Advising Implications of Undergraduates' Motivations for Entering the Accounting Profession

Abstract

The accounting profession is in a state of flux— some might even say crisis. Recent ethical lapses, such as the Enron debacle, have called into question the professionalism of a few, tainting the reputation of many accountants. In this study, we examined the attitudes of accounting students at a comprehensive public university at the beginning and end of the curriculum. Results showed that both groups are motivated to become accountants by the desire to make money rather than by a desire to serve the public. We discuss advising implications of these attitudes, pointing out actions faculty and professional advisors can take to influence students' reasons for entering the accounting profession.Relative emphasis: * practice, theory, research