Professional Training and Employee Performance: An Empirical Evidence from Accounting and Auditing Firms

AUTHORS: Olowe, F. T1 , Adekunle, O. A2 , Olubunmi, E. M1 , Olowe, S. O3

ABSTRACT:This study examined the influence of professional training on employee performance with particular reference to accounting and auditing firms. The study uses a purposive sampling method to select the best ten accounting and auditing firms, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data analysis was performed with the aid of percentage, mean and OLS. The result established that professional training has a positive and significant relationship with employee performance. The study also affirmed that staff of the selected accounting and auditing firms were trained via on-the-job training, team discussion or seminar, classroom training, conference method, programmed instructions, off-the-job training, and vestibule or training center training. The study also confirmed that that open-mindedness of trainers and trainees is the most major factor affecting professional training, followed by lack of specialized training, lack of management support, type of training implementation, content and expertise, lack of qualified and experienced auditing educators, lack of attention towards auditing training by the auditors, emotional intelligence and employees individual attitude and job-related factors. The study, therefore, concluded that effective professional training is a veritable tool for employee performance in accounting and auditing firms. Subsequently, the study recommended that the management of accounting and auditing firms should encourage their staff to attend seminars and conferences locally and abroad. Thus, it will empower them with an array of accounting and auditing skills.