Square Pegs in Round Holes: Are Accounting Students Well-Suited to Today's Accounting Profession?

A gap is perceived between the needs of the accounting profession and the number and quality of accounting graduates. This study examines both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the issue. It analyzes college enrollment data, accounting graduate supply and demand statistics, self-reported student characteristics, and results from focus groups conducted with college undergraduates. The focus groups included students who were accounting majors, transfers into accounting, transfers out of accounting, finance majors, or undeclared students. Participants also completed a post-discussion survey. The authors conclude that interest in accounting is declining and question whether, overall, accounting majors, relative to other majors, demonstrate the aptitude, general knowledge, and interpersonal qualities needed in today's profession. Both the process of accounting education and the image of the public accounting profession are cited as contributing factors.