Shaping Tomorrow's Accountants
Study 1: Twenty-first-century Competencies and Capabilities for Financial Accounting Students
Are South Africa's financial accounting students equipped for the demands of tomorrow's workplace?
A recent South African study surveyed 166 stakeholders — students, lecturers, and professionals — to identify the 21st-century competencies critical for financial accountants.
The top priority across all groups was thinking and learning to learn — the cornerstone of sustainable employability, enabling professionals to continuously adapt in a rapidly evolving field. Beyond that, priorities diverged: professionals valued entrepreneurship and working skills; lecturers prioritised ICT; students focused on self-care and managing everyday life. Notably, cultural competencies and sustainability awareness ranked lowest across all groups — a gap worth addressing as global workplaces grow increasingly diverse and environmentally conscious.
The takeaway for sustainable employability is clear: accountants who cultivate lifelong learning, adaptability, and digital fluency won't just survive industry disruption — they'll lead through it.
Stay informed. Stay employable.
The details of the article are as follows: Van den Berg, E. & Rothmann, S., 2024, ‘Twenty-first-century competencies and capabilities for financial accounting students’, South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences 27(1), a5535. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v27i1.5535
Watch a video about the study’s findings here.
Study 2: Burnout or Breakthrough: The Hidden Crisis Facing Accounting Students
What's really driving accounting students out the door — and what can we do about it?
A South African study of 102 financial accounting students reveals a concerning link between student well-being, capabilities, and the intention to leave higher education. Students who felt capable and engaged showed greater social well-being and were more likely to stay. Conversely, high cynicism and low emotional well-being significantly increased dropout risk.
For sustainable employability, this matters deeply. Students who leave before qualifying lose their pathway to long-term career resilience. Institutions that neglect well-being don't just lose students — they shrink the future talent pipeline. The solution? Universities must invest in capability-building programmes, meaningful mentorship, and emotional well-being interventions — equipping students not just with technical skills, but the psychological resilience to sustain a fulfilling career.
Thriving students become thriving professionals. The investment starts now.
The details of the article are as follows: Van den Berg, E., & Rothmann, S. (2024). Capabilities, well-being and intention to leave of financial accounting students. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology/SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 50(0), a2203. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v50i0.2203
Watch a video about the study’s findings here.
Study 3: Self-Perceived Employability, Well-Being and Institutional Embeddedness of Accounting Students
A 2025 South African study of 102 financial accounting students reveals a powerful connection between self-perceived employability, well-being, and institutional commitment.
Students who believed in their own employability reported stronger psychological and social well-being. Those committed to their university showed greater emotional stability and were more deeply embedded in their institution — reducing dropout risk.
For sustainable employability, the message is compelling: confidence in one's career prospects isn't just motivational — it's protective. Students who see themselves as employable are better equipped to persist, engage, and ultimately flourish professionally. Universities investing in employability programmes aren't simply improving graduate outcomes — they're building psychologically resilient students ready for long, sustainable careers.
Employability begins in the mind. Nurture it early, and the returns last a lifetime.
The details of the article are as follows: Van den Berg, E., & Rothmann, S. (2025). Self-perceived employability, well-being and institutional embeddedness of accounting students. South African Journal of Business Management, 56(1), a4729. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v56i1.4729
Watch a video about the study’s findings here.
