International Education Standards Competencies Development Approach for Professional SMEs Accountants

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were to study the performance level and competencies level of accountants at small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); to study approaches for developing their competencies in accordance with international education standards; and to study the relationship between SME accountants’ competencies and their working efficiency. The sample population of this study consisted of 2 parts. First, for the quantitative data, the sample was 400 accountants of SMEs in Bangkok whose positions were assistant accounting manager or higher. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed through frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Second, for qualitative data, in-depth interviews were held with 20 accountants and related people in Bangkok such as SME owners, office heads and office managers, chosen from 6 districts proportionally by population. They were interviewed on their opinions about developing accountants’ competencies according to international education standards.

              The results of this study showed that overall, the samples had a high level of competencies according to international educational standards, especially in the categories of qualities, skills and knowledge, in that order. Overall, the work efficiency of the sample SME accountants was rated at a high level. It was concluded that the approach for competency development according to international education standards would be to increase knowledge and skills, leading to success in the accountants’ careers. The results of hypothesis testing showed that there was a moderately positive correlation between competencies according to international education standards and working efficiency, to a statistically significant degree at .05 confidence level.