International Journal of Critical Accounting (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Crisis in the global accounting pipeline: a clarion call to accounting educators  
  by Ellen Bartley 
  Abstract: Fewer students are majoring in accounting; the number of graduates pursuing licensure is declining; firms struggle to recruit and retain qualified talent; retirements further deplete the ranks; Generation Z prioritises work-life balance; other fields offer more competitive salaries. The convergence of these factors has created a global pipeline crisis in the profession, which has the potential to disrupt global financial markets. The AICPA and CIMA, in collaboration with many constituencies, issued a proposal to address numerous, systemic issues contributing to the crisis. A noticeably excluded stakeholder is the American Accounting Association (AAA), the largest organisation of accounting educators. As the link between accounting education and the profession has been historically strong, the exclusion of the AAA is of grave concern. This paper critically reviews the literature about the crisis, and provides recommendations for educator contributions in solving the crisis.
  Keywords: accounting education; high school accounting; accounting majors; Accounting Pipeline Crisis; first course in accounting.
  
  
• Governance and mergers in higher education with public accounting’s use: a survey of recent evidence and future paths  
  by Nikolaos Giovanis, Aikaterini Chasiotou 
  Abstract: This study analyses the structural elements of mergers and their connection to new governance principles in higher education institutions in relation to public accounting. The use of public accounting is crucial for proper functioning of state universities, but also critical for making important decisions, such as a decision to merge. More specifically, this study explores mergers in higher education worldwide, their types, causes and trends, financial and operational benefits, challenges and risks. The present study provides evidence that public accounting must be used throughout a merger process because public universities must maintain their viability and the presence of a level of profitability that enables them to carry on with their operations without experiencing difficulties due to financial considerations. This study tries to close theoretically the knowledge gap in the university mergers with the use of public accounting and offers a framework for further research on a fruitful area.
  Keywords: HEI governance; merger; higher education institution; public accounting; literature review.
  
  
• The impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism during audit engagement in Fiji: a social theory perspective  
  by Mohammed Riaz Azam, Sonia Singh, Liteshni Devi, Krishan Dayal, Nagma Naicker 
  Abstract: This paper aims to highlight the impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism during audit engagements in Fiji. Using a phenomenological research design and social theory as the study's theoretical foundation, we examine the views of a sample of Fijian auditors. We found that the pandemic has caused a shift in audit work patterns, with a greater emphasis on the use of technology. Additionally, in the remote audit environment, auditors exercise a high level of professional scepticism in audit risk areas. This study attempts to contribute to the limited literature on the impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism, particularly from the viewpoint of developing nations, while also providing a good initial impression of how Fijian auditors perceive this impact during audit engagement.
  Keywords: COVID-19; auditor; professional scepticism; remote; virtual; uncertainty; audit opinion; evidence; procedures; audit quality; misstatement; audit risk; stakeholders; engagement; Fiji.
  
  
• The new auditor: what does the future hold?  
  by Jacques Hendieh 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation, and big data analytics are rapidly transforming the external audit profession. This exploratory study investigates how these emerging technologies are currently utilised by external auditors in Lebanon, assessing their advantages, challenges, and auditors perceptions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a survey conducted among Lebanese external auditors between September and October 2024, the study reveals that 82% of auditors believe these technologies could significantly improve audit quality, particularly in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of technology adoption in auditing by developing a framework that links technological integration to perceived audit risk and quality enhancement. From a managerial perspective, the findings suggest that auditing firms should prioritise training on the use of these technologies and address security concerns to foster greater acceptance. Policymakers are encouraged to consider regulatory reforms that ensure the secure use of technologies.
  Keywords: external audit; accounting; technology; audit quality.