Determinants influencing university students’ intention to pursue ACCA qualification: empirical evidence in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The current environment has led to an increase in the popularity of pursuing international certifications that open up new opportunities. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, known as ACCA, plays a crucial role in enhancing the capacity and reputation of accounting and finance, while contributing to the sustainable development of both the industry and the global economy. The current study aims to explore the determinants influencing university students' intention to pursue ACCA qualifications in Ho Chi Minh City. The study was carried out using in-depth interviews to adjust the research model and measurement scales to adapt to the current context of HCMC. A quantitative data with 400 valid responses was then collected and analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25.0 to examine the scale reliability, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation, and regression. The findings indicate that seven factors, namely job prospects, subjective norms, capabilities, university support, exam fees, constraints, and international opportunities, affect university students' intention to pursue a professional career with ACCA qualifications. The research team also suggests managerial implications and solutions for students, universities, and professional associations with a view to promoting students' intention to take the ACCA certification exam and achieve worldwide professional standards