Chapter 2: Ascending the Invisible Caste of the US Accounting Industry

When one hears the word caste, the default visualization is that of a social hierarchy that governed Indian society for hundreds of years. Rarely would anyone equate the idea of caste to the United States. This writing links the concept not only to a US set in the past but also to the present-day accounting occupation. I specifically compare the accounting industry to an occupational caste system and pose the question of whether caste can be ascended. My accomplishments and career trajectory in accounting suggest that I ascended caste, but my personal experiences may paint a different reality.

Racially motivated law enforcement incidents, before and during 2020, called to the surface a swelling of social justice and equity demands challenging corporations, universities, and other institutions to re-examine their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Many organizations made promises to change and become more inclusive to Black Americans. In a brief reflection of guilt, some companies even acknowledged their role and complicity in silently reducing the perceived value of Black Americans. Other organizations ignored the call entirely.