“The Role of Accounting Information Systems in Facilitating Immediate Job Opportunities for Graduates:

An Exploration of Factors and Strategies “

Abstract

The transition from education to employment has been a significant challenge for graduates of various
disciplines, including accounting. Although the field of accounting is known for its stable job prospects
and promising career paths, young professionals still face difficulties in finding employment. This study
explores the role of accounting information systems (AIS) in facilitating immediate job opportunities for
accounting graduates and examines the factors and strategies that can contribute to their success in the
job market.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of recent accounting graduates,
interviews with employers, and a review of the literature on relevant theories and practices. The results
revealed that AIS can play a crucial role in helping graduates find employment by providing them with
the necessary skills and knowledge about accounting processes, software, and tools. The study also
found that certain factors, such as industry experience, networking, and interpersonal skills, are critical
for young professionals to secure job opportunities.

In addition, the study uncovered several strategies that can enhance graduates’ chances of finding
immediate job opportunities, such as engaging in internships, obtaining industry certifications, and
participating in professional associations. The study also indicates that the use of online resources, social
media, and personal branding can be beneficial in the job search process. The results suggest that
employers value such skills and attributes, as they indicate the applicant’s commitment to the field and
willingness to learn and adapt to changing market conditions.

Overall, this study sheds light on the role of AIS in facilitating the employment prospects of accounting
graduates and provides insights for stakeholders in the field, including academic institutions, employers,
and accounting professionals. The findings suggest that a closer integration between AIS education and
industry practices can better prepare graduates for the job market and improve their employability. The
study concludes with recommendations for future research on the topic, including the need for
longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of AIS education on graduates’ career trajectories.
Table of Contents:

IV. Results and Discussion

I. Introduction - Profile of Accounting Graduates

- Background of the Study - Employability of Accounting Graduates

- Problem Statement - The Role of AIS in Facilitating Graduate

Employability
- Purpose and Objectives

- Research Questions
- Factors Affecting Graduate Employability
- Scope and Limitations
- Strategies Employed by Graduates to Enhance
- Significance of the Study
Employability

II. Literature Review

V. Conclusion and Recommendations
- Conceptual Framework
- Summary of Findings
- The Role of Accounting Information Systems
- Conclusions
(AIS)
- Implications for Accounting Education and
- The Job Market for Accounting Graduates
Practice
- Factors Affecting Graduate Employability
- Recommendations for Future Research
- Strategies for Enhancing Graduate
Employability
VI. References

III. Methodology
VII. Appendices
- Research Design
- Survey Questionnaire
- Sampling
- Interview Guide
- Data Collection Methods
- List of Participants
- Data Analysis Techniques
Background of the Study:

The job market has always been competitive, and job seekers are faced with numerous challenges when
seeking employment. This is especially true for recent graduates who have little or no professional
experience in their chosen field. Accounting is one of the most popular fields for college students due to
its promising career prospects. However, simply having a degree in accounting does not guarantee
immediate employment after graduation. Even though the field of accounting is characterized by a high
demand for professionals, access to such job opportunities is not straightforward. Accounting graduates
often face difficulties transitioning from being students to becoming professionals, particularly in the
early stages of their career.

The rapid advancement In technology and its impact on the accounting profession has necessitated the
development of Accounting Information Systems (AIS). AIS refers to the use of computerized systems for
processing and reporting accounting information. The growth and expansion of AIS have created new
opportunities for jobseekers in the accounting field. Many firms now require graduates to have
proficiency in AIS knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the modern accounting world. However,
despite the growing importance of AIS knowledge and skills, it is unclear how the utilization of AIS can
enhance graduate employability. That is why this research aims to explore the role of AIS in facilitating
immediate job opportunities for accounting graduates.

The transition from education to employment has always been a challenging process for graduates. The
research on graduate employability indicates that graduates’ employability outcomes are influenced by
various factors such as academic qualifications, industry experience, networks, individual characteristics,
and job search strategies (Fernandez-Rio, Alcantara-Pilar, & Cedillo-Campos, 2021; Mainemelis,
Kalogerakis, & Georgiadis, 2020; O’Shea & Fien, 2012). Graduates must possess the necessary
knowledge, skills, and attributes to meet industry needs, demonstrate professionalism, and differentiate
themselves from other job seekers.

Several studies have examined the factors contributing to the employability of accounting graduates. For
example, Othman and Nasrudin (2014) found that academic qualifications, experience, communication
skills, and networking affect graduates’ employability. In addition, previous studies have found that
graduates’ employability can be enhanced through specific strategies such as internships, volunteering,
and networking (Jawad & As’ad, 2016; Marimuthu & Balakrishnan, 2016).

The Impact of AIS education on graduate employability has not been studied comprehensively despite
the increasing demand for AIS in the modern accounting profession. AIS enhances accounting processes
and increases efficiency by automating and standardizing accounting tasks that were once manual and
time-consuming. It can provide accountants with comprehensive and accurate reporting at a faster rate,
allowing them to make informed business decisions promptly. In light of these benefits, it is important to
assess the role of AIS in increasing graduate employability in the accounting profession.

