Research the factors that influence people when following the accounting career Nghiên cứu các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến con người khi theo nghề kế toán
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
In Vietnam, approximately 7,000 individuals are engaged in various auditing roles, including independent, state, and internal audits The country is home to around 1,500 auditors and about 230 offices and branches of auditing organizations, highlighting the growing significance of the auditing profession in the region.
Despite the growth of auditors and auditing organizations in Vietnam, the development of the audit field does not fully meet the current demands and roles of the profession While the quality of services from auditing firms is relatively good, challenges persist due to the country's non-professional and non-transparent financial environment Although the professional competence and ethics of auditors have improved compared to advanced countries, there remains a significant gap to bridge.
As our country's economy transitions towards a full market economy, the demand for auditing services has become increasingly urgent Engaging audit firms to assess financial statements is tailored to the specific objectives of each organization, yet the availability of these services often does not meet the necessary standards Consequently, auditor training has garnered significant attention in countries like the US, Europe, and Japan, where the number and quality of auditors are both high.
The accounting and auditing industry is experiencing a significant shift due to the rise of technology in the 4.0 era, leading to increased selectivity in skills and experience among auditors and students entering the field This evolution has resulted in a high unemployment rate for professionals in this sector, as the number of students and accountants continues to grow, necessitating a strong emphasis on meeting job requirements and flexibility.
In today's landscape, establishing a robust scientific reasoning system in accounting and auditing is essential To become a proficient auditor, one must combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, as this synergy yields invaluable insights for aspiring professionals The advancement of the auditing field hinges on the development of human resources; thus, enhancing the training and skill sets of auditors is both a critical and urgent endeavor for the present and future.
Research objectives and research question
This study enhances the understanding of factors that motivate students in Vietnam to pursue careers in accounting and auditing It also aims to attract recruiters from major companies, fostering connections that can lead to increased opportunities and events for aspiring professionals to gain valuable experience and knowledge in this field.
In order to achieve these objectives, two research questions are addressed as follow:
1 What are students’ characteristics that determine students’ choosing accounting career for his/her career path?
2 To what extent do those factors impact students’on choosing accounting major for his/her career path?
Research method
A questionnaire survey was conducted to explore the factors influencing students' choices in pursuing an accounting career in Vietnam The analysis of quantitative data from 206 student responses utilized Statistical Product and Services Solutions (SPSS) alongside Smart-PLS 3.3.3 Smart-PLS facilitated a sequential analysis through both the measurement model, which assessed the reliability and validity of the constructs, and the structural model, which tested the study's hypotheses.
Research findings
This study enhances the existing literature on the factors influencing students' career choices in accounting It reveals that students who exhibit career dynamism, intrinsic motivation, and are influenced by third parties, along with having career exposure, are more inclined to pursue an accounting major Furthermore, these elements positively impact their career decisions, shaped by their personal experiences.
Structure of the study
The research project is structured into five chapters, beginning with Chapter 1, which outlines the research background, objectives, questions, methods, findings, and overall structure Chapter 2 reviews literature on factors influencing student characteristics and includes hypothesis formulation and the study's conceptual framework Chapter 3 details the chosen research method, focusing on a comprehensive survey design Chapter 4 presents the data analysis techniques and research findings Finally, Chapter 5 discusses the research findings, concluding the study.
15 conclusion is drawn Also, limitations of the study are addressed and suggestions for the future research are provided
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of career choice
Career selection has long been a vital topic in career studies, as it significantly impacts one's career trajectory (Chaichanasakul et al., 2011; Thing and Jalaludin, 2018) A well-considered career decision can enhance well-being and life satisfaction (Foley and Lytle, 2015) Reflecting on personal ambitions, interests, and goals is essential in making an informed professional choice, as a successful career can lead to fulfillment, while a poor choice may result in disappointment Accounting is an attractive career option due to its diverse opportunities across various sectors and its esteemed reputation (ACCA, 2013) The field encompasses areas such as auditing, taxation, and financial accounting, with auditing and tax being particularly appealing to students (Ng et al., 2017; Dalton et al., 2014).
Accounting’s current situations in Vietnam
In Vietnam, research on accounting is limited, primarily focusing on the country's accounting system and procedures (Chu, 2004; Nguyen and Gong, 2012; Nguyen and Richard, 2011; Phan et al., 2014; Vo Bui, 2011; Yang and Nguyen, 2003) Existing literature highlights various characteristics of accountants in Vietnam, with Chu (2004) noting that accounting tasks are often perceived as "very mechanical and monotonous." Additionally, he points out that accountants in enterprises struggle to provide reliable and timely information for macro-management, indicating a lack of comprehensive understanding of market accounting concepts among Vietnamese accounting professionals.
The challenges in developing and implementing Vietnamese accounting and auditing standards stem from the low quality of accountants in Vietnam, which significantly hinders the country's efforts to align with international accounting standards (Nguyen and Gong, 2012; Nguyen and Richard, 2011) A critical factor contributing to these issues is the state of education in Vietnam (Chu, 2004).
Theoretical background
The theory of reasoned action, developed by Fishbein and Ajzen in 1975, focuses on the relationship between an individual's intentions, perceptions, behaviors, and outcomes Ajzen expanded this theory into the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in 1988, which has been widely utilized to analyze and predict human behaviors, including professional choices and job search activities This behavioral model is particularly effective for examining student decision-making processes, as it posits that individuals act in accordance with their goals and beliefs regarding their control over their behaviors.
