Comment by didgeoridoo

In my experience, IC tracks in general tend to cap out based on the complexity and value of the skillset/domain to the business.

A major accounting firm may have some senior engineers, marketers, etc. but since their work isn’t “core” to the business, the top tiers of the technology and marketing tracks will tend to be exclusively management roles — whereas accountants will be allowed to… account… up to a much higher seniority level before they get forced into management.