FINAL PAPER: The Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Markets PDF

T ii iii  Table of Contents Page Title Dedication ii Abstract iii Acknowledgement iv Table of Conten...

T ii iii  Table of Contents Page Title Dedication ii Abstract iii Acknowledgement iv Table of Contents vi List of Appendices ix List of Figures and Tables xii INTRODUCTION Background of the Study 1 iv Statement of the Problem 5 Hypothesis of the Study 6 Theoretical Framework 7 Conceptual Framework 10 Significance of the Study 12 Scope and Limitation of the Study 14 METHODOLOGY Research Design 16 Population and Sample 18 Data Gathering Instrument 22 Validity of Research Instrument 23 v Reliability of Research 25 Data Collection 26 Data Analysis 27 Ethical Consideration 28 Disclosure of Conflict of Interest 29 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Presentation of Data 30 Analysis and Interpretation of Data 37 Discussion of Results 59 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusion 61 vi Recommendations 62 References 64 LIST OF APPENDICES Page Title Appendix A: Letter of Validator 1 65 Appendix B: Letter of Validator 2 67 Appendix C: Letter of Validator 3 69 Appendix D: Letter of Statistician 71 Appendix E: Research Instrument 73 vii Appendix F: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 1 79 Appendix G: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 2 80 Appendix H: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 3 81 Appendix I: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in 82 Competence and Career Advancement Appendix I.1: Item – Total Statistics 82 Appendix I.2: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in 82 Competence Appendix I.3: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in 82 Career Advancement Appendix J: Reliability Statistics of Influence of Demographics in 83 Effectiveness Appendix J.1: Item – Total Statistics 83 viii Appendix K: Parabola of Location Results 83 Appendix K.1: Parabola of Age Results 84 Appendix K.2: Parabola of Sex Results 84 Appendix K.3: Parabola of Years in Service Results 84 Appendix K.4: Parabola of Educational Attainment Results 85 Appendix K.5: Parabola of Industry Results 85 Appendix L: Parabola of Competence Score 85 Appendix M: Parabola of Career Advancement Score 86 Appendix N: Parabola of Influence Score 86 ix  List of Figures and Tables Page Title Figure 1: (IPO Diagram) Process of Measuring Effectiveness of Quickbooks Online Certified ProAdvisor Certification and Career 11 Outcomes Table 1: Sample Distribution Table 19 x Table 2: Likert Scale Description 23 Table 3: Presentation of Demographics Results 30 Table 4: Presentation of Competence Score 32 Table 5: Presentation of Career Advancement Score 33 Table 6: Presentation of Influence Score 35 Table 7: Significant Influence in Terms of Competence 37 Table 8: Significant Influence in Terms of Career Advancement 39 Table 9: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of 41 Location Table 10: Competence and Career Advancement in Highest 44 Educational Attainment Table 11: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of their 46 Age xi Table 12: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Sec 48 Table 13: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Years 50 of Experience Table 14: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of 52 Industry xii The Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Markets Background of the Study According to Intuit Investor Day (2019), QuickBooks Online has experienced significant growth, with 4.5 million global customers and a net addition of 1.1 million new customers in fiscal year 2019. A large majority of these companies will rarely, if ever, have their financial statements or internal control structures audited. QuickBooks Online has become a cornerstone in modern accounting, offering efficiency and accuracy in financial management. The innovation of cloud computing has revolutionized traditional accounting practices. QuickBooks Online, as cloud-based accounting software, provides real-time collaboration and accessibility, streamlining financial processes. It gives time efficiency that frees up precious hours for more strategic and revenue generating activities (Belakurska, 2018). Businesses are increasingly migrating to cloud solutions, making proficiency in QuickBooks Online a valuable asset for accounting professionals (Smith and Johnson 2020). This shift underscores the need to investigate the effectiveness QuickBooks Online Certified Pro- Advisors on career opportunities in this evolving landscape. The Philippines emphasizes skills development to bridge the gap between industry needs and worker qualifications (TESDA, 2024). The QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor program equips individuals with in-demand accounting and bookkeeping skills. Professional certifications are valuable resources; they reassure hiring organizations about the knowledge and competence of candidates and help certified individuals to be more competitive in the job market (Zo, R. et al, 2020). Certifications 13  often serve as indicators of expertise and commitment to professional development. QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors undergo specialized training and examinations, signifying a deep understanding of the software. According to Belakurska (2018), becoming a QuickBooks Certified Pro-Advisor demonstrates your mastery of QuickBooks. It proves you have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the software. This credential can set you apart in a competitive job market. It can also establish you as a reliable financial consultant for businesses seeking expert guidance. In today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving business environment, the need for skilled and adaptable labor is more vital than ever before. The Philippines, like other nations, is facing a steadily evolving job market, with novelty technology and digitization transforming the way we do business. The current pandemic crisis has only accelerated this shift, necessitating the need for skilled labor to function in a remote and digital world. To stay ahead of the curve, the Philippines must formulate strategies aimed at advancing workforce skills development, enabling the workforce to adjust to changing market patterns and stay competitive in the future labor market (CEDTyClea. 2023). Certified professionals tend to experience enhanced career growth and increased marketability (Williams et al. 2019). Specifically, in today’s highly competitive job market, having a QuickBooks certification may significantly enhance your accounting career prospects. QuickBooks certification showcases your commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry standards. It validates your ability to accurately manage financial records, generate reports, and streamline 14  accounting processes using QuickBooks’ powerful tools (Cerftified Goodreads 2023). Becoming a QuickBooks Certified Pro-Advisor can have a significant impact on a professional's career. The certification program, offered by Intuit, provides extensive training and expertise in QuickBooks, a widely used accounting software. Certified Pro-Advisors are listed on the Find-a-ProAdvisor directory, which can help them attract new clients and differentiate themselves in the market (Intuit, 2023). The Philippines faces significant skill gaps, with many individuals lacking basic Information and Communication Technologies skills like word-processing, internet, and email skills. This could impact the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Pro- Advisor if users do not possess the necessary digital skills to leverage the software effectively. Also, Philippines has one of the most expensive education systems in the Southeast Asian region, making the cost of courses a significant hurdle in up skilling the workforce. This financial constraint could limit the accessibility of training programs like QuickBooks Pro-Advisor certification, affecting their effectiveness in enhancing career opportunities (Bhandari, 2023). This gives importance to the understanding of the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors on career markets and its far-reaching implications. It can inform educational institutions, professionals, and policymakers about the relevance of QuickBooks Online certification in shaping the workforce. Insights gained from this study may contribute to predicting future trends in the accounting and finance job market, guiding professionals in strategic career planning. Employers and organizations can gain insights into the value of the certification when making hiring decisions or designing 15  professional development programs. This study aims to address several research gaps within the existing literature on the effectiveness of certifications on career markets, specifically the notable scarcity of empirical studies, with much of the existing research being theoretical in nature. This study seeks to contribute valuable empirical evidence by employing surveys through quantitative analysis to provide a concrete understanding of how QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification tangibly influences professionals in career markets. The rapidly evolving technological landscape raises the need for contemporary insights into the effectiveness of modern certifications, existing studies often lack depth in exploring the nuanced dynamics of how certifications contribute to career advancement, studies assessing the sustained effects of certifications on professional prospects are also relatively scarce. By this, the study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding by examining the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification varies across diverse career markets, shedding light on its influence in different sectors or regions. Through these focal points, the research wants to make a meaningful contribution to the literature, offering insights into the real-world implications of this certification on career trajectories of practitioners specifically on their competence and career advancements towards career markets. 