The theory of planned behavior, as outlined in 1988, emphasizes the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, behavioral control, intention, and actual behavior It posits that a stronger intention to engage in a specific behavior increases the likelihood of its execution A visual representation of this concept can be found in Figure 3.1, which summarizes the key elements of the theory.
Figure 2.1: Summary of the theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1988)
The theory of planned behavior comprises three key components: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control Attitude reflects an individual's evaluation of a behavior, indicating whether they view it positively or negatively Subjective norm involves the perceived social pressure from friends, family, and others regarding whether to engage in or avoid a behavior Perceived behavioral control pertains to the perceived ease or difficulty of performing the behavior, influenced by past experiences and the individual's confidence and skills in overcoming challenges According to this theory, a positive attitude, supportive social norms, and strong perceived control significantly enhance the likelihood of an individual intending to engage in the behavior.
19 subjective norm and perceived behavioral in predicting intention to undertake a specific action changes depending on the behavior and context.
Prior empirical result on impact of factor to success in accounting career
Research by Cebula and Lopes (1982) indicates that students' major choices are influenced by a mix of financial and non-financial factors, with income disparities between sectors being a key determinant Additionally, political views, racial backgrounds, and personality traits significantly impact these decisions, while factors like academic preparation and family influence are less crucial when personality is considered (Porter and Umbach, 2006) Further studies by Phan Hoai Vu et al (2016) highlight that career opportunities, job stability, and networking play vital roles in major selection, revealing notable differences in perceptions of the accounting profession between genders They developed a model reflecting university-specific admissions in uncertain environments, where students make informed decisions about their majors (Paola Bordon and Chao Fu, 2018) Moreover, Patterson et al (2019) found that students are twice as likely to choose a major aligned with courses taken in the same semester, with this influence persisting through graduation despite low switching costs These findings underscore the significant and lasting impact of course assignments on students' major choices.
Hypothesis formulation
The career path, as defined by Yusoff et al (2011), is a foundational journey that should be planned early in an individual's professional life, while Joseph et al (2012) describe it as a lifelong occupational position Career paths and career choices are often used interchangeably In this context, the term "career path" specifically refers to the choices made by accounting students upon graduation, which may include fields such as auditing, tax, management accounting, and financial accounting, among others, as noted by Dalton et al.
In 2014, many accounting students pursued careers in review and assessment, highlighting the need to identify factors influencing their career choices, as noted by Byrne et al (2012) This understanding is particularly beneficial for the accounting profession's recruitment efforts, especially given the observed preference of Malaysian accounting graduates for ACCA over CIMA Identifying these influencing factors can aid CIMA in enhancing its recruitment strategies Additionally, Joseph et al (2012) suggest that personal attributes significantly impact an individual's career path, which encompasses work experience, career progression, personal development, job status, and job satisfaction (Jennifer, 2010, as cited in Yusoff et al., 2011) This study aligns with previous literature by applying the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to analyze the career trajectories of accounting students at a reputable higher learning institution that enrolls a large number of accounting students annually.
2.5.2 Intrinsic motivation and career path
Intrinsic motivation, as defined by Ryan and Deci (2000), is the personal fulfillment derived from pursuing one's own goals without external pressures or rewards Jackling and Keneley (2009) further describe it as the satisfaction gained from engaging in activities driven by personal interest and choice A study by Odia and Ogiedu (2013) involving 300 accounting students across Nigerian universities found that intrinsic motivation significantly influences career choices, with students drawn to accounting due to their enthusiasm for the subject and confidence in their skills Similarly, research by Mbawuni and Nimako (2015) revealed that accounting students' positive attitudes toward the profession significantly affect their career decisions Additionally, Adeleke et al (2013) highlighted that personality traits, such as aptitude and attitude, are crucial factors in shaping job interests among students This evidence suggests a strong link between intrinsic motivation and career choices in accounting.
H1 There is a positive connection between inborn inspiration and career path
2.5.3 Career dynamic and career path
Career choice is significantly influenced by an individual's passion and excitement for their work, indicating a genuine commitment to their profession Career dynamics encompass the evolution of roles over time and across various occupations throughout a person's life (Blau, 1999; Hall, 1996; Super, 1980) In the current unpredictable job market, factors such as globalization, downsizing, and technological advancements contribute to instability, affecting employees' experiences in both their present and future careers (Feldman & Bolino, 1996) Moreover, individuals' emotional responses to their work are increasingly shaped by their expectations for career growth, especially as job changes and transfers become more prevalent (Hall & Chandler).
2005) Despite the mixed results found, the hypothesis of this study on the career dynamic is as follows:
H2 There is a positive relationship between career dynamic and career path
2.5.4 Influence by third parties and career path
The choice of a career, particularly among accounting students, is significantly influenced by individuals such as family members, friends, teachers, and career counselors Research indicates that parental guidance and support play a crucial role in shaping students' career decisions (Byrne et al., 2012; Myburgh, 2005; Porter and Woolley, 2014; Tan and Laswad, 2006; Umar, 2014) Additionally, subject teachers, relatives, and peers also contribute to these influences (Byrne et al., 2012; Myburgh, 2005; Porter and Woolley, 2014) However, a study by Wally (2013) at the University of Botswana found that the impact of third-party influences may be less significant than previously thought, based on responses from 51 final-year accounting students, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of how these factors affect career choices.
