Written Communication Skills for Accounting Majors: Research Findings and Discussion Questions

• In Event: Reception with Effective Learning Strategies Displays

Abstract

Our poster will present research findings and invite discussion about Written Communication Skills for Accounting Majors.

Topics:

1) Importance of good written communication skills for accountants
2) Effects of poor written communication
3) Examples of written communication errors
4) Results of a survey of accounting academics and practitioners re. the most “bothersome” errors in written communication
5) Examples of interventions for selected “bothersome” errors

Questions for discussion:

1) Who should address written communication with accounting students?
2) What, if any, are the effects of email/texting/IM on written communication skills?
3) Where should written communication skills be covered? Discuss the pros/cons of each.
a) Special courses
i) Elective?
ii) Required?
b) Communication classes
i) General?
ii) Discipline-specific?
c) Accounting classes
i) Which courses?
ii) Factored in to course grade?
d) In-house firm training sessions after graduation?

Opportunities for future research.

Authors

• Kathleen Simons, Bryant University

• Tracey J Riley, Suffolk University