How to Write a Reflection Report

Contents 

Introduction 3 

Theory 3 

Understanding the application of professional knowledge and skills in the work place 3 

Managing tasks in a computerized accounting system 3 

The role of soft skills in completing self-reflection with an accounting department 3 

The benefits and limitations of computerized accounting compared to Manuel accounting system 4 

Case Study: Understanding of legal and ethical professional responsibilities and standards 5 

The people I would speak to about the situation 5 

Reflection 5 

My carrier aspirations at the time 5 

My intention to pursue a professional membership qualification 6 

Alternative pathways for Professional Membership qualification 6 

Demonstrates knowledge of future study and professional development 6 

Additional courses that I would take apart from CA and CPA. 6 

Specific goals that must be achieved to gain employment in the chosen career 6 

Work Integrated Learning experience (WIL) 7 

Possible benefits of participating in the WIL course 7 

Reason for not choosing WIL during my undergraduate studies 8 

Other steps to consider in adding employability after graduation 8 

Conclusion 8 

References 9 

Reflection Report 

Introduction 

The act of having a deep thought on one’s self is called self-reflection. The action of self-reflection involves scrutiny of one’s performance by through reflective thinking. The process of self-reflection can be impromptu to or could be scheduled. Self-reflection results to strengthening of one’s emotional intelligence. Engaging in self-reflective sessions enables one to grow his/her cognitive domains and therefore boosting the emotional intelligence of the individual. Self-reflection enables an individual to conduct his/herself with integrity. Self-reflection can be relevant in accountancy. The exercise of self-reflection, accountants would improve their application of work ethics and values. Self-reflection sessions awaken the consciousness of an individual. 

Theory 

Understanding the application of professional knowledge and skills in the work place 

Managing tasks in a computerized accounting system 

I would effectively manage the tasks by reflecting on how to familiarize myself with a computerized accounting system. Attempting new operations in the workplace requires self-reflection ( Goupil & Kouider, 2019). Self-reflection would help me to understand my weakness in handling computerized facilities of accounting. I would then establish the budget that would facilitate the operation. 

The role of soft skills in completing self-reflection with an accounting department 

Soft human skills play a key part in complementing the application of self-reflection within an accounting department. The communication process helps players in the accounting department to establish their mental reflection effectively. Credible communication creates a good working atmosphere that facilitates the effective execution of self-reflection in the department ( Goupil & Kouider, 2019). Teamwork enables employee working within the accounting department to exercise their reflections effectively. Teamwork and bonding results to establishment of tranquil working atmosphere that allows workers to execute the resolutions of their self-reflection. Effective interpersonal skills allow the process of disclosure. Disclosures allows the members of the accounting department to share their self-reflections. 

The benefits and limitations of computerized accounting compared to Manuel accounting system 

The merit of using computerized accounting over the manual accounting system is the efficiency. Computerized accounting eliminates paperwork and therefore increasing efficiency and sophistication in accounting. Moreover, computerized accounting is faster than the manual procedures of accounting. Computers can perform several accounting tasks within a short period. The use of computerized accounting increases accuracy in computing entries ( Kim, Schlegel, Seto & Hicks, 2019). Computers perform their tasks within programmed instructions and therefore minimizing the risk of accounting errors. 

On the other hand, computerized accounting has several demerits. Computerized accounting is dependent on machine and power and therefore limiting the application of the technique in remote areas. Besides, computerized accounting can lead to massive losses if the programmed formulas have errors. A slight error in programming can lead to incursion of enormous losses. Another limitation of computerized accounting is that it has cost implications ( Kim, 2019) . It is expensive to operate computerized accounting as compared to manual accounting because of the cost of buying computers. Computerized accounting results to laziness and loss of concentration in line of duty. 

Case Study: Understanding of legal and ethical professional responsibilities and standards 

The people I would speak to about the situation 

As a professional accountant, I would speak the manager and try to establish whether the capitalization was deliberate or erroneous. I would engage the manager to evaluate the level of malice behind the capitalization. After establishing that the capitalization is deliberate, I would persuade the manager to correct the alteration. I would talk to the manager and convince him/her to rectify the capitalization. If the manager does not comply, I would then move to the high authority of Immugenetics LTD. I would move quickly to raise an alarm so as to prevent the incursion of losses. If the top management fails to correct the error, I would then engage the intervention of the International Accounting Standards Board. 

It is unethical to alter the books of accounting. Such acts amount to fraud. Unauthorized capitalization is an unethical practice that defrauds the funds of organizations. It is an ethical responsibility of accounting practitioners to report or address malicious accounting practices. It is a work value to uphold the integrity in the workplace. On the other hand, reporting the capitalization might cause the sacking of the manager ( Kim, 2019) . It is malicious to start a conversation that might result to your colleague losing job. The scenario will be an ethical dilemma. However, emotions should not supersede professionalism and therefore I would go ahead and report the case to the relevant authorities. 

Reflection 

My carrier aspirations at the time 

My aspiration at this time is to develop a credible accounting portfolio for myself. I am looking forwards to establishing myself as a professional accountant. I intend to build a connection with other accountants from different companies for the purposes of exchanging ideas and experiences ( Knapp, Gottlieb & Handelsman, 2017). At this stage I would wish to perfect my accounting skills and earn a credible title in accounting fraternity. 

