Analysis of Technology Skill Requirements for Entry-Level Accountants

<p>This study examines the evolving impact of emerging technologies on skill requirements for entry-level accountants. Using a mixed-method approach that combines literature review and quantitative analysis of 2,257,082 job postings from 2021 to 2024 provided by the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, the study evaluates trends in employer expectations across firm sizes and time. Chi-square tests revealed significant changes in the proportion of postings requiring technological skills (χ² = 117,672, df = 3, p < .001), indicating a shift in how technology-related competencies are presented in job ads. Specifically, while previous job postings often included general technical skills alongside traditional accounting tasks, recent job postings increasingly emphasize advanced or specialized technologies—such as ERP systems, cloud accounting platforms, and automation tools. This shift suggests that employers are moving away from broad technical expectations toward more targeted skill sets, reflecting the evolving technological demands of the profession. A separate chi-square test found a significant relationship between technological skill requirements and job ad duration (χ² = 2,309.57, df = 4, p < .001). However, no consistent pattern of longer posting duration was observed for technology-oriented roles. Literature-based synthesis further showed that large accounting firms continue to demand more advanced technological competencies than smaller firms. Overall, while traditional accounting skills remain predominant, the findings indicate a transition toward more specialized technological expectations in the entry-level accounting role.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Business, Management

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Accounting and Finance Department

Year

2025

Author dc:creator

• Rabara, Jiane Louella Tolentino

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Fady Mansour
• Dr. Charles Boster
• Dr. Fonda Carter

• ERP Systems
• Cloud-Based Platforms
• Entry-Level Accountants
• Automation
• Accounting
• Business Administration, Management, and Operations
• Technology and Innovation

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/753

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1736