The list is published in partnership with Opportunity Now, the gender campaign from Business in the Community.

KPMG also won two accolades in the Opportunity Now awards, the results of which were announced to coincide with the publication of the top women employers list in The Times.

Melanie Richards, partner and UK board member of KPMG, was the winner of the Champion Award, as a senior level gender/diversity ambassador who has made a significant contribution to advancing, promoting and embedding a diversity culture within the workplace. The company said Richards plays a critical role in keeping the issue of gender diversity top of the leadership agenda and has been instrumental in integrating advancement initiatives across the business.

KPMG received the Agile Organisation Award, which goes to an employer who has demonstrated an agile or flexible approach to job design and work environment. It was awarded to KPMG for its commitment to creating real culture change around flexible working by supporting line managers as enablers and increasing the number of flexible workers in senior, client facing roles.

KPMG partner Richards said: “I was thrilled to be honoured with the Champion Award from Opportunity Now. It has been a true team effort at KPMG to effect change and make a difference over a long period. While I am proud of our achievements, there is always more that can be done and we will continue to strive to create a truly inclusive environment for all our people.”

Kathryn Nawrockyi, campaign director of Opportunity Now, commented: “It is clear that employers are continuing to prioritise their focus on gender equality, recognising that what is good for business is good for society. Now more than ever, it is critical that we grow our movement and collaborate with more employers in the journey towards gender parity in the workplace.”

Head of corporate affairs at KPMG, Marianne Fallon, said: “We were delighted to be named as a top employer for women in The Times list, and to receive these two further awards from Opportunity Now. It is vitally important to us that we have an open and equal workplace where women can flourish and develop their careers. We are committed to continually looking for new ways to help this happen.”