16 Statement of the Problem This study seeks to explore the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro- Advisor, a certification designed to enhance proficiency in online accounting software. As professionals increasingly turn to certification programs to use their skill sets and marketability, it is imperative to investigate the nuanced implications of such certifications on competence and career advancements. Specifically, this study seeks to address the following statement of the problem: 1. What is the demographic profile of QuickBooks Online certified Pro-Advisor that shows effectiveness in terms competence and career advancements towards career markets? 2. Is there a significant influence on the level of effectiveness in using QuickBooks online certified pro-advisor in terms of competence and career advancements when taken as a whole? 3. Is there a significant influence on the level of effectiveness in using QuickBooks online certified pro-advisor in terms of competence and career advancements when grouped into demographics? 17  Hypotheses of the Study This study aims to explore the hypothesis that obtaining certification as a QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor has a significant effectiveness on career markets, the hypothesis will be concluded throughout this study: Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant influence on the level of effectiveness in using QuickBooks Online certified pro-advisor in terms of competence and career advancements when taken as a whole and grouped into demographics. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant influence on the level of effectiveness in using QuickBooks Online certified pro-advisor in terms of competence and career advancements when taken as a whole and grouped into demographics. 18 Theoretical Framework In crafting the theoretical framework for the research study, "The Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Markets," two foundational theories are employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Drawing from Human Capital Theory (Becker, 1964), the study posits that the pursuit of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification represents an investment in human capital, aligning with Becker's assertion that education and training contribute significantly to an individual's skills and knowledge. This was the cornerstone of Ross (2023) to state that human Capital refers to the educational attainment, knowledge, experience, and skills of an employee. The theory of human capital is relatively new in finance and economics. Human capital is the concept that recognizes labor capital is not homogeneous. This theory suggests that individuals' skills, knowledge, and experience are valuable assets that can enhance their productivity and earning potential. In the context of this study, obtaining the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro- Advisor credential can be viewed as an investment in human capital. By acquiring this certification, individuals enhance their expertise in QuickBooks Online, which can lead to improved job performance, career advancement, and increased marketability in the accounting and bookkeeping industry. This aligns with the principles of human capital theory, which emphasizes the importance of education and training in enhancing individuals' human capital and ultimately their economic success. Furthermore, the integration of Super's Career Development Theory in 1957, elucidates the progression of individuals through career stages, emphasizing how the 19  certification acts as a catalyst for career advancement and professional development. Super’s theory of career development states that the life stages of growth and exploration are inherent to the process of acquiring knowledge of how one’s interests and abilities align with the requirements of occupations (Kosine and Lewis,2008). Career Development is a “continuous life-long process of developmental experiences that focuses on seeking, obtaining and processing information about self, occupational and educational alternatives, life styles and role options” (Hansen, 1976). Building on these theories, the framework incorporates a Market Competitiveness Framework, focusing on the dynamics that enhance an individual's desirability in the job market, and a Professional Prospect Theory, exploring factors contributing to sustained success in a professional career. Together, these theoretical underpinnings form a robust foundation for the examination of the multifaceted effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on competence and career advancements within the evolving landscape of career markets. By integrating Becker's Human Capital Theory and Super's Career Development Theory into the study, researchers can provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification impacts individuals' human capital accumulation, career development processes, and outcomes in career markets within the accounting industry. Becker's theory elucidates the investment individuals make in acquiring QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification, positing that it enhances their productivity and earning potential. Meanwhile, Super's theory offers insights into how certification 20  influences individuals' self-concept, career adaptability, and progression through various career stages, from exploration to maintenance. Through this theoretical lens, the study can explore the extent to which QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification shapes career trajectories, enhances marketability, and facilitates career advancement for accounting professionals. 21 Conceptual Framework In the Input-Process-Output (IPO) diagram refers to the representation of all the factors that make up a process. In the IPO diagram, it includes all of the materials and the information that are required in the process, the specific details of the process itself, and the descriptions of all products and by-products anchored on the process that took place (Canonizado 2021). Input represents the initial factors and elements that influence the research process, the process illustrates the methodologies and steps undertaken to investigate the Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on career markets, and the output depicts the anticipated outcomes and findings of the study. The Input phase encompasses the variable QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification status. The process phase involves the selection of appropriate research method and data analysis techniques, to gather insights into the relationship between QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification and career outcomes. Finally, the output phase entails the presentation and interpretation of empirical findings, along with discussions on their implications for accounting professionals. The aim is not just to understand the correlation between certification and career advancements but to provide a thorough evaluation of the training program's effectiveness. 22 23  QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification status  Surveys on monitoring  The underlying participant's effectiveness of employment status QuickBooks Online post-certification Certification on  Measuring the individual’s career satisfaction of trajectories such as participants on competence and employment roles career advancements post-certification on career markets taken as a whole and  Administering when group into surveys to evaluate demographics. participants' perceived effectiveness of the certification Input Process Output 24 Figure1: (IPO Diagram) Process of Measuring Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor Certification and Career Outcomes. 25  Significance of the Study This research aims to contribute to the understanding of the effectiveness of the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification on career markets in the accounting and finance industry: Accounting and Finance Professionals. The study can provide valuable insights for individuals considering the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification on their careers. It can help them make informed decisions about pursuing the certification and provide guidance on how to leverage it for career advancement and skill enhancement. Employers and organizations. The research findings can inform employers and organizations about the value of the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification when making hiring decisions or designing professional development programs. It can help them understand the potential benefits of hiring certified professionals and how to support their employees in obtaining the certification. Certification bodies. The study can provide feedback to certification bodies on the effectiveness of their certification program and how it can be improved to better meet the needs of accounting and finance professionals and the industry as a whole. Educators. The result of this study can inform educators about the relevance of the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification in the current job market and how it can be incorporated into accounting and finance curricula to better prepare 26  students for their careers. Researchers. This study may give them knowledge and understanding about then accounting and bookkeeping industry, specifically about the role of certifications. Also, this study may give them insights into industry trends, best practices, and the evolving demands of the career market Business Owners. The study can be useful for business owners who are looking to hire accounting professionals or outsource their bookkeeping services. It highlights the significance of hiring individuals with QuickBooks Online certification and the potential benefits they can bring to the organization. 