Saudi Women In Accounting Sector Gains Momentum As Professional Certificates Surge 144% And Licenses Rise 45%

The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants reported strong growth in the participation of Saudi women in the accounting sector between 2023 and 2025. SOCPA stated that the number of women gaining professional certificates rose by 144%, while female licence holders increased by 45%, supporting higher confidence in financial reports and more effective oversight.

By the end of 2025, the total number of women holding professional certificates reached 3,524, according to SOCPA figures. These certificates covered several professional tracks, including the fellowship of SOCPA and the value added tax specialist certification, along with other specialised qualifications aimed at raising technical readiness and improving the standard of professional work produced in the accounting sector.

SOCPA indicated that this rapid rise in professional certification among Saudi women reflects a developing professional environment within the Saudi accounting sector. The organisation linked these gains to an expanding pool of national competencies, pointing to a wider base of qualified professionals who can meet regulatory expectations and support higher levels of compliance with accounting and auditing standards.

The growth was not limited to academic and professional qualifications, as SOCPA also recorded an increase in women holding professional practice licences. The number of licensed female practitioners rose from 219 at the end of 2023 to 317 by the end of 2025. SOCPA explained that this expansion came alongside the launch of new professional offices.

According to SOCPA, the higher participation of Saudi women in both certification and licensed practice is enhancing the attractiveness of the accounting profession to national talent. The organisation noted that these developments help strengthen the reliability of financial reports, support better governance and compliance performance, and contribute to more informed financial decision-making across the sector.

With inputs from SPA