IT knowledge and skills of accountancy graduates

Due to the advancement in technology, IT has become an integral part of business survival. It is thus essential that accountancy gmduates are equipped with IT knowledge and skills in order to be successful in their careers. The objective of this study is to investigate and establish the types of IT knowledge and skills required of current accountancy graduates. In order Lo meet this objective, a questionnaire survey of major employers of accountancy graduates was done. The findings of the survey showed that systems development skills and EDP audit skills were ranked as the most important by the employers surveyed. The survey also indicated that the most commonly used software packages among the respondents are WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, DBase IV, Harvard Graphics and Network Courier. A large percentage of the respondents felt that accountancy graduates need more training in these packages. Lastly, it was found from the survey that large firms are moving into the use of Windows packages. A comparison of the IT skills required in this study with those currently taught in NTU showed that the IT courses do cover adequately most of the IT skills identified from the literature review and perceived by current employers to be important. However, the courses may have to provide more coverage in the areas of training in EDP audit skills, common software skills and audit tools. In conclusion, students are provided with a good conceptual foundation in IT. They must, however be exposed to more practical training in order to deal with computer applications in the actual business environment.ACCOUNTANC