The presented merger and acquisition classroom exercise is based on a real yet incomplete transaction transpiring during the period of the class. The approach enables adult students to apply their previously acquired business experience to a strategic analysis project facilitating the development of group communication, critical thinking, and…

Communication skills are a fundamental personal competency for a successful career in accounting. What is not so obvious is the specific written communication skill set employers look for and the extent those skills are computer mediated. Using survey research, this article explores the particular skills employers desire and their satisfaction…

The author of this article is an English teacher and a certified public accountant at the same time. When he was offered a position teaching business communication in an MBA program, he was delighted to know that he can actually dovetail his two contrasting careers. In this article, the author relates his experiences and the benefits of…

The authors describe a graduate capstone accounting class as a basis for building communication skills desired by both accounting practitioners and accounting faculty. An academic service-learning (ASL) component is included. Adopted as a required class for a master of science degree in accounting at two universities, this course supports…

Evaluates client perceptions of the seriousness and frequency of potential communication barriers in external audits. Reveals both a credibility/background factor and hostility/conflict factor to be the most serious barriers. Finds that subjects perceived personality differences, "know-it-all" attitude, "either-or" thinking,…

In the accounting communication class, which includes both writing and making presentations, the article-based memo has always been the first assignment, in which students learn business formats and writing style, use of headings, audience analysis, and adapting material for different audiences. As part of a large project to revise the accounting…

Reports on accounting professionals' self-assessment of their communication abilities (presentation, writing, interpersonal, and interviewing skills), factors contributing to these skills, and rankings of them. Shows that the development of effective communication skills, which are highly valued in public accounting firms, was not part of formal…

Notes that innovations in technology have greatly enhanced educators' abilities to incorporate instruction in written and oral communication skills in the accounting curriculum. Finds that practitioners agree with the new writing requirements of the CPA (Certified Public Account) exam, and endorse the use of information technology in preparing…

Presents a do-it-yourself case that has the double advantage of giving students practice in formulating questions for a specific company (not just a list from a book or assignment) and of giving them valuable field experience without involving faculty in lining up local companies and screening projects. Describes an example payroll project in an…

Develops a structured writing effectiveness program across three junior level courses in the accounting major (tax, cost, and financial accounting) to improve the writing skills of accounting students. Provides evidence that the writing across the curriculum project significantly improved the students' writing skills. (SC)