Critical reflections of Filipino immigrant accountants on their work experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area.

摘要

Participatory research methodology uses dialogues to allow the participants to become co-researchers and define the problems and the alternative solutions. This study used dialogues with eight Filipino immigrant accountants who shared their stories relevant to the main question: "What are some of the critical reflections of Filipino immigrant accountants on their work experiences in the United States compared to those in the Philippines?" The dialogues focused on their job experiences, the challenges they have encountered, the solutions they have applied, and their suggestions for employers and future Filipino immigrant accountants. In reviewing the literature on Filipino professionals in the United States, the researcher found only stories of Filipino medical doctors and nurses but nothing about Filipino accountants.; All of the eight accountants were in agreement that accounting education in the Philippines is at par with that in the United States and that accounting is universal, thus, the baselines in accounting practices are the same in both countries. They also claimed they experienced demotion when they changed location from the Philippines to the United States.; The participants recommended that in the interest of creating an effective work environment, employers should understand and learn to trust and be confident in working with foreign educated professionals such as Filipino immigrant accountants. They should also provide more training with a feedback system so as to be able to evaluate its effectiveness with employees. Furthermore, employers should monitor the training to see if more training is needed or if it should be modified.; As to the Filipino immigrant accountants, the participants recommended that they should learn the latest and most commonly used computerized accounting systems. The accountants should not be afraid to apply for accounting jobs they are interested in and are qualified for. They should not be shy but be good observers. They also need to develop communication skills in English to minimize misunderstanding. Filipino immigrant accountants should continue learning and should be patient and courageous, not arrogant.