Motivations and Obstacles in Pursuing CPAs: Insights from Jazan Accounting Students

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to examine motivations and obstacles in obtaining Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the Saudi context.

Design/method -Questionnaires were administered to accounting students at Jazan University to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the motivations driving them to pursue CPA, as well as the obstacles they face in achieving these qualifications. There are a total of 121 respondents from accounting students who study at Jazan University participated in this study.

Findings- Rresults indicated better job opportunities, improving accounting knowledge, practice and having a high income were key motivators for accounting students to prepare for CPA. Meanwhile, incompatibility between Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) exams and accounting subjects taught in the university, training costs and exam fees as well as constantly changing exam questions impeded accounting students from preparing for the exams.

Originality/value – There has been minimal research on this topic in the Saudi context. However, exploring the aspirations of accounting students to become CPAs, provides valuable insights into the field.