Economic aspects of competency formation among accounting students: аn empirical study

Abstract

This article presents an empirical investigation into the relationship between theoretical and practical training of students majoring in «Accounting and Auditing» and their economic effectiveness in the context of developing professional competencies. The purpose of the study is to assess the influence of theoretical and practical components of the educational process on students’ initial salary levels, the speed of labor market adaptation, and the trajectory of their professional growth.

The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 55 students enrolled in the «Accounting and Auditing» program at the Kenzhegali Sagadiev University of International Business. The survey was conducted using a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using the SMART PLS structural equation modeling method. Correlation and regression analyses revealed statistically significant relationships between the students’ training levels and their performance in the labor market (e.g., between the level of practical skills and initial salary: β = 0.51, p < 0.01; between the content of academic programs and professional adaptation: r = 0.47).

The study confirms the crucial role of close collaboration between educational institutions and the business sector in the development of students’ practical competencies. It provides specific recommendations for improving dual education systems, integrating business cases and professional standards into curricula, and enhancing the economic return on investment in human capital.

Key words: accounting education, professional competence, economic efficiency, theoretical training, practical skills, SMART PLS, Likert scale, correlation, regression, labor market, human capital, dual education.