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Attracting accounting and finance graduate talent – beyond the Big Four

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  • Denise Jackson
  • Julia Richardson
  • Grant Michelson
  • Rahat Munir

Abstract

This study responds to ongoing challenges with recruiting quality graduate talent in the accounting/finance industry, critical given transforming labour market requirements. Drawing on Person‐Organisation Fit (POF) theory, we explore what attracts 475 Accounting/Finance students to graduate roles, their preferences for different organisation types, and influences on career decision‐making. Supporting earlier work, we evidence dominating preferences for ‘Big Four’ firms yet discern several appealing features of other organisational types and important intrinsic and extrinsic factors in decision‐making. Findings inform stakeholder strategies to support students for sustainable careers in different accounting/finance contexts and improve the recruitment outcomes of all organisation types in the industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Denise Jackson & Julia Richardson & Grant Michelson & Rahat Munir, 2022. "Attracting accounting and finance graduate talent – beyond the Big Four," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(3), pages 3761-3790, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:62:y:2022:i:3:p:3761-3790
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.12904
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Denise Jackson & Julia Richardson & Grant Michelson & Rahat Munir, 2023. "The Future of Accounting Talent: Career Values, Choices and Satisfaction Among Early Career Accountants," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(4), pages 391-406, December.

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