A Toolkit for Developing Professional Skepticism in the Accounting Classroom

Professional skepticism is an important trait for the accounting profession. Research shows that it can be developed in the pre-professional phase (Martinov-Bennie, Dyball, and Tweedie 2022). In this project, we designed a toolkit comprising four case studies (Payroll, Inventory, Receivables, and Impairment) to develop skepticism in accounting students. Using “search for embedded misstatements” as a tool, we facilitate key attributes necessary to exercise skepticism, including attention to detail, search for knowledge, a questioning mindset, critical thinking, problem-solving, an awareness of bias, and the confidence to challenge and provide alternative solutions. We deliberately designed a series of cases rather than a single case to provide students with the repeated practice that is more likely to habituate their disposition to act skeptically. However, these cases can be used independently or adapted to suit different accounting units. The toolkit was well received by students and was effective in increasing their level of skepticism.