Incorporating International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) into Accounting Curricula: Perceptions of Undergraduate Accounting Students in Saudi Universities

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of accounting students in Saudi Arabia on the extent of incorporating IFRS into accounting curricula in undergraduate accounting programs in Saudi universities after the mandatory implementation of IFRS in 2017. Approach/Methodology/Design: This study is cross-sectional and a questionnaire was used to collect data from accounting students in Saudi Arabia regarding the extent to which IFRS are incorporated into accounting curricula in undergraduate accounting programs in Saudi universities. The sample of the study included 132 accounting students from the largest and oldest three Saudi universities. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings: The findings of the study revealed a weakness in students' awareness of IFRS due to the weakness in incorporating IFRS into the accounting curricula. The majority of students indicated that they do not have a separate course on IFRS, and if this course is included in the study plan, it is an elective course and not a required course. The textbooks that they study from in the university are old textbooks and therefore, do not include accounting treatments according to IFRS. Also, teachers do not mention the IFRS when explaining the topics included in the accounting courses. Practical Implications: The study has implications for Saudi universities. Based on the results of the study, Saudi universities should update curricula in undergraduate accounting programs so that IFRS are incorporated into accounting curricula. Accounting students will have careers where global transactions and interactions are common, so they need to be familiar with IFRS. The incorporation of IFRS into accounting curricula increases the ability of Saudi universities to provide graduates who can obtain job opportunities and succeed in the workplace after graduation. Originality/value: Accounting students are prospective accountants, so they should be aware of the IFRS they will use in preparing and auditing financial statements after graduation. Therefore, it is important to explore the universities' response to the adoption of IFRS by incorporating IFRS into the accounting curricula to provide a graduate who can implement these accounting standards after graduation.