Author(s): Kelly F. Gamble
Recent accounting graduates should be better prepared to face practice dilemmas before entering the profession. Unfortunately, typical accounting programs fail to address common practice issues. I presented students with an original case in which they assumed the role of a new staff accountant who had exceeded the time budgets in two different scenarios. Students discussed how many of the extra hours they would report and explained their decisions. The students enjoyed the case and were actively engaged in the discussion. Some students expressed gratitude for giving them the assignment. The case met my goals of making students aware of an ethical dilemma they might face soon after graduating, and better preparing them to be successful as they enter the profession. Making young accountants aware of these dilemmas prior to graduation can help lower the occurrence of underreporting and provide a smoother transition into the profession.