27 Scope and Limitation of the Study The study on "The Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Market" will adopt around the Philippines to delve into specific geographical areas where QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors play a significant role. The research aims to capture the contemporary landscape, considering the evolving dynamics of the accounting and financial sectors. Demographically, the study targeted accounting professionals, specifically the QuickBooks Online Certified Practitioners within various industries especially the accounting and finance domain. In our study, we have adopted a quantitative research design similar to Lee and Tan's (2019) investigation. Their study, which utilized purposive sampling to select 50 Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs) known for their robust internal control practices, provides a compelling precedent for our approach. Lee and Tan (2019) demonstrated that despite employing a smaller sample size, their study yielded valuable insights into the relationship between internal control systems and financial performance metrics such as profitability, liquidity, and efficiency. By purposely selecting SMEs with well- established internal control frameworks, their research achieved depth and specificity in its findings, highlighting significant associations through rigorous quantitative analysis techniques. Given the constraints of our study, Studies Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2018), Brown, A., & Davis, R. (2020), and Lee, S., & Wong, T. (2019) have also shown that smaller sample sizes can still produce reliable data when using advanced statistical methods. These techniques will be employed to ensure the robustness of our results 28 despite the constraints in finding participants. Aside from this, the study does face more limitations. (1) The fast-paced nature of the accounting and technology industries; (2) The sample size were purposely selected, poses potential limitations on the generalization of results; (3) reliance on self-reported data from participants might introduce the risk of bias, as individuals may inadvertently exaggerate the effectiveness of certification on their careers; (4) external factors, such as economic conditions and legislative changes, could independently influence the career market, complicating the attribution of outcomes solely to QuickBooks Online certification. These limitations underscore the need for a nuanced interpretation of the study's findings, acknowledging the boundaries within which conclusions can be drawn. To address these potential limitations, the researchers generate the following strategies: 1. To mitigate the impact of rapid technological advancements, the study will incorporate real-time data collection methods and continuous monitoring of industry trends. 2. While the study acknowledges sample size constraints inherent in research, efforts will be made to maximize the diversity of the sample through purposive sampling techniques. 3. To address potential biases and inaccuracies associated with self-reported data, the study will incorporate validation measures conducted by different validators with unique experiences to align it to the study’s objective. 4. The research design will include measures to control for or account for these variables. Statistical analyses can help identify the unique contribution of 29 QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification to career outcomes while controlling for external factors. 30  METHODOLODY Research Design The principal purpose of the researcher is to determine the effectiveness of obtaining certification as a QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on career markets. This study will utilize a quantitative research method using descriptive correlational analysis in conducting research. According to Bhat (2024), descriptive correlational research is a type of research design that tries to explain the relationship between two or more variables without making any claims about cause and effect. It includes collecting and analyzing data on at least two variables to see if there is a link between them. Descriptive correlational research is suitable for discovering relationships among variables and making predictions, which aligns with the aim of understanding the effectiveness of the certification on career markets. The study may explore whether there is a correlation between being a QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor and factors such as competence and career advancements. In the context of studying the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro- Advisor on career markets, a descriptive correlational research design is more suitable than other techniques like experimental and qualitative. The variables of interest, such as QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor certification status, career advancement, and market demand for accounting professionals, are complex and multifaceted, making experimental manipulation impractical. Similarly, a qualitative design may not fully capture the quantitative relationships between variables. Descriptive correlational 31 research allows for the examination of variables in their natural setting without external intervention, reflecting real-world conditions. Meanwhile, experimental designs impose interventions or controls, potentially distorting natural outcomes. Thus, descriptive correlational research enables the use of quantitative analysis techniques to identify and quantify relationships between variables, facilitating statistical inference and generalization of findings and also well-suited for studies with large sample sizes and broad scope, accommodating the potential effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Pro- Advisor certification on career market. 32 Population and Sample This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on career markets, with a focus on QuickBooks Online Certified Pro- Advisor in the Philippines. As QuickBooks Online continues to gain prominence as a leading accounting software platform, the demand for QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor- certified professionals has increased, shaping career trajectories. To explore this phenomenon, we conducted a purposive sampling approach to select 112 QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor across various regions of the Philippines. The sample will be divided across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao based on Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) population distribution by region. Although the exact population size of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors (CPAs) in the Philippines is not available, our sample of 112 respondents provides sufficient data for meaningful analysis. Studies in similar fields often use sample sizes between 100-200 for exploratory research, and this is supported by the Central Limit Theorem, which suggests that a sample size of 30 or more is sufficient for reliable results. Given the constraints of identifying the full population, our sample offers a practical and representative subset of QBO CPAs in the Philippines, allowing us to draw insights relevant to the study's objectives. 