Pervasive skills development for aspirant chartered accountants: Academic versus training programmes

Abstract

Changes in the business environment have challenged both the technical and pervasive competencies of aspirant professional accountants (or chartered accountants [CAs]). Accounting bodies have responded to this need by adopting competency-based qualification models. Likewise, in 2008, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants developed a Competency Framework where aspirant CAs are now assessed on both technical and pervasive skills en route to qualifying as CAs, the latter being the focus of this article. The article aims to ascertain the views of aspirant CAs on the effectiveness of academic and training programmes en route to qualifying as a CA. It also seeks additional vehicles to improve the delivery of pervasive skills during qualification. This research uses empirical data in the form of a questionnaire with both open and closed response options. The study reveals that both programmes are critical to the success of qualifying as a CA, but further emphasis is required in developing pervasive skills for both programmes. The findings also demonstrate the importance of using methods such as cases, mentorship programmes and internship programmes in equipping candidates with pervasive skills. The use of separate modules to develop pervasive skills during both programmes was also strongly supported by the majority of aspirant CAs.