The Banking Industry Requirements of Accounting Graduates in Ghana

Purpose – This study analyses the various skills needed by today's accounting graduates in order to be suitable for the Ghanaian banking industry. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a simple random sampling technique to select 15 of the 27 banks currently in the banking industry, a sample selected as first part of a total banking industry study. Questionnaires were used, supported with interviews, to collect the data from the responding 13 banks. Findings – The study revealed that variables (in order of preference) such as; positive attitude, communication skills, strong work ethics, team work, good interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, flexibility and adaptability, management and organizational skills and strong IT skills are some of the key skills employers expect accounting graduates to have in order for them to be deemed ready for the banking industry. Research limitation – The only targeted respondents were the human resource and branch managers. The result could have been different if the sample had been widened to cover a greater number of the banks in the industry and included other responding groups like accountants. Practical implications – The findings offer guidance to those involved in the training of accountants in tertiary institutions and graduates of accounting seeking to develop skills necessary for the banking industry. Originality/value – This is a major contributor to skills-analysis-requirement of specific jobs, looking at the banking industry. The case can be extended for other job-specific industries like insurance.