My intention to pursue a professional membership qualification 

I intend to pursue the Certificate of Public Accounting course. CPA combines accounting and field economics. The pursuance of professional membership qualification is to add on accounting knowledge and skills through mastering different models of accounting. 

Alternative pathways for Professional Membership qualification 

If I fail to secure a professional membership qualification, I will consider the option of enrolling for the Master’s degree course. The ultimate goal is to attain high accounting levels and therefore, if I fail for a professional membership qualification, then I will seek for scholarship that will facilitate my master’s education. 

Demonstrates knowledge of future study and professional development 

Additional courses that I would take apart from CA and CPA 

I would consider pursuing Certified Management Accounting (CMA) besides CA and CPA. CMA is an ideal accounting course since it combines accounting techniques from the rest of the other courses. CMA emphasizes on the management aspect of accounting and therefore introducing a new area of study. 

Specific goals that must be achieved to gain employment in the chosen career 

There are two goals that that I purpose to achieve in my chosen career path. The goals include; attaining credible accounting and management skills. The other goal is to attain working experience which is an important factor in accounting. I will use the SMART goal setting method to outline the relevance of the two goals. SMART is an acronym that means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely ( Teubner, 2019). For the first goal of attaining accounting and management skill, I specify that I plan attain accounting and management skills by pursuing CMA course. I would measure the progress of the set goal through evaluations and fieldwork results. The goal can be attained upon completion of the Certified Management Accounting (CMA). The goal is realistic because I have the qualifications that can allow me to pursue CMA course. The goal is timely because it is set upon the timing of the course period. it would take three years to attain the goal. 

The other goal of that I must attain to attain employment in my chosen carrier is to develop work experience. Work experience is relevant goal and can be outlined using SMART approach. The goal is specific because experience will be developed in college during the pursuance of the course. Experience in accounting can be measured in course work and during field work. The goal is attainable because experience in accounting is gained by involvement course work and fieldwork and therefore the pursuance of CMA provides a perfect opportunity for gaining accounting experience ( Teubner, 2019). The goal is realistic because it is factual that experience is gained through exposure. The goal is timely since it will be achieved upon completion of the CMA course. 

Work Integrated Learning experience (WIL) 

Possible benefits of participating in the WIL course 

One of the key benefits of work integrated learning is that the programs provide immediate forums for students to practice the theories taught in class work. The programs provide learners with a chance of evaluating their comprehension of classwork. Moreover, WIL expose learners to workplace setup and therefore preparing the learners as they wait to join the working class. WIL allows learners to familiarize with the dynamics of a workplace ( Tirch, Silberstein-Tirch, Brock & Wright, 2019).  WIL allows tutor access the effectiveness of their teaching techniques. WIL allows tutors to observe the conduct of their students in a workplace and therefore evaluating the effectiveness of their tutoring techniques. 

Reason for not choosing WIL during my undergraduate studies 

The reason for not choosing a WIL course is because WIL is extraneous and demanding. WIL requires a high level of balancing the classwork and work program ( Tirch, 2019). Poor accordance for attention to academic work and fieldwork might cause poor academic performance. I might choose not to enroll for WIL so as to focus on academic excellence. 

Other steps to consider in adding employability after graduation 

The other activities that might improve the chances of employment after graduation is vocational training. During my undergraduate course, I would enroll for vocational training such as art, woodwork, metalwork, or even music ( Tirch, 2019). Vocational skills help in developing a hardworking character in an employee. 

Conclusion 

Self-reflection can help in mastering the operations of computerized accounting. Computerized accounting is faster and saves time as compared to manual accounting. Capitalization is unethical accounting practice that accountants should resent at all times. I purpose to pursue CPA as Professional Membership qualification. My goals are to attain credible accounting skills and develop reliable working experience. The benefit of WIL is that they expose learners to the workplace environment and hence prepare them to join the working class. I may not choose to pursue WIL because they are time demanding and could jeopardize concentration in academic work. 

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References 

Goupil, L., & Kouider, S. (2019). Developing a Reflective Mind: From Core Metacognition to Explicit Self-Reflection. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 0963721419848672. 

Kim, J., Schlegel, R. J., Seto, E., & Hicks, J. A. (2019). Thinking about a new decade in life increases personal self-reflection: A replication and reinterpretation of Alter and Hershfield’s (2014) findings. Journal of personality and social psychology, 117(2), e27. 

Knapp, S., Gottlieb, M. C., & Handelsman, M. M. (2017). Enhancing professionalism through self-reflection. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 48(3), 167. 

Teubner, G. (2019). The Law before its law: Franz Kafka on the (im) possibility of Law’s self-reflection. In Critical theory and legal autopoiesis. Manchester University Press. 

Tirch, D., Silberstein-Tirch, L. R., Brock, M. J., & Wright, M. J. (2019). Experiencing ACT from the Inside Out: A Self-Practice/Self-Reflection Workbook for Therapists. Guilford Publications.