Abstract:

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to highlight the views and suggestions of undergraduate students regarding the need for and alternative ways of integration of soft skills into the accounting curriculum. Methodology- The answers to open-ended questions in a self-reporting questionnaire conducted to the final year students in the department of business administration were analysed through a descriptive phenomenological approach. Findings- The main results reveal that most of the students who attend this research think that the accounting curriculum should not cover only technical issues but also include some extra modules to improve the soft skills (critical thinking, verbal communication, written communication, interpersonal skills, team-working, time management, stress management, listening and so on) of accounting students. The most preferred method of improving the soft skills of accounting students is determined as a stand-alone “Project Module” which involves working with the professionals at the relevant organizations. They think that, besides encouraging the development of soft skills, such a Project Module would provide permanent technical information and a chance to see whether the student is interested in the accounting profession. Conclusion- Based on the findings it can be concluded that accounting students are aware of the employers’ requirement of soft skills and expect to gain these soft skills during their graduate education. The findings of this study should prompt the academic community and the accounting curriculum should be revised to be aligned with the expectations of accounting students and employers.

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