33 Table 1: Sample Distribution Table Respondents Criteria Demographic Location QuickBooks Online Certified Certified for a year or Luzon (18.8%)21 Pro-Advisors in the Philippines more Visayas (63.3%)71 Mindanao (17.9%)20 Total Respondents (100%) 112 Purposive sampling was used to ensure the inclusion of participants with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives relevant to the study's objectives. This study has 30 QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors as pilot respondents. This encompasses the common rule that a minimum of 20% of the total sample size should be allocated as control group (Shen-Shung C and Hansgeng W., 2003) to allow initial insight about the certification effectiveness. Sampling bias can arise if selection criteria favor specific characteristics or perspectives, limiting generalizability. Additionally, limited representativeness may occur if certain subgroups are underrepresented, hindering broader applicability. Subjectivity in selection introduces researcher bias, while quantifying sampling error becomes challenging compared to probability sampling methods. Given the constraints of our study, a smaller sample size of 112 will be appropriate based on the findings of 34 similar research. Studies of Lee and Tan's (2019), Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2018), Brown, A., & Davis, R. (2020), and Lee, S., & Wong, T. (2019) have shown that smaller sample sizes can still produce reliable data when using advanced statistical methods. These techniques were employed to ensure the robustness of our results. To mitigate these limitations, researchers define selection criteria clearly, document rationale, acknowledge biases, and employ validation measures to enhance credibility and reliability. Transparent reporting of methodology and limitations was further strengthening this study's findings. The inclusion criteria for this study's population and sample encompass QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor, a practitioner in the Philippines with a minimum of one year after being certified. One year of experience can be a step for careers. It allows bridging the gap between theory and practice, applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations. This experience also helps you hone essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. A year of work demonstrates your commitment and work ethic to potential employers and academic programs (Sharma C. A. 2022). Participants must also demonstrate familiarity with QuickBooks Online software and its functionalities and be willing to participate voluntarily, providing informed consent. Effective communication skills in English are necessary, given the study's primary language. Additionally, individuals must either hold QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification. The sample was represented diverse sectors within the accounting and finance industry, including public accounting firms, private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Geographic diversity across various regions of the 35 Philippines is essential, as is representation across career stages, from entry-level professionals to mid-career and senior-level executives. Participants must also be willing to provide accurate responses to survey questions and engage in potential follow-up interviews or discussions. In the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, career trajectories are increasingly being influenced by both formal certifications and the lack thereof. Collins Boateng’s (2019) study, Chinese Tertiary Accounting Student’s Perceptions of Certified Public Accountants and Their Career Job Choice, provides valuable insights into the career paths of accounting practitioners who choose not to pursue certifications like CPA or QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. Boateng highlights how technological advancements have shifted the profession, creating a negative perception of accountants that may hinder career choices for aspiring professionals. This study focuses on the stigma associated with the accounting profession and the broader realities of navigating careers without formal certifications. In the context of our study, which measures the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor (QBO CPA) certification on career markets, Boateng’s study can serve as a control group to compare the career progression of certified versus non-certified practitioners. By examining both groups—those with certifications like QBO CPA and those without formal certifications—we can evaluate the role of certification in career advancement. This comparison will help us understand the varying career outcomes between these two groups and shed light on whether formal certifications significantly impact professional growth in the accounting field. Exclusion criteria involve individuals lacking the mentioned certification. 36 Persons that are certified and has below 1 year time frame after being certified by QuickBooks, as well as those not currently engaged in the workforce, and participants with limited or no experience in utilizing QuickBooks Online. Data Gathering Instrument For this study on the Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Markets among accounting and finance professionals in the Philippines, online surveys were served as the primary data gathering instruments. Online surveys were utilized to collect quantitative data from a large sample of participants, capturing information on demographics, employment status, QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor certification status, career advancement outcomes, and perceptions of the certification's effectiveness. By employing surveys, the study aims to gather comprehensive data that combines quantitative metrics with descriptive narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor certification and career markets among accounting and finance professionals in the Philippines. 37 Validity of Research Instruments As part of determining the "The Effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on Career Market", the researchers utilized the Likert Scale. The Likert 5-point scale was employed to evaluate the variables, reflecting the extent of the effectiveness from not effective at all to very effective. Table 2: Likert Scale Description Description Scale Descriptive Interpretation Strongly Agree 5 Very Effective Agree 4 Effective Neutral 3 Neutral Disagree 2 Barely Effective Strongly Disagree 1 Not Effective at All Content validity was assessed to ensure that Likert scale items represent the intended construct comprehensively and accurately, aligning with the study's objectives and theoretical framework. The survey questionnaires were reviewed by a non- participant practitioner also to make sure the relevance of the content towards the studies’ goals. By addressing these aspects of validity, we can ensure that the Likert scale accurately captures participants' perceptions and experiences related to 38  QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification and its effectiveness on career markets among accounting and finance professionals in the Philippines. The research instrument was subjected to pretesting from various competent and reliable mentors in IloIlo City who experts in research process, particularly in the preparation and construction of the questionnaire as the research instrument. In addition, the researcher-made instruments underwent the content validation process conducted by one (1) from University President in Guimaras State University, one (1) expert teacher from Jaro National High School, and one (1) Principal II from Martin Cubil Elementary School, Cabatuan IloIlo. The selected experts validated the questionnaire using the scale set forth by Dr. Lilian Parreno, Mylene A. Sobrevega LPT, MBA. and Lizardo Moreno Grantoza. following the standard average ratings of 4.7. Equivalent to the descriptive rating of “very good”. 39 Reliability of Research The researcher-made questionnaire was carefully assessed for both reliability and validity to ensure that it produced consistent results and accurately measured the intended variables. Reliability, a key aspect in determining the consistency of a measurement tool, was evaluated by administering the questionnaire to a sample of thirty (30) QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisors based in the Visayas region. The questionnaires were distributed between July 31 and August 5, 2024, through Google Forms, ensuring a wide reach and ease of access for respondents. This sample size was selected to follow standard practice in preliminary reliability testing. The overall effectiveness of the instrument in measuring both competence and career advancement produced a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.746 (see Appendix I), which falls within the acceptable range. When broken down into specific categories, the tool’s effectiveness in assessing competence was found to have a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.793 (see Appendix I.2), indicating a acceptable level of reliability. Similarly, its effectiveness in measuring career advancement resulted in a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.850 (see Appendix I.3), also considered good. Furthermore, the reliability of the instrument in evaluating the influence of demographic factors, such as geographical area, age, sex, and years of certification, yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.831 (see Appendix J), which is considered good. These values underscore the instrument’s reliability and its suitability for assessing the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisors on competence and career advancements across various demographics. 40 Data Collection This study on the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor on career markets among accounting and finance professionals in the Philippines involves several key steps. Initially, participants were recruited from various sectors of industries like accounting and finance using purposive sampling techniques to ensure diversity in demographics and experiences through media platforms specifically LinkedIn application. Data was collected through online surveys specifically Google forms that was validated by various experts around Iloilo City. This then gathered quantitative data on participants' demographics, certification status, career outcomes, and perceptions. Pilot testing was conducted to refine the survey instrument, ensuring clarity and relevance. During data collection, careful attention was paid to maintaining confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines. A secure data management system was established to organize and store the collected data, with regular checks for completeness and accuracy. A timeline with milestones guided the data collection process, allowing for flexibility to address any unforeseen challenges. Overall, this comprehensive data collection systematically gathered the necessary information to explore the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification on career markets among accounting and finance professionals in the Philippines. 