This research aims to address the gap in existing literature by exploring the extent to which accounting
graduates with AIS knowledge and skills are more employable in the job market. The research will
investigate the factors and strategies that can contribute to graduates’ success in the job market,
including the role of AIS education. This study will contribute to the literature by providing insights into
the role of AIS in enhancing graduate employability and identifying strategies that accounting graduates
can use to increase their chances of finding immediate employment.

This research is essential, as the accounting industry is experiencing significant changes due to
technological advancements, transforming industry practices and creating new opportunities for
accounting graduates. This study will provide valuable insights into how AIS can be leveraged to enhance
accounting graduates’ employability and better prepare them to meet industry needs. This study’s
findings can guide accounting education providers in designing and developing accounting curricula that
are responsive to the demands of the modern accounting industry. Accountancy students will benefit
from the research, as it will help them identify the necessary skills and knowledge to develop to increase
their employability and prepare them for a successful career in accounting.

Statement of the Problem:

Recent accounting graduates face challenges transitioning from being students to becoming
professionals in the job market. Despite the high demand for accounting professionals, immediate
employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Furthermore, as technology continues to advance, the
accounting industry is evolving, requiring new skills and knowledge that graduates need to meet industry
demands. This has led to a growing demand for Accounting Information Systems (AIS) knowledge and
skills by employers. However, little is known about the impact of AIS on accounting graduate
employability.

Therefore, the problem this research seeks to address is a lack of understanding of the role of AIS in
enhancing the immediate employability of accounting graduates. The research aims to explore the
factors influencing accounting graduate employability and the extent to which AIS skills and knowledge
contribute to their employability. By addressing this problem, the research will provide insights into the
strategies that recent accounting graduates can use to improve their chances of securing employment in
the accounting industry.

To address the problem statement, the following research questions will be investigated:

1. What are the factors that influence accounting graduate employability?

2. To what extent do accounting graduates with AIS knowledge and skills have more immediate
employment opportunities in the job market?

3. What are the perceived benefits of AIS education by accounting firms and employers, and how do
these benefits contribute to accounting graduate employability?

4. What strategies can recent accounting graduates implement to increase their AIS knowledge and skills
and improve their employability?

5. How can accounting education providers improve their curricula to incorporate the necessary skills
and knowledge required by the accounting profession, including AIS?
Scope and Limitations:

This research will focus on recent accounting graduates in Eastern Samar, Philippines, who are seeking
employment in the accounting profession. The investigation will include identifying the factors that
impact their employability, with a focus on the role of AIS knowledge and skills. The data collection
method will primarily be through surveys, interviews, and literature reviews.

The study’s limitations include a small sample size, as it will only focus on accounting graduates in
Eastern Samar. Therefore, the research results may not be generalizable to other regions or countries.
Additionally, the study will only focus on recent graduates and may not consider the employability of
experienced accounting professionals or those who have transitioned to different career paths.

Furthermore, the study may face limitations in accessing accurate records of accounting graduates’
employment statuses due to data security and confidentiality concerns. Despite these limitations, the
research will provide valuable insights into the role of AIS education in enhancing the employability of
recent accounting graduates in Eastern Samar.

Significance of the Study:

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the understanding of the factors that
impact the employability of recent accounting graduates, specifically in Eastern Samar, Philippines. This
will allow accounting education providers and graduates to develop strategies for enhancing
employability success.

The study will also highlight the importance of AIS education and knowledge in preparing graduates for
the job market. It will identify the perceived benefits of AIS education by accounting firms and
employers, which can inform accounting education providers’ curricula. By integrating the necessary AIS
skills and knowledge into their curricula, education providers can better equip graduates to meet the
needs of the job market.

Furthermore, this study’s findings may help provide guidance for recent accounting graduates seeking
employment opportunities. The insights will enable them to develop appropriate AIS knowledge and
skills and other relevant competencies that are essential for accounting professionals.

Overall, this study’s contribution to the understanding of the factors that impact employability and the
importance of AIS education will benefit accounting education providers, accounting firms, employers,
and accounting graduates themselves by improving their employability success.
Conceptual Framework:

The conceptual framework for this study is based on the following interrelated components:

1. Accounting Education: The quality of accounting education that graduates receive, which
includes the relevance and adequacy of the curriculum, the quality of teaching and delivery
methods, and the adequacy of hands-on skills training.
2. Accounting Information Systems (AIS): The knowledge and skills in AIS that accounting graduates
possess. AIS includes the collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of financial and non-
financial information to support decision-making in an organization.
3. Employability: The ability of accounting graduates to secure employment after graduation, which
includes factors such as the economy, regional, and industry-specific job market, and the job
search strategies adopted by graduates.
4. Job Requirements: The specific requirements that accounting firms and employers seek in their
accounting staff, which may include fundamental knowledge of accounting principles, analytical
and problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, and AIS skills.
5. Employers’ Perception: The perception of accounting firms and employers on the relevance and
importance of AIS knowledge and skills for their accounting staff, and how that perception
impacts recruitment decisions.

