KPAP: Kajian dan Pertimbangan mengenai Link and Match antara Kebutuhan Dunia Kerja Profesi Akuntan Publik dan Dunia Pendidikan Perguruan Tinggi

The article from the Komite Profesi Akuntan Publik (KPAP) titled "Kajian dan Pertimbangan mengenai Link and Match antara Kebutuhan Dunia Kerja Profesi Akuntan Publik dan Dunia Pendidikan Perguruan Tinggi" addresses the alignment between higher education curricula and the practical demands of the public accounting profession in Indonesia. KPAP identifies a significant gap between the competencies of accounting graduates and the expectations of employers in the public accounting sector. This discrepancy arises from the rapid evolution of the accounting profession, which outpaces the updates in academic curricula. To investigate this issue, KPAP conducted qualitative research, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders from academia and the accounting industry. The study highlights two primary concerns: Competency Gap: Graduates often lack the practical skills and up-to-date knowledge required by public accounting firms. Low Student Interest: There is a noticeable decline in students' enthusiasm for pursuing careers in public accounting, attributed to perceptions of high workloads and limited incentives. To address these challenges, KPAP recommends: Curriculum Enhancement: Incorporating practical training and current industry practices into academic programs. Faculty Development: Encouraging lecturers to gain real-world experience through internships or collaborations with accounting firms. Student Engagement: Promoting the public accounting profession through targeted campaigns and structured internship opportunities. KPAP urges collaboration among professional associations (IAPI, IAI, IAMI), higher education institutions, accreditation bodies (BAN-PT, LAMEMBA), and the Ministry of Finance's PPPK to implement these recommendations. Such coordinated efforts aim to bridge the gap between academic training and professional requirements, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the public accounting industry. Sources: www.kpap.go.id