Desired Accounting Graduate Characteristics According to Learning Outcomes Under the Higher Education Qualifications Framework 2022: Empirical Evidence Asia-Pacific International University
Keywords:
Bachelor of Accountancy, Desired Graduate, Graduate CharacteristicsAbstract
This study examined the desired characteristics of accounting graduates based on the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (2022) using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 213 participants, including alumni, employers, and entrepreneurs, and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability, assessed with Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient, yielded a value of 0.96. Qualitative data were obtained from 14 purposively selected participants, including employers, business owners, and alumni, through in-depth interviews. Results from the second-order confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable model fit, with χ² = 8.29, χ²/df = 1.04, p = 0.41, GFI = 0.99, AGFI = 0.95, CFI = 1.00, and RMSEA = 0.01. The model comprised four constructs: knowledge, skills, ethics, and character which served as valid measures of desired graduate characteristics, with accounting and professional ethics prioritized by stakeholders. The qualitative findings identified four key dimensions. Knowledge encompassed expertise in finance, law, taxation, and professional accounting practices. Skills included computer literacy, English proficiency, self-development, continuous professional development, teamwork, problem-solving, communication and presentation abilities, analytical thinking, systematic planning, adaptability, and accounting software proficiency. Ethics were reflected in integrity, honesty, and organizational responsibility, while character comprised good conduct, humility, selflessness, responsibility, meticulousness, self-confidence, leadership, a positive attitude, punctuality, diligence, and perseverance. The study recommends revising accounting curricula to prioritize ethical development alongside knowledge and skills, ensuring graduates meet labor market expectations and contribute to sustainable human capital development in the 21st century.
References
Butsalee, P., Rakkarnsil, S., & Sawaengwarot, E. (2022). Relationship between prospective characteristics of accountants and the practice of professional ethics and accounting information quality of accounts in the accounting firms in the northeast. IJBRU Interdisciplinary Management Journal, 6(1), 28-44.
https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalfms-thaijo/article/view/258253/173406
Chaiya , S. (2019). The developing lifelong learning skills of students in the 21st century. Academic Journal of Education, 20(1), 168-180.
https://ejournals.swu.ac.th/index.php/jedu/article/view/11852
Chanowan, P. (2023). Characteristics of prospective accountants influencing the financial reporting quality of accounting firms in the southern region. Journal of Roi Kaensarn Academi, 8(10), 229-248.
Cho, E., & Kim, S. (2015). Cronbach’s coefficient alpha: Well-known but poorly understood. Organizational Research Methods, 18(2), 207-230.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Steps in conducting a scholarly mixed-methods study. Sage: CA.
Dulanee, N., & Eapsirimetee, P. (2019). Expected knowledge and accounting competency for the accountants working for government organizations in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn, 25(1), 149-163.
Federation of Accounting Professions under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. (2017). International education standards revised 2015. Retrieved March 2024 from https://www.tfac.or.th/Article/Detail/66980
Federation of Accounting Professions under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. (2019). Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Bangkok, Thailand: Active Print Co., Ltd.
Gunnarapong, N., Binyasen, R., Rodjun, J., & Polinhom, C. (2023). Entrepreneurs’ needs for the Bachelor of Accountancy program and characteristics of accountants desired by accounting and auditing firms. The Journal of Pacific Institute of Management Science, 9(3), 175-182. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/pacific/article/view/267911/181266
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Cengage Learning.
Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Hopkins, L., & Kuppelwieser, V. G. (2014). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM): An emerging tool in business research. European Business Review, 26(2), 106–121.
Henseler, J., Hubona, G., & Ray, P. A. (2016). Using PLS path modeling in new technology research: Updated guidelines. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116(1), 2–20.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135.
Jindanil, K., & Chitsakul, C. (2023). The Essential competencies of a professional accountant in the 21st century. Journal of Management Science Research, Surindra Rajabhat University, 7(2), 192-209. https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmsr/article/view/258893/177198
Khuma, K., Thipwiwatpotjana, S., & Bootnoi, N. (2020). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Thai Accounting Graduates’ Desirable Skills in the 21st Century. MFU Connexion: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(2), 95-105. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/MFUconnexion/article/view/247394
Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Kline, R. B. (2016). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. New York: The Guilford Press.
Kumchuen, P. (2023). The graduate characteristics of the Bachelor of Accounting program, Rajapruk University according the the bachelor’s degree Thailand qualification framework the meet the needs of graduate users. Journal of Management Science Review, 25(1), 95-107. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/msaru/article/view/265906/177355
McDonald, R. P. (2014). Factor analysis and related methods. Psychology Press.
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. (2023). Higher education plan for Thailand’s manpower production and development (2021–2027) revised version for 2023–2027. Retrieved March 2024 from https://www.mhesi.go.th/index.php/news-and-announce-all/pr/announcement-news/8464-2564-2570-2566-2570.html
Noimala, W. (2021). The Essential work skills of the 21st century. Ratanabuth Journal, 3(1), 45-57. https://so07.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/rtnb/article/view/595
Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. (2022). Details of learning outcomes according to the Thai qualifications framework for higher education (2022). Retrieved February 2024 from https://www.ops.go.th/th/ches-downloads/edu-standard/item/6940-2022-07-22-02-54-49
Rodjam, C., & Mungsing, R. (2019). A confirmatory factor analysis of accountants’ competency in desirable accountants’ qualifications. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Rajapruk University, 5(1), 29-44. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/rpu/article/view/191544/133705
Sripan, M., Anantasophon, P., Siriprapim, R., & Na Loumpool, V. (2018). The desired characteristics of accounting graduates for establishment in Udonthani province.NEUARJ NEU Academic and Research Journal, 8(1), 43-56.
Sukkaewmanee, D. (2016). Desired qualities of accounting graduates: From the perspective of entrepreneurs in national accounting firms. DRIRDI Research for Community Service Journal, 2(2), 109-120. https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/DRURDI/article/view/252086/169719
The Commission on Higher Education Standards. (2022). Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum Standards (2022). Retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ops.go.th/th/ches-downloads/edu-standard/item/6942-2022-07-22-03-17-22
