In today’s rapidly changing world, technological advancements, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and shifting societal expectations are transforming the accountancy profession. To help strengthen the pipeline of future professional accountants, IFAC is exploring how global trends are shaping perceptions of the profession among educators, career counsellors, academics, professional accountancy organizations, and employers.

Through surveys and interviews with stakeholders across various jurisdictions, IFAC aims to assess current interest in accountancy, identify barriers to entering the profession, and examine how emerging trends are influencing the profession’s future.

If your day-to-day role aligns with one of the stakeholder groups below, we invite you to participate in a short survey by clicking the link provided under your stakeholder group. If the listed categories do not apply to your work, please consider sharing this page with individuals in the target groups from your network. The respective links are under the “Stakeholder Groups & Links to Survey” drop-down menu.

The surveys have automated translation functionality to assist non-English speakers in participating. Please note that the automated translation may contain errors. You are welcome to respond in your own language.

The surveys will remain open until May 31, 2025. Thank you for sharing your time and perspectives and for contributing to the ongoing relevance and societal impact of the accountancy profession.   

  • Stakeholder Groups & Links to Survey
    • High School Teachers

      Including educators who teach students in high school, secondary school or secondary college settings, typically covering grades/years 7 through 12 (approximately age 13-18). They may teach a range of subjects, including those related to business, economics, and accounting.

       

      Survey Link for High School Teachers
    • Careers Counsellors

      Including teachers or other professionals who provide career advice and guidance to high school or secondary college students. These professionals help students explore various career options and support them in making informed decisions about their future. 

       

      Survey Link for Careers Counselors
    • Accounting Faculty

      Including professors, lecturers, and academic staff who teach accounting at the college, university, or tertiary level. They are responsible for delivering accounting units/modules/subjects/courses, conducting research, and may also mentor students pursuing degrees in accounting or related fields. 

       

      Survey Link for Accounting Faculty
    • Employers

      Including any business or organization that employs accountants, auditors, and other financial professionals. 

       

      Survey Link for Employers
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What is the purpose of this study?

      This research will explore the factors influencing the attractiveness of the accounting profession, focusing on shifts in students' interest, technological skill development, and alternative pathways into the profession (e.g., apprenticeships, non-accounting degrees).

      The findings will provide valuable insights into current perceptions of the accounting profession, which will be beneficial for stakeholders interested in promoting and developing the accounting profession.

    • Who should participate in the survey?

      IFAC asks those on the ‘front-lines’ working with potential or aspiring accountants for their time and insights. This includes high school teachers and counselors, university professors and others who shape curriculum, and IFAC members and other professional accountancy organizations. 

      IFAC also asks that our members and volunteers share this survey with their networks and stakeholder groups to help us gather a broad range of insights. 

    • What does participation involve?

      The survey is the primary means of seeking input and perceptions and will take respondents approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

    • How can I participate or ask questions about the study?

      You can participate by clicking the link under the stakeholder you represent. If have any questions, please email education@ifac.org.

    • Is participation voluntary?

      Yes, participation is completely voluntary. However, since surveys are anonymous, it is not possible to remove responses once submitted.

    • Has ethics approval been obtained for this study?

      Yes, ethics approval for this study has been obtained from the University of Western Australia, the institution employing the lead investigator. This ensures that the research complies with ethical standards for participant protection, confidentiality, and data handling.

    • How will my privacy be protected?

      All responses will be kept confidential. The results will be aggregated and anonymized for publication. The data will be stored securely in line with the Western Australia University Sector Disposal Authority (WAUSDA) on a password-protected computer or secure server.

    • Are there any risks associated with participation?

      There are no foreseeable risks associated with participating in this study. The aim is simply to gather feedback from participants regarding their perceptions of the accounting profession.

  • Research Team

    Dr Nikki Schönfeldt PhD, CA.
    Chief Investigator
    Senior Lecturer in Accounting
    University of Western Australia Business School

    Prof Jacqueline Birt PhD, CA. 
    Co-Investigator
    Professor in Accounting 
    Charles Sturt University School of Business 

    Prof Phil Hancock BCom MCom, FCPA, ACA.
    Co-Investigator 
    Professor in Accounting 
    University of Western Australia Business School

  • Contact Us
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This research study is a joint project between the IFAC, the International Association for Accounting Education and Research (IAAER), and the University of Western Australia.

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