The significance of factors such as career advancement, personal interest in the subject, available job opportunities, and higher wages outweighs the influence of teachers on accounting students' career paths Although the study yielded mixed results, it highlights the hypothesis regarding the impact of external influences on these students' professional decisions.
H3 There is a positive relationship between influence of third parties and career path
Career exposure plays a vital role in shaping students' understanding of potential career paths, particularly in the accounting field Research by Ghani et al (2008) indicates that most accounting students gain career experience through professional organizations, highlighting the importance of understanding the accountant's profession and available career options Increased exposure to career-related information enables students to make informed job decisions However, studies show that inadequate career exposure, such as limited seminars and workshops, can hinder students' interest in management accounting careers (Hutaibat, 2012) A survey conducted by Ghani et al (2008) revealed that over half of the participating students received some form of career exposure during their university studies, primarily through lectures and counseling sessions This underscores the need for educational institutions to enhance career-related offerings to better prepare students for their future careers.
24 the significance of vocation openness toward understudies' inclination in their profession ways Therefore, this leads to the following hypothesis:
H4 There is a positive relationship between career exposure and career path.
Conceptual framework of the research
Influence by third parties ITP
Table 2.1: Describe of exogenous variables
25 Figure 2.2: Conceptual framework of the study
RESEARCH METHOD
Survey as a quantitative research method
The survey serves as a crucial tool for research, particularly in exploring the interrelationships between hypotheses Utilizing Google Forms for survey design, I seek approval from my instructor before disseminating the link via social media platforms like Facebook, email, and Instagram This method allows for efficient data collection, which can later be analyzed using SPSS and Smart-PLS According to Bryman (2007), research questions reflect societal studies and inform research methodologies The advantages of questionnaires include rapid response collection from a large audience, minimizing the time spent compared to individual interviews However, as Zohrabi (2013) points out, questionnaires can yield inaccurate responses, and low email response rates may hinder research effectiveness Additionally, the translation of questions into Vietnamese can alter their meaning, leading to potential confusion among respondents.
To minimize misunderstandings among respondents, the survey is organized into distinct sections The initial segment focuses on gathering information about the respondents' characteristics to categorize them into various groups and assess the influence of these classifications A key aspect of the study involves formulating hypotheses alongside a framework that illustrates the relationships between these hypotheses Following the section on respondents' characteristics, a test is administered to further explore these correlations.
A comprehensive and high-quality questionnaire was utilized to gather responses, which were subsequently analyzed using data analysis methods for practical application The research findings are illustrated through tables and charts, as noted by Bryman (2007) Ensuring the reliability and validity of the research results is crucial, and this aspect will be further elaborated in the following section.
Reliability refers to the ability to produce consistent results across time, place, and observers, encompassing aspects such as coherence, stability, equivalence, and homogeneity It is a crucial quality factor for measurement instruments, describing their stability, internal consistency, and equivalency Importantly, reliability is not a fixed property; it varies depending on the instrument's use, the target population, and contextual factors Different situations may affect the perceived reliability of the same instrument Factors such as the assessment environment, rater characteristics, instrument type, and administration methods, along with the statistical approaches employed, significantly influence reliability Therefore, understanding study findings using measurement tools requires clear articulation of assessment criteria and statistical methodologies Ultimately, reliability is essential for ensuring that an instrument remains stable, consistent, and accurate, making stability, internal consistency, and equivalency key criteria for researchers.
Validity refers to a tool's capacity to accurately measure what it is intended to measure, and it must be assessed in relation to a specific context and population It is important to note that validity is not an inherent characteristic of an instrument but rather a determined quality Additionally, validity and reliability are interrelated; researchers concur that if an instrument is not reliable, it cannot yield valid results.
28 be decent; nevertheless, a trustworthy instrument can be invalid at times Therefore, instrument validity is not guaranteed by high dependability (Souza, Alexandre, Guirardello, 2017)
3.1.3 Questionnaire and pilot test for the respondents
This questionnaire is designed to gather insights into the various factors that impact the accounting decisions of students pursuing a career in this field It comprises two sections: one focusing on general information about the respondents and the other examining the influences affecting students as they navigate their accounting career journey.
Part 1: General information about respondents
This section provides researchers with essential demographic information about respondents, including their gender, age, education, occupation, majors, and accounting certifications they are pursuing This data offers a comprehensive overview of each individual respondent, aiding in the analysis of the study.
Part 2: The factors affecting students in the process of following an accounting career This part is divided into 5 factors representing 5 hypotheses (Intrinsic motivation, Career Dynamic, Influence of third parties, Career exposure and Career Path) to provide information for the data to get research results
The questionnaire, initially developed in English, was translated into Vietnamese by a researcher with a Ph.D in IT Strategic Management and an MBA in Marketing Strategy and E-business from National Cheng Kung University and Southern Taiwan University, respectively Currently serving as an assistant professor at Vietnam National University, International School, in the Department of Social Sciences, Economics, and Management, the researcher ensured the accuracy of the translation to prevent any confusion in the questions To further validate the translation, it was subjected to a re-translation process.