41  Data Analysis Collected data was cleaned and processed to address any missing values or inconsistencies. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, standard deviation, and frequency distributions, were calculated to summarize relevant variables, while inferential statistics, including Mann-Whitney U Test, was used to examine relationships and differences between variables. Kruskal-Wallis assessed the simultaneous effects of independent variables on dependent variables. Validation checks and sensitivity analyses was performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. Finally, results were presented using clear and concise tables, figures, and narrative summaries, discussing implications for theory, practice, and future research. 42  Ethical Considerations Ensuring ethical conduct is paramount throughout the research process. Participants' informed consent was obtained before their involvement in the study, outlining the purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits involved. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained to protect participants' privacy, with data stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest were disclosed, and steps were taken to minimize bias in data collection, analysis, and reporting. The research adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by relevant institutional review boards and professional associations, prioritizing the welfare and rights of participants above all else. 43 Disclosure of Conflict of Interest We disclose that some members of the research team have previously worked in roles related to accounting, finance, or QuickBooks Online software. While these experiences may provide insights into the research topic, we remain committed to conducting the study with objectivity and impartiality. Any potential biases were addressed through rigorous research methodology, transparency in reporting, and adherence to ethical guidelines. Furthermore, the research team has no financial or personal interests that could unduly influence the study's outcomes or interpretations. We are committed to conducting the study with integrity and transparency, prioritizing the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of accounting and finance. 44  RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Presentation of Data Table 3: Presentation of Demographics Results Particulars Categories Frequency Percentage Luzon 21 18.8 Visayas 71 63.4 Location Mindanao 20 17.9 Total 112 100.0 Under 25 years old 38 33.9 25-34 years old 49 43.8 Age 35 years old and above 25 22.3 Total 112 100.0 Female 88 78.6 Sex Male 24 21.4 Total 112 100.0 1-3 years 96 85.7 Years in Service 4 years and above 16 14.3 Total 112 100.0 High School Diploma and 7 6.3 Equivalent Educational Bachelor’s Degree 94 83.9 Attainment Master’s Degree 4 3.6 45 Doctorate/ 7 6.3 Professional Degree Total 112 100.0 Accounting/ Finance 80 71.4 Industry Others 32 28.6 Total 112 100.0 (see Appendix K to Appendix K.5 for Parabola) The table above provides a breakdown of various demographic and professional factors for 112 respondents, including location, age, sex, years in service, educational attainment, and industry. Notably, the majority of respondents are from the Visayas region (63.4%), with a smaller proportion from Luzon (18.8%) and Mindanao (17.9%). Most respondents fall within the 25-34 age group (43.8%), and a significant portion of the sample are female (78.6%). Additionally, 85.7% of respondents have 1-3 years of experience, and 83.9% hold a bachelor's degree. In terms of industry, 71.4% of respondents work in accounting or finance, while 28.6% are in other industries. The implications of this data are significant in understanding the career trajectories and development opportunities of respondents. The fact that most respondents are from the Visayas, relatively young, and predominantly female suggests that these groups might be highly engaged in career development programs or certifications. Furthermore, the high number of respondents working in accounting or finance aligns with the focus of the study, likely emphasizing professional development in these sectors. 46  The majority having a bachelor's degree reflects a baseline level of formal education, with some potential for further education impacting career progression. The exploration of how demographics influence career advancement and competence is a significant research area, revealing how individual characteristics affect professional growth. Mammen and Patrick (2015) investigated the role of demographics within business schools, emphasizing the impact of age and tenure on perceptions of the work environment. Their study suggests that demographic attributes, such as gender and tenure, shape attitudes and beliefs, ultimately affecting satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. The findings underscore the importance of addressing demographic differences to enhance morale and performance in professional settings. Similar dynamics may influence other industries, where demographic factors shape individual experiences and organizational outcomes. This perspective provides a foundation for understanding how demographics can inform strategies to improve workplace environments and foster career advancement. Table 4: Presentation of Competence Score Particulars Categories Frequency Percentage Disagree 1.9 Neutral 4 3.6 Competence Agree 28 25.0 Score Strongly Agree 79 70.5 Total 112 100.0 47 (see Appendix L for Parabola) The Competence Score table shows that 70.5% of respondents strongly agreed, and 25% agreed, indicating a high level of self-perceived competence. Only 0.9% disagreed, with 3.6% being neutral. These findings suggest that most individuals feel confident in their professional skills and abilities, which is a positive indicator for their performance and effectiveness in their roles. The high competence levels among respondents imply that their training, experience, and knowledge are aligned with industry standards. This is crucial for organizations as self-perceived competence is often linked to higher job performance, innovation, and overall productivity. However, the small percentage of those neutral or disagreeing may indicate a need for further support or training to ensure all employees reach a similar level of confidence in their skills. The role of self-perceived competence in career development and job satisfaction in the accounting industry is a crucial aspect of professional growth (Adam et al., 2022). Self-perceived competence has been found to significantly impact individuals' career development and job satisfaction in various industries, including accounting. Table 5: Presentation of Career Advancement Score Particulars Categories Frequency Percentage Disagree 1.9 48  Neutral 10 8.9 Career Agree 40 35.7 Advancement Score Strongly Agree 61 54.5 Total 112 100.0 (see Appendix M for Parabola) The Career Advancement Score table reveals that 54.5% of respondents strongly agreed, and 35.7% agreed that their career had advanced. Only 0.9% disagreed, and 8.9% remained neutral. This indicates that the majority of respondents believe they are making progress in their professional journey, which can be a result of either personal efforts or organizational support. The high career advancement perception reflects positively on both the individuals and their organizations. It suggests that professional development programs, opportunities for promotion, and career growth strategies are being implemented effectively. However, the neutral responses indicate that some individuals may feel stagnant, suggesting a potential need for more targeted career development initiatives. Certification and training play a crucial role in career progression within the accounting profession. As the industry evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to new technologies and methodologies has increased, making certifications like the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) essential for career advancement (Tatikonda, 2004). Training programs enhance employees' skills and performance, equipping them to meet contemporary challenges and improving overall productivity (Gambo, 2015). Furthermore, the implementation of mandatory Continuing Professional 49 Development (CPD) schemes emphasizes the need for lifelong learning, ensuring accountants remain competent and adaptable throughout their careers (Lindsay, 2013). Table 6: Presentation of Influence Score Particulars Categories Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 5 4.5 Disagree 7 6.3 Influence Score Neutral 23 20.5 Agree 48 42.9 Strongly Agree 29 25.9 Total 112 100.0 (see Appendix N for Parabola) The Influence Score table shows that 42.9% of respondents agreed, and 25.9% strongly agreed that they are influential in their professional roles. However, 20.5% remained neutral, while 10.8% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. This mixed result suggests that while many individuals feel they have an impact in their workplace, a notable proportion of respondents feel uncertain or believe they lack influence. Influence within an organization is closely tied to leadership roles, decision- making authority, and the ability to affect change. The fact that a significant portion of 50  respondents feel neutral or disagree about their level of influence could indicate a need for more leadership development opportunities or a restructuring of roles to allow for greater input from employees. Empowering employees to feel more influential can lead to increased engagement and job satisfaction, which in turn positively affects organizational performance. Professional certifications have a significant impact on various aspects of career development and performance. Research indicates that both local and foreign certifications influence employee career development, with certifications showing a greater influence (Oluyemi, 2022). 