What skills and attributes does an accounting graduate need? Evidence from student perceptions and employer expectations

JOURNAL REVIEW

TITLE :

What skills and attributes does an accounting graduate need? Evidence from student perceptions and employer expectations

AUTHOR :

Marie H. Kavanagha, Lyndal Drennanb

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PUBLISHER :

Accounting and Finance 48 (2008) 279–300

Journal compilation © 2007 AFAANZ

REVIEW

•   THE PROBLEM

         For some years there has been much debate between various stakeholders about the need for accounting graduates to develop a broader set of skills to be able to pursue a career in the accounting profession.

• THE AIM

         This study uses mixed methods to examine perceptions and expectations of two major stakeholders: students and employers. Findings indicate that students are becoming aware of employers’ expectations in terms of communication, analytical, professional and teamwork skills.

• CONCLUSION OR SUMMING UP

         Although employers are still expecting a good understanding of basic accounting skills and strong analytical skills, they are also requiring ‘business awareness’ and knowledge in terms of the ‘real world’. Both students and employers report that many of the ‘essential’ non-technical and professional skills and attributes are not being developed sufficiently in university accounting programmes.

         However, what is of concern is the emphasis currently being placed during accounting programmes on skills that students regard as important. It would appear that the only skills being delivered in accordance with the expectations of students in this study are routine accounting and research skills. Because student motivation to learn and acquire skills is often driven by perceptions about the relevance of these skills to their careers, the findings of the paper have important implications for accounting educators.

         Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect that graduates will possess the range of skills required by employers. Given the expectations of students and the requirements of employers a much higher level of attention needs to be given to the skills and attributes being prioritized and delivered in accounting programmes if accounting graduates are to survive in today’s global business environment. Without a doubt, the skills debate will continue to rage. Any extension of this research should include more studies on the perceptions of graduates already employed in industry and academics and professional bodies who play a huge and very important role in producing curriculum to help develop these skills in future accounting professionals.