English, and then compared with the original English version again, respondents’ questionnaire the question will not be misunderstood
A pilot test was conducted via email with 215 students from the International School at Vietnam National University, yielding responses from 206 participants This ensured clarity in the questionnaire, addressing any potential misunderstandings and correcting any translation errors before wider application Drawing on previous research, the primary aim of this pilot test was to identify unresolved issues, enabling researchers to develop new solutions and successfully advance their scientific inquiry.
A study was conducted with a sample of 206 students from the International School at Vietnam National University, focusing on individuals either studying or interested in this major Questionnaires were distributed via email, ensuring the anonymity of respondents and emphasizing that all responses were collected solely for research purposes.
Likert scales are commonly used in surveys to gauge participants' opinions by allowing them to select responses that range from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." This methodology facilitates the assessment of attitudes, yielding quantitative data that can be analyzed with relative ease Ensuring anonymity in the questionnaires—by omitting personal identifiers like names and phone numbers—can alleviate pressure on respondents, potentially enhancing the accuracy of their answers However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of Likert-scale measurements can be influenced by the wording of the questions posed.
Career dynamic 1 Career that is challenging
2 Opportunity to work in a dynamic atmosphere
2 I am willing to spend a lot of time studying accounting
3 I can do better in calculation
Influence by third parties 1 My family and friends have high influence on my career path decisions
2 I am strongly influenced by the educators on my choice of career path
3 I am strongly influenced by the media on my choice of career path
Hutaibat (2012) and Ghani et al (2008)
4 I am strongly influenced by the public/society on my choice of career path
5 I am strongly influenced by the career counselor on my choice of career path
Career exposure 1 I am aware of the existence of professional bodies and qualifications for accounting students
2 I am given real case studies in university
3 Seminars and workshops in accounting are provided at universities
4 There are plenty of job opportunities for accounting students
5 There is support from the professional bodies to accounting students
Career path 1 I plan to further my postgraduate studies in accounting after I graduate
2 I have the intention to continue pursuing professional qualifications
3 I clearly know my choice of professional body
4 I understand the career options available to me (e.g., tax assistant, audit assistant, costing assistant, and accounts assistant)
5 I clearly know my choice of career upon my graduation
Table 3.1: Present measures of all constructs of the study
RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS
Research finding
According to Figure 4.1 and Table 4.1, the gender distribution of participants reveals that females constitute a significant majority, representing 66 percent of the total, while males account for 34 percent.
Gender Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent
The survey results reveal that a significant majority, 91.3 percent, of respondents are aged between 18 and 24, while the remaining 8.7 percent fall within the 25 to 44 age range.
Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative
Table 4.3 and Chart 4.3 reveal that 92.7% of individuals are currently enrolled in university, while 3.9% have completed their college education, and 3.4% are attending high school.
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Table 4.3: Academic level of respondents
Figure 4.3: Academic level of respondents
From the tables and graphs, it can be seen that the majority of respondents are students doing this survey, accounting for 78.6 percent Then, the officers have up to 9.2 percent
In a recent survey, it was found that 5.3% of individuals hold managerial positions, while 3.4% are engaged in business activities Additionally, 2.9% of respondents identify as freelancers, and only 0.5% work as marketing project managers.
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Table 4.5: Descriptive Statistic of Career Dynamic
Table 4.6: Descriptive Statistic of Influence by third parties
N Minimum Maximum Mean St Deviation
Table 4.7: Descriptive Statistic of Career Exposure
N Minimum Maximum Mean St Deviation
Table 4.8: Descriptive Statistic of Intrinsic motivation
N Minimum Maximum Mean St Deviation
Table 4.9: Descriptive Statistic of Career Path
Table 4.10: t- Test value (Independent Samples Test)
The study revealed a slightly higher percentage of female respondents, who were more inclined to express their feelings and thoughts about their career paths The analysis indicated that the significance level (sig) was 0.447, which is greater than 0.05, allowing us to assume equal variances However, the two-tailed significance (sig) was found to be 0.005, which is less than 0.05, indicating a significant difference in satisfaction levels between males (M=5.578, SD=1.15) and females (M=5.120, SD=1.06) in their choice of major.
In other words, gender determines the satisfaction in choosing the major of the students
4.1.3 An evaluation of the measurement model
The measuring paradigm (shown in Figure 4.5) allows researchers to assess measure reliabilities based on item loadings, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity of components
4.1.3.1 Assessing reliability of the constructs
We conducted composite reliability tests to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire items for each factor The results indicate that all factors achieved scores between 0.897 and 0.947, surpassing the acceptable threshold of 0.7 as established by Hair, Black, and Babin.
& Anderson, 2009) The reliability of the scales was therefore deemed to be acceptable
Lowest item- total correlation value
Highest Cronbach’s α if item deleted
Table 4.11: Cronbach’s Alpha of the constructs
In this study, all standardized factor loadings were significant, ranging from 0.794 to 0.929, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.70 (Hair, 2010) The convergent validity of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results is supported by composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE), with values presented in Table 4.12 showing CR ranging from 0.934 to 0.959 and AVE from 0.740 to 0.830, both surpassing the recommended levels According to Hair (2010), CR should be greater than 0.700 and AVE should exceed 0.500, confirming the robustness of the measurement model.
