Perceived Employability Skills of Accounting Graduates: The Insights from Employers

Graduates employability skills become necessary in challenging job market. The main focus of this study is to determine the employer’s insight on the skills needed by local accounting graduates at the time of entry to the profession. By using a content analysis approach, the findings show that information technology skills, interpersonal skills and personal skills were most sought by employers. Importantly, the most sought of information technology skills are the ability to use appropriate spreadsheets and accounting software. For interpersonal and personal skills, working in a team, good communication skill and optimistic are appeared to be the most valued skills. From the findings, it suggests higher education providers should embed technological contents and generic skills in accounting curricula.