A Word of Caution to Students: Public Accountant Perceptions of Alternative Work Arrangements

This study provides updated insights regarding attitudes and beliefs about alternative work arrangements (AWAs) in public accounting so that educators are equipped with current empirical analysis to advise students on how to successfully navigate work-life balance in public accounting. We examine current attitudes and beliefs about AWAs by surveying public accountants from firms of various sizes on different dimensions of AWA support and asking firm partners to provide advice for students. Respondents indicated more agreement with the benefits of AWAs than they did with the perceived costs to the organization and to the participants' future career. Collectively, results suggest attitudes regarding AWAs may be more positive than in the past. Results identify significant differences in the perceptions about AWAs between females and males, as well as AWA participants and nonparticipants. Qualitative results are consistent with general support for AWAs but also provide cautionary advice to students.