Table 4.12: Item loadings, composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted
4.1.3.2 Assessing validity of the constructs
Discriminant validity is assessed through the latent variable correlation matrix, where the square root of the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) appears on the diagonal and the correlations among measures fill the off-diagonal spaces According to Fornell and Larcker (1981), discriminant validity is considered satisfactory when the diagonal elements exceed the off-diagonal elements, indicating that the constructs are distinct from one another.
Table 4.13 illustrates the discriminant validity of key factors including career dynamics, career exposure, influence from third parties, intrinsic motivation, and career path The diagonal values represent the square roots of the average variance extracted for these conceptual variables, ranging from 0.860 to 0.911.
CD CE CP IM ITP
Table 4.13: Discriminant validity among the constructs
4.2.1 Structural model assessment for hypothesis testing
Adjusted R Square, also referred to as adjusted R squared, measures the impact of independent variables on a dependent variable It provides a clearer representation than R Square, with values ranging from 0 to 1 In this case, the Adjusted R Square value of 0.734 indicates a strong model fit, as it falls between the range of 0.5 and 1.
The significance value (sig) of the F test is crucial for evaluating the fit of a multiple linear regression model A sig value less than 0.05 indicates that the model is a good fit for the data set In this case, the F test shows a sig value of 0.000, which is significantly lower than 0.05, confirming that the multiple linear regression model is appropriate for use with the data set.
4.2.1.2 Impact of student characteristics on following accounting career
The significance of the regression coefficients was assessed using the Sig value of the t-test When the Sig value for an independent variable's regression coefficient is below 0.05, it indicates a significant impact on the dependent variable The analysis revealed that the Sig values for the four independent variables—Career Dynamic (CD), Intrinsic Motivation (IM), Career Exposure (CE), and Influence by third parties—are all less than 0.05, confirming their significant statistical impact on the dependent variable.
Table 4.15: Collinearity Statistics (VIF) of items
The Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) is a crucial tool for detecting multicollinearity among independent variables in regression analysis A VIF value exceeding 5 indicates potential multicollinearity, suggesting that the variable may not effectively explain the variation in the dependent variable However, the VIF values for all hypotheses presented are below 5, indicating that each independent variable equally influences the dependent variable Furthermore, the normalized regression coefficients reveal the impact hierarchy of the independent variables on the dependent variable CP, ranked from strongest to weakest as follows: CE (0.514), followed by CD and IM (0.175), and finally ITP (0.078).
We have the normalized regression equation:
CP = 0.514 * CE + 0.175 * CD + 0.175 * IM + 0.078 * ITP
CONCLUSION, CONTRIBUTION, IMPLICATION AND
Conclusion
This study explores the key factors influencing students in Vietnam when selecting accounting as a career path, focusing on career dynamics, intrinsic motivation, third-party influence, and career exposure It posits that intrinsic motivation, driven by a genuine love for learning, plays a pivotal role in this decision-making process Additionally, a strong interest in calculations and proficiency in quick mathematical tasks are essential prerequisites for students considering this major.
The study reveals that several factors, including career dynamics, intrinsic motivation, third-party influences, and career exposure, significantly shape students' decisions to pursue an accounting major In particular, intrinsic motivation plays a crucial role, as it encompasses elements such as interest in the subject, dedicated study time, and strong mathematical skills, enabling students to identify their strengths and effectively navigate their career paths While other factors also contribute, intrinsic motivation remains paramount, highlighting the importance of genuine interest in choosing a career in accounting.
Contribution and Implication of the study
This study enhances the understanding of factors influencing students' decisions to pursue an accounting major as a career path It examines specific variables that positively impact this choice and introduces a new framework derived from internal literature, thereby contributing to the theoretical foundation for developing effective career path platforms.
This research provides valuable insights into the characteristics of entrepreneurship in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where population density is high It aims to enhance both the quantity and quality of students pursuing careers in accounting By analyzing data through independent t-tests, the study reveals that gender influences satisfaction in accounting careers The collinearity statistics indicate that various independent factors significantly impact students' satisfaction and career choices To better align educational offerings with student needs, initiatives such as workshops, networking events, study groups, and field trips to major accounting firms are recommended Additionally, this study serves as a resource for researchers and policymakers, offering specific information on the accounting landscape for students in Vietnam and informing strategies to support their career development.
Limitation of the study
This study, based on a sample of only 206 students, is insufficient to generalize the opinions of all Vietnamese students regarding the accounting field A broader participant pool is necessary to accurately assess the accounting situation among students in Vietnam Additionally, the research is limited to university students in Hanoi, making it inappropriate to apply these findings to other provinces Furthermore, there is a lack of substantial research on this topic in Vietnam, resulting in minimal interest from both researchers and the government Consequently, a significant number of students who pursue accounting often end up working in unrelated fields.
To enhance students' understanding of their career choices, it is essential to shift the focus from university students to those already working in the field, as their experiences provide valuable insights Additionally, the lack of government support for this career has resulted in a growing reliance on non-state study promotion funds As the state begins to withdraw from collecting capital from these funds, it is likely to increase its attention on accounting students, leading to the introduction of new policies aimed at encouraging their use This shift may also spark interest among researchers, resulting in more studies examining the factors contributing to this trend.
