COVID-19 Boosts the Need for New Competencies for Accountancy Knowledge Workers

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources are considered a major booster to all business functions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the grand majority of the institutions, in all economic sectors, including education have moved to online work [work from home] and consequently the need for technology literacy as well as information literacy became a much needed competence. These aforementioned literacy competences became salient in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), more specifically, in their endeavor to train students amid the pandemic harsh health conditions and strict requirements for health conservation being at home or while at move. This paper aims to shed light on Accounting major students who are more than other are required to cope with the wave of automation which started even before the COVID-19 emergence. Descriptive analysis is performed shedding light on the status quo conditions of students’ preparation and the acquisition of competences much needed in the years to come beyond the pandemic. Secondary data is considered the source of the evidence needed to discuss the issue herein. Findings of this descriptive essay will serve as an eye opener to policy makers in the concerned HEIs and government officers as well.