The research found that overall, th

The research found that overall, the majority of participants in this study were of the opinion that tertiary accounting education plays an important role in soft skills development for accounting graduates. The majority of participants also perceived that a three year degree should not diminish the quality of soft skills development at tertiary level since the fourth year did not provide additional soft skills development for them. The implications of the 2010 academic changes may not be witnessed for a few years; therefore, it would be ideal for NZICA to conduct a review of the academic changes commencing from 2013 to see whether the changes have improved the students’
education experience, practitioners’ pool of graduates and the profession’s pool of
members. Such a review will be important to gather feedback and determine whether
further academic changes will need to be made to ensure a quality tertiary level
accounting education.