Problems of Accounting Professionals Residing in Istanbul and the Suggested Solutions

Abstract

Some problems of accounting professionals in Turkey were solved with the introduction of Law on Public Accountants, Certified Public Accountants and Sworn-in Certified Public Accountants in 1989. However, many other problems still remain to be solved for accountants in Turkey as of 2018. There were two main objectives of this study. The first one was to identify the problems faced by accounting professionals living in Istanbul, Turkey and the second one was to come up with solutions for these problems. The research took advantage of questionnaire methodology. According to research findings, accounting occupation doesn’t have a professional identity in Turkey. Also, accounting education given in universities is perceived as inadequate. The leading reason why accounting professionals are only considered as bookkeepers in Turkey is knowledge deficiencies. The main motivation behind choosing the accountant career path is commercial (monetary). The leading reason for lack of confidence against accountants in Turkey is ignorance of accounting ethics. Lack of practice is the leading deficiency concerning accounting education in Turkey. This is followed by insufficient accounting ethics education. Leading problems of accounting professionals in Turkish business life are economical. Our literature review shows that, expectations from public authorities, professional accounting chambers and bodies increase to solve the problems of accounting professionals. Thus, the suggested solutions by this study to eliminate determined problems of accounting professionals should be evaluated and considered by public authorities, professional accounting chambers and bodies. Moreover, effective communication, coordination and agreement on legal arrangements must be present among accounting professionals, chambers, bodies and public authorities to solve the problems of accounting professionals residing in Istanbul, Turkey.

Keywords: Accounting, Accounting Professionals, Problems, Solutions, Istanbul