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The Current Trends in the Qualification of Accounting Related

Professions

The 5th Current Trends and Issues Conference

College of Business and Hospitality Management

Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester

March 10-11, 2013.

Ronny Kountur, DrMgtSc., PhD

Asia Pacific International University, Thailand

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The demand for master in accounting graduates in the Asia-Pacific region increased from 38 percent in 2011 to 54 percent in 2012. The increase was also experienced by US companies the demand was increased from 23 percent in 2011 to 28 percent in 2012. (GMAC, 2012)

For the first time in ten years the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firms began to lay off experienced accountants. (Kermis & Kermis 2012)

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..?

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Technical skills in accounting

are necessary but not sufficient. (Kermis & Kermis, 2012)

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McMullen & Sanchez (2012)

Skills importance for forensic accounting profession:

Analytical skills

Basic accounting skills

Problem solving skills

Data analysis skills

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Cory & Pruske (2012)

Skills rank equally important for public and non-public accountant:

Word processing software

Creativity in problem solving

Windows

Awareness of ethical issues

Internet research

Presentation software

Database software

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Kim (2012)

Quality required for management accountant:

Professional principles

Hard work

Intelligent

Analytical thinking

Innovative

Dynamic

People-oriented

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Methods used in previous studies:

Based on respondents perceptions

Lab experience

Look at specific professions

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The Qualification of Accounting Professions as Required by Employers

Ronny KounturFaculty of Business, Asia-Pacific International University

Muak Lek, Thailand

Yuanyuan HuoFaculty of Business, Asia-Pacific International University

Muak Lek, Thailand

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Demographic characteristics required by the accounting professions

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SummaryCurrent Trends and Issues in Accounting Profession Qualification

1. There are 3 main knowledge (accounting, computer, and taxation); 3 important skills (computer, English, interpersonal); and 3 important attitudes (result-oriented, motivated, and independent).

2. There is a shift of focus in accounting report from external reports that are mainly about the past to internal management reports that are more on forward-looking.

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3. Accounting has moved from manual to computerized. It is obvious. The issue is:

The way accounting is taught, and

The way computer is understood by accounting students.

4. Accounting professionals are shifting from individual-oriented person to interpersonal-oriented person.

5. The required abilities for accounting professionals are shifting from mainly having knowledge in accounting to having certain attitudes.

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Thank You

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