Implementation of Workplace Learning in the Accountancy Schools of Australian Universities

Professional bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand support Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) across a range of forms in Australian accounting degrees. Various studies have also listed the benefits of WIL as well as the importance of structured WIL in universities, and in Accountancy. This exploratory study seeks to further our understanding of WIL programs in the Accountancy schools of Australian universities. It emphasises the significance of the role of the university in monitoring and administrating this program, and contributing to this type of learning experience. Using a qualitative method with mainly open-ended questions administered through an online questionnaire, Australian Accounting Heads of Schools were invited to comment on the extent of WIL programs, the nature of those programs, and to identify issues that prevent the implementation of WIL programs. The results from these senior accounting academic decision-makers show most respondents perceived WIL programs as important and believed they should be offered and assessed. Work Placements and Internships are the prominent WIL approaches i