Page 785 - ISC PROCEEDINGS 21.4

THE ROLE OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES IN DEVELOPING DIGITAL ACCOUNTING
HUMAN RESOURCES IN VIETNAM

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Nguyen Thi Binh Yen* , Nguyen Thi Kim Dung , Dong Thi Toan , Duong Thi Thanh Thuy 4
1, 2, 3, 4 Hanoi Open University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
(*E-mail: binhyen@hou.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT
Vietnam’s digital economy has been developing rapidly, bringing about profound
transformations in the accounting profession, ranging from data recording to financial
analysis and reporting. The digital economic context has intensified the demand for
accountants equipped with competencies in data governance, digital financial analysis,
and technological literacy. Accounting is no longer confined to bookkeeping functions;
instead, accountants are increasingly engaged in strategic business analysis and decision
support. Technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Big Data, Blockchain,
and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are gradually replacing or supporting many traditional
accounting practices, thereby reshaping the required skill sets, knowledge base, and
professional competencies of accounting human resources. This evolution poses
significant challenges for higher education institutions in terms of adapting curricula,
teaching methodologies, and training models to meet labor market demands in the digital
economy. In this context, open universities, with their flexible training models, lifelong
learning orientation, enhanced application of digital technologies, and strong integration
of theory and practice, are considered key actors in the development of digital accounting
human resources for Vietnam’s digital economy. By expanding access to education,
continuously updating training content in line with practical requirements, and
accommodating the diverse learning needs of learners, open universities possess
considerable potential to contribute to the development of accounting human capital for
the digital economy. Based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative research
methods, this study aims to identify the competency requirements for accountants in
order to develop digital accounting human resources that meet the demands of
Vietnam’s digital economy. The research findings provide a scientific basis for proposing
policy and managerial implications to strengthen the role of open universities in digital
accounting human resource
Keywords: Open universities; digital economy; accounting human resources;
education and training; Vietnam.

1. Introduction
In recent years, Vietnam’s digital economy has emerged as one of the fastest-
growing sectors in Southeast Asia, reaching an estimated gross merchandise value of
approximately USD 23 billion in 2022 and projected to nearly double to USD 49 billion by
2025. Recognizing the transformative potential of digitalization, the Communist Party and
the Government of Vietnam have identified digital economic development as a strategic
priority in the country’s new development phase. The Resolution of the 13th National
Congress sets a target for the digital economy to contribute around 20% of GDP by 2025.
This orientation has been further institutionalized through Decision No. 411/QĐ-TTg

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