Title: Enhancing information technology-related skills among accounting practitioners

Authors: Ku Maisurah Ku Bahador; Abrar Haider

Addresses: Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA-UUM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), 06010, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia ' School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, Australia

Abstract: Concerns about IT skills and soft skills associated with accounting practices have opened the eyes of many parties, including professional bodies, institutions of higher learning and academics worldwide. In this regard, tertiary institutions have sought to incorporate the elements of technology-related skills in the accounting curriculum. However, the skills gap between accounting graduates and employers' expectations still exists. Therefore, there is a need for accounting practitioners to improve their technological skills in their profession. Hence, this study discusses findings on the approach, which enhances skills of information technology among accounting practitioners, especially those operating in Malaysian accounting firms. A qualitative method with case study approach has been used to identify the way accounting practitioners develop or enhance their IT-related skills. Four key approaches have been identified, i.e., formal education, training, work experience and job enrichment. This study contributes significantly to the academics and professional bodies and enhances IT-related skills within the accounting profession.

Keywords: enhancing information technology skills; information approaches; technology-related skills; accounting practitioners; accounting firms; Malaysia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2020.109554

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2020 Vol.35 No.1, pp.88 - 109

Received: 15 May 2018
Accepted: 10 Jan 2019
Published online: 15 Sep 2020 *

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