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Skill Gap Perceived Between Employers And Accounting Graduates In Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • GETAHUN, Mohammed

    (Department of Accounting & Finance, Jimma University, Ethiopia.)

  • MERSHA, Deresse

    (Department of Accounting & Finance, Jimma University, Ethiopia.)

Abstract

In the last decade, many researchers have criticized university accounting education programs for focusing more on the teaching of technical accounting and not on emphasizing accounting skill development. The aim of this study is to identify the knowledge subjects, skills & attitude needed for a graduate accountant in respect of employee’s perceptions and employer expectations. Data were obtained from 236 employees and 118 employers from various organizations using a survey are compared with the perceived needs of a sample of employees and employers in Ethiopia. The findings indicate that there is an agreement between the perceptions of both groups, some significant gap still exists. These skills, knowledge and attitudes are relevant to preparing the graduates for careers as professional accountant such as communication & language skills, financial accounting & financial reporting knowledge, and professional competence and due care were the most important for accountants in work place rate by both the employers and graduate’s students. The results of study provide better information for academics, Employers, and students graduated in accounting, in bridging the perceived skills gap between employers and graduates. Moreover, study suggest that academician, unemployment, and employers of graduate students’ better understanding the importance of the skills required in the current market needs, and higher university institutions to improve their curriculum in promotion quality graduates.

Suggested Citation

  • GETAHUN, Mohammed & MERSHA, Deresse, 2020. "Skill Gap Perceived Between Employers And Accounting Graduates In Ethiopia," Studii Financiare (Financial Studies), Centre of Financial and Monetary Research "Victor Slavescu", vol. 24(2), pages 64-90, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:vls:finstu:v:24:y:2020:i:2:p:64-90
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Marie H. Kavanagh & Lyndal Drennan, 2008. "What skills and attributes does an accounting graduate need? Evidence from student perceptions and employer expectations," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 48(2), pages 279-300, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexandra Domingos & Manuela Sarmento, 2022. "COVID-19’s Implications for Accounting Courses’ Competence Development: The Case of Portugal," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(4), pages 177-177, August.
    2. Monique Micallef & Cheryl Mifsud & Lauren Ellul & Peter J. Baldacchino & Simon Grima, 2023. "The Skill Set Required in the Accounting Workplace: Perspectives of Accounting Graduates and Warrant Holders," International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), vol. 0(4), pages 117-145.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Professional Accountant; Employers; skills; Ethiopia Pages: 64-90;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M4 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting

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