COMPETENCY IN GST FOR CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS: ANALYZING AN EXPECTATION-PERFORMANCE GAP

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which Canadian accountants meet the day-to-day needs of stakeholders, with a specific focus on the goods and services tax (GST) competencies expected of accountants. There is a noteworthy absence of academic research on technical competencies in taxation, such as GST. A mixed methods analysis of survey data from newly designated accountants, based on a theoretical proposition of an expectation-performance gap, examines the competencies expected by stakeholders and the actual competencies demonstrated by newly designated accountants. A hypothesized expectation-performance gap analysis of newly trained accountants in GST competence concluded that, overall, there is none. When breaking down expectation-performance gaps by specific GST competencies, some gaps emerged. The role of the work experience for newly designated accountants was then examined as a co-occurring factor, and further gaps were revealed when considering employment experience. The study also sought to understand how accountants close gaps from the accounting qualification process in technical GST competency through continuing professional development. The research concluded why accountants engage in continuing professional development in GST and how the industry and educators can address accountants’ needs through ongoing GST education.