Competencies of Accounting Graduates at Catanduanes State University

Philippines This is a benchmark study that evaluates the competencies of Catanduanes State University (CSU) Accounting Graduates prior to the implementation of ASEAN Integration in 2015. The evaluation was based on CMO No. 3, issued in 2007. Then, the subjects were mapped from the prescribed subjects in the BS Curriculum to the CPA Licensure Examination subjects to spot the congruentcy; lastly, this paper identified the areas of competency of the Accounting Graduates using the rating obtained in the licensure examination as a standard, this is based on RA 9298, the Philippine Accountancy Law, Section 16. The relevance of the study in the present time, is to come up with a better strategic action plan based on the findings and provide practical recommendations that can enhance the capabilities of the next batches of accounting graduates of the University. Descriptive Content Analysis was used in generating and examining qualitative and quantitative data through secondary resources. Based on the CMO No. 3, series of 2017, results revealed that General Education develops competencies in intellectual skills, personal, interpersonal, and communication skills. Business Education develops competencies on economic, quantitative methods, business statistics, organization behavior, marketing, and operations management, professional values, and ethics. Information Technology Education System develops competencies on internal control in computer-based systems, development standards, and practices for business systems, management of the adoption, implementation and use of IT, evaluation of computer business systems, and managing the security of information. Accounting and Finance develops competencies on business law and taxation, financial management, financial management, financial accounting theory and practice, cost determination, analysis and control, management accounting and consultancy services, advanced accounting, auditing, and assurance services. After mapping the BSA Curriculum and CPA Licensure Examination subjects, it was found that BSA Curriculum General and Business Education are integrated in all subjects given in the CPA Licensure Examination. The Information Technology Education is integrated in the CPA Licensure Examination subjects such medium-sized service, trading, or manufacturing concern, financial accounting techniques and methodologies to problems, and legal implications of business transactions, business associations, and negotiable instruments related to accounting and auditing and practical application of basic principles of taxation. Majority of the accounting graduates have failed in the subjects such as Auditing Theory, Auditing Problems I, and Business Law and Taxation. Given these findings, it is recommended: (1) reviewing the current competencies of the CSU accounting students against the target through a competency plan and track learning activities in Auditing and Assurance Services, Assurance Principles, Professional Ethics, and Good Governance, Advanced Financial Accounting, Part I, Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting, Part II, Accounting for Governmental, Not-for-Profit entities, and Specialized Industries, Law on Business Organization, Law on Negotiable Instruments, Sales Agency, Labour and Other Commercial Laws, and Business Transfer Taxes where majority of the students failed in the CPA Licensure Examination; (2) enhancing or improving teaching methodologies on the subjects in BSA curriculum such as Management Accounting and Consultancy Services, Auditing and Assurance Services, Business Law and Taxation, and Financial Accounting Practice where majority of Accounting graduates showed weak competencies; (3) conducting a thorough investigation of the factors that caused the failure of the students in the said subjects, then, strengthening the admission and retention policy; (4) instructor/professor should enhance their syllabi to include recent developments, trends, and innovations in teaching materials, and methodologies to avoid obsolescence.