This investigation aims to identify the factors influencing students pursuing an accounting career in Vietnam, where the number of accounting students is on the rise due to the field's low unemployment rate and high demand from organizations The findings will provide educators and accounting professionals with valuable insights into students' motivations for choosing accounting as their career path Additionally, the survey will benefit accounting scholars and researchers in understanding this field better, enabling policymakers to develop strategies to attract more students to accounting programs.
Completing the survey will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes, and all responses will be used solely for research purposes Rest assured, your personal information and data will remain confidential We encourage you to provide an objective evaluation to help us achieve the most accurate results.
Please answer the multiple-choice questions below:
5 Which major are you in at your university?
6 Are you studying any other certifications related to accounting or auditing?
PART B: FACTORS AFFECTING ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT CAREERS
Please indicate your ideas by checking the boxes below with the meaning of (1) Strongly disagree, (2) Disagree, (3) Somewhat Disagree, (4 ) Normal, (5) Somewhat Agree, (6) Agree, (7) Strongly agree
The characteristics that influence students' choice of majors are described in the following list
2 Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment
7 I am willing to spend a lot of time studying accounting
9 My family and friends have a huge influence on career path decisions
10 I was strongly influenced by the people who taught me about choosing a career path
11 I am strongly influenced by the media in choosing a career path
12 I am strongly influenced by society in choosing my career path
13 I was strongly influenced by career counselors in choosing a career path
14 I am aware of the existence of professional bodies as well as certifications for accounting students
15 I learned real life situations in university
16 Accounting conferences and seminars are fully provided in the university
17 There are many job opportunities for accounting students
18 There is a lot of help from professional bodies for accounting students
19 I plan to do a master's degree in accounting after graduating from university
20 I intend to continue pursuing professional degrees
21 I know well the choice of professional agency
22 I have an understanding of the career options available to me (e.g., tax assistant, audit assistant, accounting assistant, pricing assistant)
23 I fully know my career choice after graduation
Cuộc điều tra này nhằm phát hiện các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến sinh viên theo nghề kế toán tại Việt Nam, trong bối cảnh số lượng sinh viên thi vào ngành kế toán ngày càng tăng Ngành kế toán không chỉ đảm bảo tỷ lệ thất nghiệp thấp mà còn là nhu cầu thiết yếu của các tổ chức Những khám phá từ cuộc khảo sát sẽ cung cấp hiểu biết cho các nhà giáo dục và chuyên gia kế toán về lý do sinh viên chọn nghề này Đồng thời, nghiên cứu cũng sẽ hỗ trợ các học giả và nhà khoa học trong việc tìm hiểu lĩnh vực kế toán, từ đó khuyến khích các nhà hoạch định chính sách thực hiện nhiều nghiên cứu sâu hơn.
Bạn chỉ cần từ 5 đến 10 phút để hoàn thành khảo sát Kết quả sẽ được sử dụng cho mục đích nghiên cứu và mọi thông tin cá nhân cùng dữ liệu sẽ được bảo mật tuyệt đối.
Mong rằng anh/chị sẽ đánh giá một cách khách quan để việc nghiên cứu đạt được kết quả tốt nhất
Vui lòng trả lời các câu hỏi trắc nghiệm bên dưới:Gender
4 Bạn đang theo học ngành nào trên trường đại học?
Kế toán, phân tích và kiểm toán
5 Bạn có đang theo học chứng chi nào khác liên quan đến ngành kế, kiểm không?
PHẦN B: CÁC YẾU TỐ ẢNH HƯỞNG ĐẾN SỰ NGHIỆP KẾ TOÁN VÀ KIỂM TOÁN
Vui lòng cho biết ý kiến của bạn bằng cách chọn một trong các mức độ đồng ý sau: (1) Hoàn toàn không đồng ý, (2) Không đồng ý, (3) Hơi không đồng ý, (4) Bình thường, (5) Hơi đồng ý, (6) Đồng ý, (7) Hoàn toàn đồng ý.
