The Buck Does Not Stop Here: A Case on Dynamic Technologies and Skills That Drive the Need for Lifelong Learning for Accounting Students

Abstract

This SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) focused case study is designed to support recent graduates specifically entering internal accounting positions with an emphasis on the following STEM-related topics: Data Security & Management, Internal Controls, COBIT Framework, ERP deployment, Business Intelligence, and Emerging Technologies. Working for SMEs, learners may face unique related challenges. For instance, some SMEs outsource various support functions. This budgetary decision can leave the internal organization technically void of critical strategic knowledge and skills and highly dependent upon outside members for this support. What if there were a better way? In this case, students will be introduced to a related fictional business case to develop their critical thinking and business problem-solving skills while developing a life-long learning toolkit to enhance their future technological knowledge.