51 Analysis and Interpretation of Data Inferential statistics is used to analyze the data. Inferential statistics refers to the branch of statistics that is used to draw conclusions and make decisions about a population based on samples, often through hypothesis testing. It helps determine whether the observed differences or relationships in the data are significant and not due to chance (Sheard, 2018). Table 7: Significant Influence in Terms of Competence Ranks Competence Score N Mean Rank Influence Score Disagree 1 24.00 Neutral 4 41.75 Agree 28 51.46 52 Strongly Agree 79 59.44 Total 112 Test Statisticsa,b Influence Score Chi-Square 3.518 Df 3 Asymp. Sig..318 A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to assess whether being a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor significantly influences the overall competence of respondents. This non-parametric test is appropriate for determining differences among independent groups, particularly when the data do not meet normal distribution assumptions (Kruskal & Wallis, 1952). The results showed a chi-square value of χ2(4) = 3.518 with a p-value of.318, indicating that the observed differences were not 53  statistically significant. Consequently, the null hypothesis was retained, suggesting that the QuickBooks certification does not significantly impact the respondents' competence levels. The implications of these findings are critical for understanding the role of certifications like QuickBooks in professional development. Despite the popular belief that certifications directly enhance competence, this study indicates that merely acquiring the certification may not lead to measurable differences in professional abilities when compared across various groups. This raises important questions about how such certifications are perceived versus how they tangibly impact skill sets. It could also suggest that other factors, such as hands-on experience or organizational support, might play a more significant role in building competence than certification alone. In light of these findings, future research should further explore what additional factors might influence competence among certified professionals. Studies could investigate how continuing education, experience, and mentorship contribute to competence development in addition to certifications. Furthermore, as organizations continue to promote certification programs, employers might need to evaluate more comprehensive methods of employee development, beyond merely encouraging certification, to ensure it leads to practical improvements in skill and job performance (Jones et al., 2017; Kurek & Shor, 2018). Table 8: Significant Influence in Terms of Career Advancement Ranks 54  Career Advancement Score N Mean Rank Influence Score Disagree 1 59.50 Neutral 10 26.90 Agree 40 55.88 Strongly Agree 61 61.71 Total 112 Test Statisticsa,b Influence Score Chi-Square 11.064 Df 3 Asymp. Sig..011 A Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to determine whether being a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor significantly influences the career advancement of respondents. As a non-parametric test, the Kruskal-Wallis is suited for analyzing differences across multiple independent groups when data do not follow a normal 55  distribution (Kruskal & Wallis, 1952). The test results showed a chi-square value of χ2(4) = 11.064 with a p-value of.011, indicating a statistically significant effect. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, suggesting that holding a QuickBooks Online certification does have a significant impact on the respondents’ career advancement. These findings underscore the importance of certifications like QuickBooks in shaping professional trajectories. Unlike competence, where the certification may not have demonstrated a significant effect, the certification appears to have tangible benefits for career growth. Certified individuals may have better access to job opportunities, promotions, or salary increases, as these certifications could signal higher levels of expertise and trustworthiness in bookkeeping and accounting roles. Employers might perceive certified professionals as more qualified for leadership or higher-paying positions, reinforcing the value of certification in career development. This significant influence on career advancement aligns with research emphasizing the role of professional certifications in enhancing career prospects (Hunt & Baruch, 2017). Certifications serve not only as a formal acknowledgment of expertise but also as a competitive edge in an increasingly credential-driven job market. Moving forward, additional research could explore which specific career advancements—such as promotions, salary increases, or lateral job mobility—are most affected by certification. This could help educators and employers tailor certification programs to better serve professionals aiming to climb the career ladder (Smith & Taylor, 2019) 56 Table 9: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Location Ranks Location N Mean Rank Competence Score Luzon 21 61.29 Visayas 71 57.70 Mindanao 20 47.20 Total 112 Career Advancement Score Luzon 21 55.31 Visayas 71 58.90 Mindanao 20 49.23 Total 112 Test Statisticsa,b Competence Score Career Advancement Score Chi-Square 3.463 1.793 Df 2 2 Asymp. Sig..177.408 a. Kruskal Wallis Test 57 b. Grouping Variable: Location A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to examine whether using QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor has a significant effect on the competence and career advancement of respondents when grouped by their location. The Kruskal-Wallis test is often used when the data do not follow a normal distribution and are tested across three or more independent groups (Kruskal & Wallis, 1952). The results revealed no significant differences in competence, χ2(3) = 3.263, p =.177, or in career advancement, χ2(3) = 1.793, p =.408, based on respondents' locations. These findings suggest that the use of QuickBooks Online certification does not vary significantly in its effect across different geographical regions. The non-significant findings imply that geographical location does not play a crucial role in how QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors perceive the impact of certification on their competence or career progression. This indicates that respondents from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao experience similar levels of benefit from the certification. It is possible that the nature of digital tools like QuickBooks Online transcends geographical boundaries, allowing professionals across different regions to access and leverage its capabilities equally. The growing digitalization of accounting and finance practices might help reduce regional disparities in professional development opportunities. These findings align with literature on digital transformation in accounting, which suggests that online certifications and cloud-based tools like QuickBooks have the 58  potential to equalize professional development opportunities across diverse locations (Jones & Abraham, 2018). However, further studies could explore other factors such as internet accessibility, infrastructure, and the availability of professional networks in these regions, which may indirectly affect the overall effectiveness of certification programs in specific areas (Murphy, 2020). Understanding these nuances would help organizations and certification bodies provide more targeted support for professionals based in regions that may face limitations in access to digital tools or training. Table 10: Competence and Career Advancement in Highest Educational Attainment Ranks Educational Attainment N Mean Rank Competence Score HS Diploma & Equivalent 7 57.71 Bachelor's Degree 94 57.89 Master's Degree 4 59.63 Doctorate/Professional Degree 7 34.79 59 Total 112 Career Advancement Score HS Diploma & Equivalent 7 56.79 Bachelor's Degree 94 58.32 Master's Degree 4 44.25 Doctorate/Professional Degree 7 38.71 Total 112 Test Statisticsa,b Competence Score Career Advancement Score Chi-Square 5.288 3.744 Df 3 3 Asymp. Sig..152.291 a. Kruskal Wallis Test b. Grouping Variable: Educational Attainment 60  A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to assess whether QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification significantly impacts competence and career advancement among respondents when grouped by their educational attainment. The results revealed no statistically significant effect on competence, χ2(4) = 5.288, p =.152, or career advancement, χ2(4) = 3.744, p =.291. As a result, the null hypothesis was not rejected, indicating that educational attainment does not significantly influence how the certification affects