Big Data Analytics competencies for IR4.0 ready accounting graduates

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is often characterised by data transformation involving a huge amount of unstructured data, also known as Big Data. More advanced analytics techniques are needed to uncover hidden patterns and unknown correlations from the diverse and large datasets known as Big Data Analytics (BDA). BDA is evolving and its impact on the accounting profession is growing. Consequently, accounting graduates need to be competent to understand and utilise BDA. However, studies that examine specific BDA competencies, i.e., knowledge and skills related to BDA needed by accounting graduates are still sparse. Hence, this paper aims to explore the competencies of BDA required for accounting graduates from the perspective of educators. A qualitative approach by using semi-structured interviews was conducted involving eleven participants who were lecturers from three public universities and two private universities in northern, central and southern Malaysia. Our study suggest that accounting graduates need to possess basic BDA knowledge in order for them to handle big data in their future profession. In addition, they also must be competent in mathematical, statistical, machine learning, analytical and data mining skills. By acquiring these competencies, accounting graduates are expected to perform their tasks more effectively in the IR4.0 era.