that the profession desperately needs.”

Key findings of the “Minorities in Tax 2010” study include:

• The IRS continues to lead in tax with a minority population of 34%, which includes 20% in Black tax professionals alone
• Public Accounting Firms'' management is 2% Black, a 100% increase from the 1% in 2002, but despite this increase Blacks are still underrepresented
• Overall Whites are exiting the tax profession at a faster rate than many other professions
• Asians have taken significant advantage of the opportunities in public accounting, making up 18% of the workforce
• Hispanics in tax generally mirror their civilian work force employment percentage, at about 6%

“Since our first study in 2002, I had hoped the tax professions would have achieved a more equal representation. However, I am still hopeful that the tax and HR hiring authorities will quickly recognize that they have a responsibility to improve the current ethnic diversity shortfall,” said Santiago.

Audio insights from Santiago and the full study “Minorities in Tax 2010” can be downloaded from www.TaxDiversity.com.

About TaxDiversity

TaxDiversity, part of the TaxTalent Network works to develop awareness, attract and promote diverse talent within the tax profession. Tax professionals of all ages and ethnicities can access resources such as discussion forums, diverse job boards, mentoring programs, articles, industry studies and other helpful career enhancing tools dedicated solely to diverse professionals. For more information, visit www.TaxDiversity.com.

Contacts:

TaxDiversity
Gina Cricchio, 843-216-7444
gina@taxtalent.com