Graduate attributes and skills: are we as accounting academics delivering the goods?

Abstract

In the last decade the development of appropriate skills and attributes in students set to enter the accounting profession has been the subject of many debates. Accounting academics have a leading role to play in this process.This study investigates what attributes and skills accounting academics perceive should be developed during an undergraduate course, and compares this to skills and attributes that they believe are being developed. Results reveal that there is a large discrepancy between the two. Reasons why this might be are discussed and insight into issues accounting educators must address if they are to deliver graduates with the skills and attributes required for a career in the accountancy profession now and in the future are highlighted.