A self-assessment of entry-level PC skills by newly qualified Irish chartered accountants

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which Irish university accounting curricula provide the PC skills necessary to prepare graduates for a career in accountancy. The entry-level self-perceived PC skills of accounting/commerce (relevant) degree holders are compared with the entry-level self-perceived PC skills of those holding other qualifications for all newly qualified members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland admitted in one year. Significant differences were found between the two groups in almost all of the PC skills identified. The findings revealed that relevant degree-holders were much more PC literate when they commenced professional training than those holding other qualifications. No significant difference in entry-level self-perceived PC skills was discovered between male and female Irish chartered accountants. When the gender analysis was extended to include entrance qualification, the difference between relevant degree holders and those holding other qualifications, discovered in the main analysis, was confirmed within the gender groupings.