the respondents' competence or career progression. These findings suggest that the benefits of QuickBooks Online certification are uniform across varying levels of educational achievement. Whether respondents had higher or lower educational qualifications, the certification’s impact on their professional competence and career advancement appeared consistent. This could imply that QuickBooks Online training provides similar value regardless of formal educational background, potentially leveling the playing field for professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Nonetheless, the absence of significant differences across educational levels raises important questions for further research. Additional studies could explore whether other factors, such as work experience, industry type, or the level of engagement with the certification, play a more prominent role in career and competence outcomes. Understanding these variables could provide deeper insight into how QuickBooks certification benefits different professional groups, beyond just educational attainment. Table 11: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of their Age 61 Ranks Age N Mean Rank Competence Score Under 25 years old 38 64.55 25-34 years old 49 53.08 35 years old and above 25 50.96 Total 112 Career Advancement Score Under 25 years old 38 61.41 25-34 years old 49 52.55 35 years old and above 25 56.78 Total 112 Test Statisticsa,b Competence Score Career Advancement Score Chi-Square 5.694 2.012 Df 2 2 Asymp. Sig..058.366 a. Kruskal Wallis Test 62 b. Grouping Variable: Age A Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to evaluate whether QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification has a significant effect on the competence and career advancement of respondents when categorized by age. The test results showed no statistically significant effect on competence, χ2(3) = 5.694, p =.058, or career advancement, χ2(3) = 2.012, p =.366. Consequently, the null hypothesis was not rejected, indicating that the certification does not have a significant influence on either competence or career advancement based on the respondents' age group. These findings suggest that the impact of QuickBooks Online certification is relatively consistent across different age groups. Whether respondents are younger or older, the certification's influence on enhancing competence or advancing one's career does not vary significantly. This may imply that the benefits of obtaining QuickBooks certification transcend age-related factors and are equally accessible to professionals regardless of their age. However, the non-significant findings point to the need for further research to investigate other variables that could interact with age, such as professional experience or the intensity of certification use. Exploring these dimensions may provide more insight into how QuickBooks Online certification contributes to career outcomes for individuals in different stages of their professional journey. This could help employers and individuals better understand the value of the certification across diverse age brackets. 63 Table 12: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Sex Ranks Sex N Mean Rank Sum of Ranks Competence Score Female 88 58.47 5145.50 Male 24 49.27 1182.50 Total 112 Career Advancement Score Female 88 59.35 5223.00 Male 24 46.04 1105.00 Total 112 Test Statisticsa Competence Score Career Advancement Score Mann-Whitney U 882.500 805.000 Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed).122.046 a. Grouping Variable: Sex 64  A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess whether QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification has a significant effect on the competence and career advancement of respondents based on their sex. The Mann-Whitney U test, also known as the Wilcoxon rank sum test, is a non-parametric test used to evaluate differences between two independent groups on a single ordinal variable (Mann & Whitney, 1947; Wilcoxon, 1945). The results for competence showed no significant difference between male and female respondents, with ᴜ = 882.500, p =.122, indicating that certification does not significantly influence competence when considering sex as a factor. In contrast, the analysis revealed a significant effect of the certification on career advancement when grouped by sex, with ᴜ = 805.000, p =.046. This suggests that the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor credential plays a more prominent role in advancing the careers of one gender group compared to the other. It is possible that gender-related factors such as access to professional opportunities, networking, or even employer preferences may interact with the benefits of certification, leading to these differences. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a variable in career development strategies involving certifications. Further research could explore the underlying reasons for the disparity in career advancement outcomes, potentially focusing on how gender dynamics within the workplace interact with the value of professional certifications like QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor. Understanding 65  these factors could help organizations create more equitable professional development programs and support systems. Table 13: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Years of Service Ranks Years in Service N Mean Rank Sum of Ranks Competence Score 1-3 years 96 59.49 5711.00 4 years & above 16 38.56 617.00 Total 112 Career Advancement Score 1-3 years 96 59.61 5722.50 4 years & above 16 37.84 605.50 Total 112 Test Statisticsa Competence Score Career Advancement Score Mann-Whitney U 481.000 469.500 Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed).003.005 66 a. Grouping Variable: Years in Service A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to assess whether QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification has a significant effect on the competence and career advancement of respondents based on their years of service. The results revealed significant effects for both competence, with ᴜ = 481.000, p =.003, and career advancement, with ᴜ = 469.500, p =.005. Consequently, we reject the null hypothesis, concluding that the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification significantly influences both the competence and career advancement of respondents based on their years of service. These findings suggest that individuals with varying years of service experience different levels of benefit from obtaining QuickBooks certification. This may indicate that those with more extensive experience find the certification particularly valuable for enhancing their competence and facilitating career progression. The interplay between years of service and certification could reflect an accumulation of knowledge and skill that makes the benefits of certification more pronounced among seasoned professionals. Given the significant outcomes, it is important for organizations and educational institutions to consider how years of service can interact with professional certifications in shaping career trajectories. Understanding this relationship can help tailor training and development programs to better serve individuals at different career stages, maximizing the potential of certifications like QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor for professional growth. 67 Table 14: Competence and Career Advancement in Terms of Industry Ranks Industry N Mean Rank Sum of Ranks Competence Score Accounting/ Finance 80 58.16 4652.50 Other Industries 32 52.36 1675.50 Total 112 Career Advancement Accounting/ Finance 80 57.65 4612.00 Score Other Industries 32 53.63 1716.00 Total 112 Test Statisticsa Competence Score Career Advancement Score Mann-Whitney U 1147.500 1188.000 Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed).284.506 a. Grouping Variable: Industry 68  A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to evaluate whether QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification significantly influences the competence and career advancement of respondents based on the industry they are associated with. The results indicated no significant effect on competence, with ᴜ = 1147.500, p =.284, and similarly no significant effect on career advancement, with ᴜ = 1188.000, p =.506. As the p-values for both comparisons are greater than the threshold of 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis, concluding that the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification does not have a significant effect on either competence or career advancement when grouped according to industry. The non-significant findings suggest that the value of QuickBooks certification may not vary significantly across different industries. This could imply that regardless of the sector, the certification does not uniformly enhance competence or facilitate career advancement for respondents. Factors specific to individual industries or roles may play a more critical role in determining the influence of certification on professional development. Further research could explore what specific industry-related factors contribute to these results. Investigating how job roles, company culture, or industry standards impact the perceived value of certifications like QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor may provide more nuanced insights. Understanding these dynamics could help organizations better align professional development opportunities with industry needs and expectations. 