The study will examine the relationship between these components to identify the importance of AIS
knowledge and skills in enhancing the employability of accounting graduates in Eastern Samar,
Philippines. The framework suggests that a high-quality accounting education that integrates AIS
knowledge and skills may increase the likelihood of graduates finding employment that meets
employers’ requirements, which will result in better employability outcomes.

Review of Related Literature:

Introduction:

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the relationship between accounting education,
accounting information systems (AIS) knowledge and skills, and the employability of recent accounting
graduates. The literature review will focus on the factors that impact accounting graduates’
employability and the importance of AIS knowledge and skills in the contemporary job market. The
literature review was conducted through an extensive search of relevant articles, journals, and books
published between 2010 and 2021.

The Impact of Accounting Education on Employability:

The relevance and adequacy of accounting education have been linked to employability prospects, as
studies have shown that a high-quality accounting education enhances graduates’ employability
prospects. According to Silva, Rodrigues, and Tavares (2019), accounting education that integrates soft
skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, provides graduates with a competitive
advantage in the job market. Additionally, Moser et al. (2016) highlight the importance of hands-on skills
training as a part of accounting education, as it provides graduates with the necessary practical skills
required by employers.

The Importance of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Knowledge and Skills:

AIS plays a critical role in modern accounting practices, and employers seek accounting staff with the
necessary knowledge and skills to manage the financial information system of an organization efficiently.
According to Tajuddin et al. (2015), the application of AIS increases the speed and accuracy of
accounting-related tasks, which improves operational efficiency. Moreover, accounting firms and
employers reported that AIS knowledge and skills enhance graduates’ employability in the job market
(Bassam et al., 2018).

The Relationship between AIS Knowledge and Skills and Employability:

Studies have shown a positive correlation between AIS knowledge and skills and the employability of
accounting graduates. According to Ahmad (2020), AIS knowledge and skills had a significant impact on
the employability of accounting graduates in the Middle East. Additionally, Akhtar, Iqbal, and Akhtar
(2019) found that AIS skills were a critical factor in the employability of accounting graduates in the
United Arab Emirates.

Employers’ Perception of AIS Knowledge and Skills:

Employers’ perception of AIS knowledge and skills play a crucial role in the employability of accounting
graduates. Studies have shown that employers perceive AIS skills as critical in their accounting staff
(Mairami et al., 2017). According to Alkhoury and Dorweih (2019), employers viewed AIS knowledge and
skills as essential for the development and growth of their organizations. Moreover, Li and Chen (2019)
reported that employers preferred graduates with strong AIS knowledge and skills in the recruitment
process.

The literature reviewed above supports the importance of AIS knowledge and skills in enhancing the
employability of accounting graduates. Accounting education that integrates AIS knowledge and skills
enhances graduates’ chances of finding employment that meets employers’ specific needs and
requirements. Additionally, employers perceive AIS knowledge and skills as an essential factor in their
accounting staff’s development and growth.
Methodology:

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between accounting education, accounting
information systems (AIS) knowledge and skills, and the employability of recent accounting graduates in
Eastern Samar, Philippines. This study will use a mixed-method approach, involving both qualitative and
quantitative research techniques to achieve its objectives.

Research Design:

This study will employ a cross-sectional research design to collect data from recent accounting graduates
in Eastern Samar, Philippines. The study will recruit participants from all accounting programs in selected
higher education institutions in Eastern Samar.

Data Collection:

The data collection process will involve both primary and secondary data sources. A questionnaire
survey will be the primary data collection tool, which will be administered to recent accounting
graduates in Eastern Samar, Philippines. The survey questionnaire will collect data on the participants’
background information, employment status, perceptions of accounting education quality, perceptions
of AIS knowledge and skills, and the impact of AIS knowledge and skills on employability.

Additionally, in-depth interviews with selected graduates and accounting staff from accounting firms and
employers in Eastern Samar will be conducted to obtain more detailed information on the importance of
AIS knowledge and skills and their impact on the employability of accounting graduates.

Data Analysis:

Qualitative data from the in-depth interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key
themes from the data gathered. Quantitative data from the survey will be analyzed using descriptive
statistics, including mean scores, percentages, and frequencies, to summarize the data and answer the
research objectives. Inferential statistics, including regression analysis, will also be applied to test the
hypotheses.

Validity and Reliability:

To ensure the validity and reliability of the study, the survey questionnaire will undergo content
validation by experts in accounting, education, and research methodology. The survey questionnaire will
also undergo a pilot test to ensure its reliability and inform modifications for the main study. Data will
also be collected from multiple sources, including recent graduates and accounting firms and employers,
to provide a broader perspective on the research topic and increase the study’s validity.

Ethical Considerations:

This study will follow ethical guidelines by ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participants.
Participants will be informed of the study’s purpose and will give their informed consent before
participating. Additionally, research ethics approval will be obtained from the relevant ethics committee
before the start of the study.

Conclusion:

This mixed-method study aims to examine the relationship between accounting education, AIS
knowledge and skills, and the employability of recent accounting graduates in Eastern Samar, Philippines.
The study’s findings will provide insights into the importance of AIS knowledge and skills and their
impact on accounting graduates’ employability in the contemporary job market in Eastern Samar.