Abstract:

Extant literature on the benefits of work placement extols the virtues of embedding work placement in accounting degree programmes not only for the students but also for the employers. For employers it provides an extended period to vet students for graduate position (Gault et al., 2000; Beard, 2007), a cost-effective solution to hiring for short-term projects (Ferkins, 2002) and a valuable link with local colleges (Gault, Redington and Schlager, 2000; Mc Gann and Anderson, 2012). However there is a dearth of literature examining how placement should be structured to maximise these benefits (Buckley and El Amond, 2010; Sheridan and Linehan, 2003). This paper explores three aspects of the employers’ perspective of the structure of work placement in accounting degree programme; their requirements of students entering work placement, the appropriate duration and timing of placement and the support they could offer interns. A survey of employers resulted in responses from fifty-three potential employers of accounting interns. A further five interviews were conducted to obtain rich descriptive data.

A strong preference exists amongst respondents to recruiting interns for accounting roles from Accountancy/Finance programmes rather than other degree programmes. Employers view ability to work in a team, good academic results and communication skills as important requirements of an intern when entering work placement. Employers have a preference for students with previous work experience, but it didn’t have to be relevant accounting experience. The ideal duration and timing of placement for employers was a six month placement from January to June (with the employer having the option to keep the student on in the organisation over the summer if required), in the third year of a four year degree programme. The majority of respondents would offer interns regular feedback and coaching, however only half of the respondents would provide an exit interview. Advice would also be offered to the intern regarding accountancy qualifications. These findings contribute to improving the structure of work placement in degree programmes.

Keywords:

Work Placement, accounting.