Những đặc điểm ảnh hưởng đến sự lựa chọn ngành học của sinh viên được mô tả qua danh sách sau:
1 Ngành nghề mang tính thử thách
2 Cơ hội được làm việc trong môi trường năng động
3 Cơ hội được sáng tạo
5 Linh hoạt trong lựa chọn ngành nghề Động lực nội tại 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 Tôi sẵn sàng dành nhiều thời gian để học kế toán
8 Tôi có thể tính toán rất tốt Ảnh hưởng bởi bên thứ 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9 Gia đình tôi và bạn bè tôi có ảnh hưởng rất lớn trong quyết định về con đường sự nghiệp
10 Tôi bị ảnh hưởng mạnh mẽ bởi những người đã dạy tôi về sự lựa chọn con đường sự nghiệp
11 Tôi bị ảnh mạnh mẽ bởi truyền thông trong việc lựa chọn con đường sự nghiệp
12 Tôi bị ảnh hưởng mạnh mẽ bởi xã hội trong việc lựa chọn con đường sự nghiệp
13 Tôi bị ảnh hưởng mạnh mẽ bởi chuyên viên tư vấn việc làm trong việc lựa chọn con đường sự nghiệp
14 Tôi nhận thức được sự tồn tại của các cơ quan chuyên môn cũng như chứng chỉ cho sinh viên kế toán
15 Tôi được học những tình huống thực tế trong trường đại học
16 Các hội nghị, hội thảo về kế toán được cung cấp đầy đủ trong trường đại học
17 Có nhiều cơ hội việc làm cho sinh viên kế toán
18 Có nhiều sự giúp đỡ từ các cơ quan chuyên môn cho sinh viên kế toán
19 Tôi có kế hoạch học cao học về kế toán sau khi tốt nghiệp đại học
20 Tôi có ý định tiếp tục theo đuổi các bằng cấp chuyên nghiệp
21 Tôi biết rõ sự lựa chọn về cơ quan chuyên môn
22 Tôi có sự hiểu biết về lựa chọn ngành nghề sãn có cho tôi ( ví dụ : trợ lý thuế, trợ lý kiểm toán, trợ lý kế toán, trợ lý tính giá)
23 Tôi hoàn toàn biết được lựa chọn nghề nghiệp của tôi sau tốt nghiệp
ACCA (2013), “Your career: why choose accountancy?”, available at: https://yourfuture.accaglobal.com/global/en/your-career/why-accountancy.html (accessed
Adeleke, M.S., Binuomote, M.O., and Adeyinka, S.F (2013) conducted a study published in the International Journal of Business and Management Invention, which explores the factors influencing the academic performance of senior secondary school leavers in financial accounting in Oyo State The research highlights key determinants that impact students' success in this subject, providing valuable insights for educators and policymakers.
Ajzen, I (1988) Attitudes, Personality and Behaviour Chicago, IL, USA: The Dorsey Press
Blau, G (1999) Early-career job factors influencing the professional commitment of medical technologies Academy of Management Journal, 42, 687–695
Bryman, A., 2007 The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role? International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 10(1), pp.5-20
Byrne, M., Willis, P and Burke, J (2012), “Influences on school leaves’ career decisions – implications for the accounting profession”, The International Journal of Management Education, Vol 10 No 2, pp 101-111
Cebula, R J., & Lopes, J (1982) Determinants of student choice of undergraduate major field American Educational Research Journal, 19, 303–312
Chaichanasakul, A., He, Y., Chen, H.H., Allen, G.K., Khairallah, T.S and Ramos, K
(2011), “Journal of career development: a 36-year content analysis (1972-2007)”, Journal of Career Development, Vol 38 No 6, pp 440-455
In their 2008 study published in *Accounting Education: An International Journal*, Chen, Jones, and McIntyre analyze the factors influencing students' perceptions of the benefits and costs associated with pursuing a career in accounting Their research highlights the key elements that shape students' career estimations, providing valuable insights into the motivations and concerns that affect their decisions in the accounting field.
Chu, T (2004) Accounting Changes in a Transition Economy: The Case of Vietnam, Unpublished PhD dissertation, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Dalton, D.W., Buchheit, S and McMillan, J.J (2014), “Audit and tax career paths in public accounting: an analysis of student and professional perceptions”, Accounting Horizons, Vol 28 No 2, pp 213-231
Feldman, D C., & Bolino, M C (1996) Career within careers: Reconceptualizing the nature of career anchors and their consequences Human Resource Management Review,
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I (1975) Belief, Attitude, and Behaviour: An Introduction to Theory and Research USA: Addison-Wesley
Foley, P.F and Lytle, M.C (2015), “Social cognitive career theory, the theory of work adjustment and work satisfaction of retirement-age adults”, Journal of Career Development, Vol 42 No 3, pp 199-214
Fornell, C & Larcker, D F 1981 Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error Journal of marketing research, 39-50
Ghani, E.G., Said, J., Nasir, N.M and Jusoff, K (2008), “The 21st century accounting career from the perspective of the Malaysian University students”, Asian Social Science, Vol 4 No 8, pp 73-83
Ghani, E.K and Said, J (2009), “A comparative study on Malay and Chinese accounting students’ perceptions on accounting career”, Canadian Social Science, Vol 5 No 3, pp 1-
Hair, J F (2010) Multivariate data analysis NJ, USA: Pearson College Division
Hall D T (Ed.) (1996) The career is dead—long live the career: A relational approach to careers San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Hall, D T., & Chandler, D E (2005) Psychological success: When the career is a calling Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26, 155–176
Hutaibat, K (2012), “Interest in the management accounting profession: accounting students’ perceptions in Jordanian universities”, Asian Social Science, Vol 8 No 3, pp 303-316
Jackling, B and Keneley, M (2009), “Influences on the supply of accounting graduates in Australia: a focus on international students”, Accounting & Finance, Vol 49 No 1, pp 141-159
Joseph, D., Boh, W.F., Ang, S and Slaughter, S.A (2012), “The career paths less (or more) traveled: a sequence analysis of IT career histories, mobility patterns, and career success”, MIS Quarterly, Vol 36 No 2, pp 427-452
