Perception of University Graduates about Accounting Education in Pakistan

Perception of Accounting Education

Abstract

This study examines the views of accounting professionals (university graduates) about the Accounting education in Pakistan. The study investigates problems, causes and suggestions for future improvements in the accounting education of Pakistan. The analysis is done through thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews with 50 accounting professionals in various sectors of Pakistan’s labor market. The interview method is employed to have a detailed and in-depth discussion with the practitioners about the subject matter. The research identifies three major problems of accounting education in Pakistan i.e., deficiency of skills, gap between theory and practice, and non-completion of accounting courses during their classes. The respondents provided suggestions to fix these problems through different means, such as the revision of curriculum, provision of internships for students, introduction of accounting software, arrangement of training workshops for teachers as well as students, and compliance from Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for standardization and harmonization of accounting education in various universities. The findings can be used by different stakeholders (including Universities, accounting firms and the HEC) to improve the standard of accounting education in Pakistan.