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British public accountants in America

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  • Thomas A. Lee

Abstract

Purpose - This study seeks to examine aspects of social class associated with British public accountancy immigrants to the USA prior to the First World War. The study's specific purpose is to investigate the social mobility and fluidity associated with these élite immigrants in the early history of US public accountancy. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is informed by previous studies of both social class and élite immigration and uses biographical data describing 395 British chartered and incorporated accountancy immigrants entering the USA between 1875 and 1914. Data analyses describe social mobility and fluidity based on the recorded occupations of these élite immigrants. Findings - Despite their élite status, the immigrants experienced inter‐generational downward mobility immediately post‐migration. The evidence also indicates inter‐generational and intra‐generational upward mobility for immigrants settling in the USA and for those who did not settle there. The study further reveals evidence of social fluidity associated with both settlers and non‐settlers. Practical implications - The study suggests that immigration to the USA did not immediately improve the occupational status of British public accountants who settled there. Nor, compared to those who did not settle in the USA, was it necessarily a more advantageous career path to improved occupational status. The study adds to existing knowledge of British accountants in the early US public accountancy profession and, more generally, to that of social mobility associated with immigration of the period. Originality/value - The study is significant because it provides knowledge of social mobility and fluidity associated with élite immigrants and contributes to the social history of British accountants in the early development of US public accountancy.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas A. Lee, 2009. "British public accountants in America," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(2), pages 247-271, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:22:y:2009:i:2:p:247-271
    DOI: 10.1108/09513570910933960
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Walker, 2002. "'Men of small standing'? Locating accountants in English society during the mid-nineteenth century," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(2), pages 377-399.
    2. Stephen Walker, 2004. "Conflict, collaboration, fuzzy jurisdictions and partial settlements. Accountants, lawyers and insolvency practice during the late 19th century," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 247-265.
    3. T. A. Lee, 2002. "UK immigrants and the foundation of the US public accountancy profession," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 73-94.
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    Cited by:

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    2. O'Regan, Philip & Killian, Sheila, 2021. "Beyond professional closure: Uncovering the hidden history of plain accountants," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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