On Friday 06 September, UCL School of Management Professor Susan Smith hosted the first-ever Accounting Streams Workshop on Level 50 of One Canada Square, which brought together key figures in accounting education to discuss the future direction of the initiative. Participants also had a chance to preview content and explore how the materials can be integrated into classroom teaching.
The workshop is a part of the larger Accounting Streams project that seeks to develop a new approach to accounting education through its interactive digital texts that go beyond the technical and embraces the social and moral aspects of accounting.
Kicking off the event, Professor Joan Ballantine from Ulster University reflected on the historical challenges and criticisms surrounding accounting education. She emphasised that, despite previous reform efforts, accounting education remains ripe for change, and the Accounting Streams project is well-timed to address current needs in the field.
The project’s leaders (UCL School of Management’s Susan Smith, Professor Richard Murphy from the University of Sheffield and Jenni Rose from the University of Manchester) then outlined the background and progress of the Accounting Streams project and potential future avenues for development following the publication of Principles of Accounting. They introduced seven open-access preview chapters from their upcoming publication, Principles of Accounting, now available on the project’s website.
The afternoon featured presentations that showcased how the preview chapters could be used in classroom settings. Highlights included chapters focusing on concepts such as capitals, assurance, and the practical use of reported financial data.
In the final session, Professor Atul Shah offered a thoughtful critique, reminding attendees that 99% of businesses globally are not large corporations. He urged the project to ensure its educational materials reflect the diversity of organisational forms and consider accounting’s potential as a force for good in society.
The full launch of Principles of Accounting is set for Tuesday 26 November. Stay tuned for more details on how this resource can help shape the future of accounting education.
Find out more about Accounting Streams or check out their upcoming publications.
