Equipping graduate accountancy students with data analytics competencies an integrated approach

Implementation of data analytics to the accounting curriculum requires thoughtful consideration. Issues may arise from the
implementation, for example, What data analytics skill-set should the accountancy students be equipped? What modules would be relevant for data analytics? Would there be necessary to have separate modules for data analytics or embedding relevant data analytics topics into the existing modules? What technology should be used to run the data analytics module? Is data analytics solely about the use of sophisticated technology for analysis? Dzuranin, Jones & Olvera (2018) proposed three strategies to integrate data analytics into the accounting curriculum, i.e., a focused approach, an integrated approach, and a hybrid approach. The first approach requires separates data analytics modules from the existing accounting modules. The second approach attaches relevant data analytics topics into the existing accounting modules. The third approach is the combination of both the first and second approach. In this presentation, we propose the roadmap in developing data analytics competencies for accountancy students via the integrated approach. The roadmap started with evaluating the existing modules that can be attached with relevant data analytics topics. The next step is formulating the learning objectives and strategies. Lastly, is the technological consideration. The use of particular technologies
plays an important role in implementing data analytics competencies. Our intention of data analytics integration into the accountancy programme’s modules is to help students access the relevant skills for accountants and auditors as well as experience differentimmersion of data analytics in their learning journey.