Exploring the Transition of Newly Qualified Chartered Accountants From Practice to Industry

Abstract

Career transitions are increasingly common and can be challenging. This study seeks to understand how chartered accountants (CAs) experience transitioning from accounting firm-based roles to industry-based ones and develop the required skills and competencies. The underlying theoretical perspectives are transition cycle theory and the fit theories of person–culture fit and person–job fit. A multi-stakeholder approach using qualitative interviews was adopted. The findings present: refinement to the theoretical stages of transition; a proposed combination of fit theories; the identification of a skills gap; and the nature of supports for CAs experiencing this transition. The study indicates that CAs need to have a better understanding of transitions; hiring managers (HMs) should rethink supports in place; and profession-related educators should better prepare accounting students for career transitioning.