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scientific basis for proposing solutions to effectively promote the digital transformation
process.
Based on this foundation, the study integrates the Technology - Organization -
Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) to develop a
comprehensive analytical approach. The TOE framework facilitates the identification of
influencing factors in three dimensions, including technological, organisational, and
environmental, yet it primarily focuses on describing the contextual conditions of
implementation. Therefore, the RBV is incorporated to further clarify the role of internal
resources, including technological capabilities, human capital, and knowledge management
capacity, in generating competitive advantage. The integration of TOE and RBV enables the
study not only to identify influencing factors but also to explain the mechanisms through
which these factors affect digital transformation in accounting. Accordingly, the study
proposes an analytical model that simultaneously captures external factors and internal
capabilities, providing a foundation for managerial implications aimed at enhancing the
effectiveness of digital transformation in private universities in Vietnam.
2. Literature review and theoretical background
2.1. Overview of digital transformation in accounting in private universities
2.1.1. Digital transformation
Digital transformation can be understood as the process of adopting and integrating
digital technologies into organisational activities in order to fundamentally change
operational processes, business models, and value creation mechanisms. Through the use of
technologies such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and information
systems, digital transformation enhances operational efficiency, improves management
capabilities, and supports organisational decision-making processes (Vial, 2021).
Furthermore, digital transformation extends beyond the mere digitisation of data or
the adoption of information technology. It also involves comprehensive changes in
organisational processes, structures, and organisational culture to fully leverage the benefits
of digital technologies (Westerman et al., 2014).
2.1.2. Digital transformation in accounting
Digital transformation in accounting refers to the process of applying digital
technologies to accounting activities in order to transform the ways in which organisations
collect, process, store, and provide financial information. Through the adoption of
technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and accounting
software systems, digital transformation enables the automation of accounting processes,
improves data accuracy, and enhances the overall efficiency of financial management
(Bhimani & Willcocks, 2014). In addition, these technological advancements strengthen
organisations’ capabilities in data analysis and the provision of information that supports
managerial decision-making (Vial, 2021).
In the context of higher education, particularly in private universities, digital
transformation in accounting plays a critical role in improving financial management
efficiency and modernising institutional governance systems. The implementation of
digitalised accounting systems facilitates the automation of financial information processing,
enhances transparency, and strengthens the monitoring and control of financial resources.
Moreover, digital transformation enables private universities to improve governance
capacity, optimize the allocation and use of resources, and better respond to the evolving
management demands associated with the ongoing digital transformation of the education
sector.

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