69 Interpretation: p-value > 0.05 - fail to reject null hypothesis p-value ≤ 0.05 - reject null hypothesis Discussion of Results The study on the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors on Career Markets analyzed a variety of demographic factors and their influence on 70  competence and career advancement. The demographic profile shows that most respondents are from the Visayas region (63.3%), followed by Luzon (18.8%) and Mindanao (17.9%). A significant portion of the respondents falls in the 25-34 age bracket (43.8%), with the under-25 group accounting for 33.9% and 22.3% for 35 years old and above. The respondents are 112, of whom 24 are male (21.4%) and the majority are 88 females (78.6%) and have 1-3 years of experience (85.7%). In terms of educational attainment, most hold a bachelor's degree (83.9%), and the dominant industry is accounting or finance (71.4%). When evaluating competence, 70.5% of respondents "strongly agree" that being a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor enhances their competence. Similarly, 54.5% "strongly agree" that it improves their career advancement. However, inferential statistics reveal that the influence of QuickBooks certification varies based on different factors. There is no significant influence of the certification on competence when taken as a whole (p =.318), but there is a significant influence on career advancement (p =.011). When grouped by demographics such as location, age and educational attainment, the data shows no significant influence of QuickBooks certification on either competence or career advancement. However, when grouped by sex, there is a significant influence on career advancement (p =.046), though not on competence. Furthermore, years of service is a key factor, with significant effects on both competence (p =.003) and career advancement (p =.005). The industry grouping does not show significant influence on either competence or career advancement. Thus, demographic profile of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors who 71  show effectiveness in terms of competence and career advancement includes young professionals aged 25-34, with 1-3 years of experience, and predominantly female (78.6%). Most hold a bachelor's degree (83.9%) and work in the accounting or finance industry (71.4%). These individuals, particularly those earlier in their careers, benefit more in terms of career advancement, while competence may require additional experience or training. Overall, QuickBooks certification significantly influences career advancement, with a p-value of.011, but does not have a notable impact on competence as a whole, as indicated by the non-significant p-value of.318. When grouped by demographics, the influence varies: there is no significant effect on competence or career advancement based on location, age, or educational attainment. However, there is a significant positive influence on career advancement based on sex and years of service, with females and those with fewer years of experience experiencing greater benefits in terms of both competence and career progression. This highlights that gender and experience level play key roles in how QuickBooks certification impacts career growth. 72  CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusion This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification on career markers, particularly competence and career advancement, across different demographic factors. The central problem addressed was whether obtaining the certification significantly impacts professionals’ career progression and whether factors such as location influence this relationship. The findings revealed that while the certification positively influences competence and career advancement, the demographic factor of location did not significantly impact these outcomes. The overall Cronbach’s Alpha results indicated acceptable to good reliability, supporting the validity of the findings. Additionally, while professionals from Luzon showed slightly higher competence scores, the difference was not statistically significant, reinforcing the consistency of the certification's value across regions. Key takeaways from this study suggest that QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification is a beneficial credential for accounting and finance professionals seeking to enhance their skills and career prospects. Employers should recognize the certification’s value when hiring or promoting employees, and certification bodies are encouraged to continually adapt their programs to meet evolving industry needs. Ultimately, this study provides a foundation for future research on professional certifications and their impact on career development in the accounting and finance field. 73 Recommendations The study highlights that obtaining the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification can be a valuable investment for accounting and finance professionals. While the location did not significantly impact competence or career advancement, the certification's overall effectiveness in enhancing career markers remains evident. Professionals are encouraged to pursue this certification to improve their skills, stand out in a competitive market, and achieve greater career advancement. Moreover, the insights from this study can help them strategize how to effectively leverage their certification in seeking higher roles or salary increases. Employers and organizations can utilize the study’s findings to better understand the benefits of hiring QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors. While the certification’s effectiveness was generally consistent across regions, it demonstrates a positive impact on professionals' competence and career growth. Employers should consider integrating this certification into their hiring criteria and employee development programs. Providing support for certification training may lead to enhanced productivity, accuracy in financial tasks, and overall business efficiency. The findings of the study also provide certification bodies with valuable feedback on the effectiveness of their program. The acceptable reliability statistics indicate that the certification adds value to the professionals, though continuous improvements could further enhance its relevance in the changing job market. Certification bodies should 74 consider regular updates to their content, based on evolving industry needs, ensuring that it equips professionals with the most relevant skills required by employers and the market. Educators in accounting and finance programs can consider integrating the QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor certification into their curriculum, as the study underscores its importance for career advancement. By incorporating training modules and offering certification opportunities to students, educators can better prepare them for the realities of the job market. This would equip students with an industry-recognized credential, increasing their employability upon graduation. For researchers, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the role of certifications in the accounting and finance industry. It opens avenues for future studies, particularly in exploring how specific demographic factors may or may not influence the outcomes of certifications. Researchers may also explore other certifications and their comparative effectiveness in career advancement, further contributing to best practices in professional development. Business owners seeking to hire qualified accounting professionals or outsource bookkeeping services can benefit from this study by recognizing the significance of hiring QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisors. 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LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Letter of Validator 1 81 82 83 84 Appendix B: Letter of Validator 2 85 86 Appendix C: Letter of Validator 3 87 88 Appendix D: Letter of Statistician 89 90 Appendix E: Research Instrument 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Appendix F: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 1 99 Appendix G: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 2 10 Appendix H: Research Instrument Evaluation Form 3 10 Appendix I: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in Competence and Career Advancement Cronbach's Alpha N of Items.746 5 Appendix I.1: Item-Total Statistics Cronbach's Alpha if Item Deleted Question OF 1.730 Question OF 2.684 Question OF 3.630 Question OF 4.722 Question OF 5.726 Appendix I.2: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in Competence Cronbach's Alpha N of Items.793 2 Appendix I.3: Reliability Statistics of Overall Effectiveness in Career Advancement Cronbach's Alpha N of Items.850 3 10 Appendix J: Reliability Statistics of Influence of Demographics in Effectiveness Cronbach's Alpha N of Items.831 5 Appendix J.1: Item – Total Statistics Cronbach's Alpha if Item Deleted Question DE 1.725 Question DE 2.808 Question DE 3.823 Question DE 4.757 Question DE 5.842 Appendix K: Parabola of Location Results 10 Appendix K.1: Parabola of Age Results Appendix K.2: Parabola of Sex Results Appendix K.3: Parabola of Years in Service Results 10 Appendix K.4: Parabola of Educational Attainment Results Appendix K.5: Parabola of Industry Results Appendix L: Parabola of Competence Score 10 Appendix M: Parabola of Career Advancement Score Appendix N: Parabola of Influence Score 10