Chetthamrongchai, P., 2017 The Influence of Travel Motivation, Information Sources and Tourism Crisison Tourists’ Destination Image Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 06(02)
Mbawuni, J and Nimako, S.G (2015), “Modelling job-related and personality predictors of intention to pursue accounting careers among undergraduate students in Ghana”, World Journal of Education, Vol 5 No 1, pp 65-81
Myburgh, J.E (2005), “An empirical analysis of career choice factors that influence first- year accounting students at the University of Pretoria: a cross-racial study”, Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol 13 No 2, pp 32-48
Ng, Y.H., Lai, S.P., Su, Z.P., Yap, J.Y., Teoh, H.Q and Lee, H (2017), “Factors influencing accounting students’ career paths”, Journal of Management Development, Vol
Nguyen, C.P and Richard, J (2011) ‘Economic transition and accounting system reform in Vietnam’, European Accounting Review, Vol 20, No 4, pp.693–725
Nguyen, A.T and Gong, G (2012) ‘Vietnamese accounting reform and international convergence of Vietnamese accounting standards’, International Journal of Business and Management, Vol 7, No 10, pp.26–36
Odia, J.O and Ogiedu, K.O (2013), “Factor affecting the study of accounting in Nigerian universities”, Journal of Educational and Social Research, Vol 3 No 3, pp 89-96
Paola Bordon† and Chao Fu (2018) College-Major Choice to College-Then-Major Choice The Review of Economic Studies, 82 (4), 1247–1288
Phan Hoai Vu, Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen, Cao Thi Thanh Hien (2016) Factors influence students’ choice of accounting as a major International Days of Statistics and Economics, Prague, September 8-10, 1471- 1481
Phan, D.H., Mascitelli, B and Barut, M (2014) ‘Perceptions towards international financial reporting standards (IFRS): the case of Vietnam’, Global Review of Accounting and Finance, Vol 5, No 1, pp.132–152
Porter, J and Woolley, D (2014), “An examination of the factors affecting students’ decision to major in accounting”, International Journal of Accounting and Taxation, Vol
Porter, S R., & Umbach, P D (2006) College major choice: An analysis of person- environment fit Research in Higher Education, 47, 429–449
Richard W Patterson, Nolan G Pope, Aaron Feudo (2019) Timing Is Everything: Evidence from College Major Decisions IZA DP No 12069
Ryan, R.M and Deci, E.L (2000), “Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: classic definitions and new directions”, Contemporary Educational Psychology, Vol 25 No 1, pp 54-67
Souza, A., Alexandre, N., Guirardello, E., 2017 Propriedades psicomộtricas na avaliaỗóo de instrumentos: avaliaỗóo da confiabilidade e da validade Epidemiologia e Serviỗos de Saúde, 26(3), pp.649-659
Sugahara and Boland (2006) explore how Japanese tertiary business students' perceptions of the accounting profession influence their career choices Their research, published in the Papers of the Research Society of Commerce and Economics, highlights the significance of these perceptions in shaping students' decisions and ultimately impacts the future of the accounting field in Japan.
Super, D E (1980) A life-span, life-space approach to career development Journal of Vocational Behavior, 16, 282–298
Tan, L.M and Laswad, F (2006), “Student’s beliefs, attitudes and intentions to major in accounting”, Accounting Education: An International Journal, Vol 15 No 2, pp 167-187
Thing, O.G and Jalaludin, D (2018), “Career path in accounting: what are the drivers?”, International Academic Journal of Accounting and Financial Management, Vol 5 No 4, pp 66-82
Umar, I (2014), “Factors influencing students’ career choice in accounting: the case of Yobe State University”, Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, Vol 5 No 17, pp 59-63
Vo Bui, T.M (2011) A Study of the Development of Accounting in Vietnam, Unpublished PhD dissertation, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Wally, L.B (2013), “Factors influencing students’ choice of accounting as a major: the case of Botswana accounting students”, Asian Journal of Empirical Research, Vol 3 No
Yang, D.C and Nguyen, A.T (2003) ‘The enterprise accounting system of Vietnam and United States generally accepted accounting principles: a comparison’, Advances in International Accounting, Vol 16, pp.175–204
Yusoff, Y., Omar, Z.A., Awang, Y., Yusoff, R and Jusoff, K (2011), “Does knowledge on professional accounting influence career choice?”, World Applied Sciences Journal, Vol 12, Special issue, pp 57-60
66 Zohrabi, M., 2013 Mixed Method Research: Instruments, Validity, Reliability and Reporting Findings Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 3(2)
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence – Freedom - Happiness
EXPLANATORY REPORT ON CHANGES / ADDITIONS
BASED ON THE DECISION OF GRADUATION THESIS COMMITTEE
FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS WITH DEGREE AWARDED BY
VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI Student’s full name: Nguyễn Phan Việt Linh
Graduation thesis topic: RESEARCH THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE
STUDENTS WHEN FOLLOWING THE ACCOUNTING CAREER
In accordance with VNU-IS's decision no …… QĐ/KQT, dated … / … / ……, a Graduation Thesis Committee has been established for Bachelor programs at Vietnam National University, Hanoi The thesis has been successfully defended and subsequently revised in the specified sections.
No Change/Addition Suggestions by the Committee Detailed Changes/ Additions Page
The representative of the sample and the questionnaires are not desired (specifically for accounting): you should change the topic or objective of research
RESEARCH THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PEOPLE WHEN FOLLOWING THE ACCOUNTING CAREER