Professional Accountants' Perception on the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programmes of the Institute of Chartered of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)

Abstract

Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programmes are primarily organised by professional accounting bodies to train and update professional accountants with the latest development in the field. This study was carried out to explore the perspectives of ICAN and ANAN members on the MCPD programmes of their respective professional bodies. A qualitative case study design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised professional accountants affiliated with ICAN and ANAN. The study was carried out in Lagos and Abuja. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select the study area and the samples. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. The instrument was validated with expert opinion and pilot tested on some professional accountants. Twenty professional accountants were interviewed while the interview sessions were recorded. Recorded files were transcribed electronically and manually. The data were analysed with Braun and Clarke (2006) 's six steps analytical technique. Data analysis was conducted using Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS), MAXQDA and ATLAS.ti. Two themes, theme one with four sub-themes and theme two with three sub-themes, emerged from the data analysis. The study showed that the MCPD programmes organised by ICAN and ANAN were of high quality, worth attending, and largely attended. Members were satisfied with the contents and the resource persons invited. The programmes were rich in content, practically taught, and promoted the ICT skills development of the members. It was recommended that professional accountants should prioritise their participation in the MCPD programmes in their busy schedules. ICAN and ANAN should collaborate to organise professional development programmes to produce professional accountants equipped to compete with their counterparts in the global space.