The Important Role of Mentors & Sponsors in Career Development
May 12, 2026, 11:58
by
MICPA
Most professionals know of or have participated in some form of mentorship, but sponsorship is a lesser known, less practiced form of guided career development. MICPA analyzes the difference between sponsors and mentors and explores their role in career development, particularly for women in accounting.
Most professionals are familiar with the concept of mentorship, where an experienced member of an organization shares knowledge, emotional support and guidance with a younger or less experienced colleague. Mentors can be a peer, a manager, a team lead or anyone that can offer support. They help build a foundation of skills useful to a current role, make connections with other professionals and serve as an invaluable resource, but interactions are largely driven by the mentee. Finally, while mentorships often lead to lifelong connections, their professional context is typically focused on building confidence and short-term career growth1.
Sponsorship, however, is focused on long-term trajectory. The relationship is typically formed intentionally and highly visible, especially to senior members, in an organization. While a mentor can come in all shapes and sizes, sponsors typically hold senior roles in the company and take on a more proactive role in their charge’s development and career advancement. The most crucial difference, however, is how sponsors approach opportunities; actively seeking them out and advocating on their sponsee’s behalf for access to those opportunities2.
This is particularly significant for women in accounting who, Insight Magazine reports, comprise 46% of accounting firms’ workforce as of 2022 but hold just 11% of CEO roles and 25% of CFO positions. This is not to say there has not been progress over the last decade; ten years ago, those respective averages were 4% and 11%3. That said, the gender gap in leadership persists which, according to Horton International, can be attributed to a lack of high-stakes, profit and loss assignments. In fact, just 20% of women in upper-middle management are entrusted with these opportunities, which are a prerequisite for many c-suite role – a trend that is not present among their male counterparts4.
These are the statistics. The key is how the profession, organizations and individuals respond to them. Join the MICPA Women’s Exchange virtual roundtable series for meaningful discussions about leadership, career advancement, workplace dynamics and insight into the unique experiences of women in accounting and finance. Register now to join our first virtual session on Zoom, Wednesday, June 10 at noon, to further explore the roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women within the accounting profession, including an exchange of ideas on how to approach the creation of a formal program at your firm or organization. Featured panelists include Kristen Stumpo, CPA, partner, Plante Moran and Hiba Yazbeck, CPA, finance leader, MAHLE.
Register
- “What Are Mentoring and Sponsorship? What’s the Difference?” Women in Research. 2026. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- Den Houter, Kate, and Ellyn Maese. “Mentors and Sponsors Make the Difference.” Gallop. 13 April 2023. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- White, Kaisa. “Inspiring Progress: A Look at the State of Women in Accounting.” Insight Magazine. 2023. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- “Why Women Need Career Sponsors: Navigating the Path to…” Horton International. 2026. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
The Important Role of Mentors & Sponsors in Career Development
MICPA | May 12, 2026
Most professionals are familiar with the concept of mentorship, where an experienced member of an organization shares knowledge, emotional support and guidance with a younger or less experienced colleague. Mentors can be a peer, a manager, a team lead or anyone that can offer support. They help build a foundation of skills useful to a current role, make connections with other professionals and serve as an invaluable resource, but interactions are largely driven by the mentee. Finally, while mentorships often lead to lifelong connections, their professional context is typically focused on building confidence and short-term career growth1.
Sponsorship, however, is focused on long-term trajectory. The relationship is typically formed intentionally and highly visible, especially to senior members, in an organization. While a mentor can come in all shapes and sizes, sponsors typically hold senior roles in the company and take on a more proactive role in their charge’s development and career advancement. The most crucial difference, however, is how sponsors approach opportunities; actively seeking them out and advocating on their sponsee’s behalf for access to those opportunities2.
This is particularly significant for women in accounting who, Insight Magazine reports, comprise 46% of accounting firms’ workforce as of 2022 but hold just 11% of CEO roles and 25% of CFO positions. This is not to say there has not been progress over the last decade; ten years ago, those respective averages were 4% and 11%3. That said, the gender gap in leadership persists which, according to Horton International, can be attributed to a lack of high-stakes, profit and loss assignments. In fact, just 20% of women in upper-middle management are entrusted with these opportunities, which are a prerequisite for many c-suite role – a trend that is not present among their male counterparts4.
These are the statistics. The key is how the profession, organizations and individuals respond to them. Join the MICPA Women’s Exchange virtual roundtable series for meaningful discussions about leadership, career advancement, workplace dynamics and insight into the unique experiences of women in accounting and finance. Register now to join our first virtual session on Zoom, Wednesday, June 10 at noon, to further explore the roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women within the accounting profession, including an exchange of ideas on how to approach the creation of a formal program at your firm or organization. Featured panelists include Kristen Stumpo, CPA, partner, Plante Moran and Hiba Yazbeck, CPA, finance leader, MAHLE.
Register
- “What Are Mentoring and Sponsorship? What’s the Difference?” Women in Research. 2026. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- Den Houter, Kate, and Ellyn Maese. “Mentors and Sponsors Make the Difference.” Gallop. 13 April 2023. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- White, Kaisa. “Inspiring Progress: A Look at the State of Women in Accounting.” Insight Magazine. 2023. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
- “Why Women Need Career Sponsors: Navigating the Path to…” Horton International. 2026. Accessed on 11 May 2026.
