Abstract:

Nowadays, employers of graduated students in finance and accounting require different soft skills, but the most essential are technical skills in software applications and technologies. In this context, various business problems have been solved, and job performance has increased through the diversified functions of application software. Purpose: This study deals with the self-assessment of the level of professional competencies of postgraduate students in finance and accounting in Albania and their performance on the job related to technological knowledge and software applications. The study aims to identify the ability to use advanced software at work, apply professional knowledge as a specialist advisor in financial software applications, and the need for further training in this field. Design/Methodology: This survey is conducted to estimate the technological competencies of postgraduate students studying a Master of Science in Finance or Accounting and Auditing at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana. According to official data (2022-2023 academic year), the population is 270 students (for two successive academic years), and the sample is 180. Proceeding with these data are two econometric models with multiple factors with index variables, measured by employed students' selfassessment and work performance. Findings: Students have high self-confidence perception in technological skills for any professional job, and they can apply professional knowledge as an advisor in financial measurement through software applications. Providing work performance by their team leaders or direct managers, students need training on the job for financial software applications, and they have no statistically significant competence to apply professional knowledge as specialist advisors in financial software applications. Practical Implications: Needed enrichment improvement of university curricula focusing on software applications to minimize the gap in technological knowledge. Businesses should be involved in adapting these curricula by work-integrated learning.

Keywords:

Self-assessment, Work performance, Software applications, Postgraduate students in finance and accounting, Albania.

How to Cite:

Llesh Lleshaj and Nertila Çika. Software Skills and Their Impact on Enhancing Job Performance: A Perspective from Finance and Accounting Postgraduate Students. [ref]: vol.21.2023. available at: https://refpress.org/ref-vol21-a264/