UTAR and AutoCount collaborated again this year to hold an accounting competition at the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) in UTAR Kampar Campus. Nine academics from the Department of Commerce and Accounting, along with two FBF students from the Financial Economics programme, successfully organised the AutoCount Competition 2024 – Counting Beyond Limits: Innovate, Automate, Dominate! from 6 September 2024 to 13 September 2024.

The competition aimed to enhance students’ knowledge of accounting concepts, including accounting information systems, focusing on accounting software packages, specifically the AutoCount Computerised Software. It was also organised to encourage students’ participation in accounting activities and evaluate their digital skills, ranging from basic technical knowledge to advanced problem-solving abilities in digital environments. Additionally, the event promoted collaboration between UTAR and AutoCount Sdn Bhd (ACSB).

The event commenced with an opening ceremony held via Microsoft Teams on 6 September 2024, where 36 participants from the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting programme were welcomed and briefed about the competition details. During the ceremony, the competition question paper was released, requiring participants to complete a full set of accounts using AutoCount Accounting Version 2.1. This task tested their proficiency in financial reporting and transaction adjustment skills.

The question paper was developed and reviewed by experienced lecturers from UTAR, incorporating comprehensive financial reporting statements and adjusted transactions. Participants were required to submit the completed tasks through the designated online platform by 11:59 pm on 7 September 2024.

A total of 33 submissions were received, and all answers were forwarded to ACSB for marking purposes. The winners were chosen based on scores obtained from ACSB’s auto-marking system. The top three performers were awarded prizes during the closing ceremony held on 13 September 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus, attended by ACSB Education Manager Dr Tek Ee Lin and FBF Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee.

Winners and prizes:
First place:  Tan Shi Ying 
(RM200 Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Hamper and Certificate)
Second place: Ng Wei Jie
(RM150 Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Hamper and Certificate)
Third place: Chow Pek Xia
(RM100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Hamper and Certificate)

Non-winning participants were also given RM30 Touch ‘n Go eWallet and e-certificate as a token of appreciation.

	First Place Winner: Tan Shi Ying  “I was very happy when I was announced as the winner. I would like to thank my lecturer, Puan Azni, for teaching me the AutoCount software. I am currently doing my internship, and since I have learned AutoCount before, it has been easy to apply it to my job. Thank you.”
	Second Place Winner: Ng Wei Jie “First, I want to thank my lecturer, Puan Azni, who taught me AutoCount in the last trimester. I also want to thank my friends who helped me throughout this competition, enabling me to win the prize. During my Form 6, I used other accounting software, but I find AutoCount much easier to use. Thank you.”
	Third Place Winner: Chow Pek Xia “I feel very happy. Thank you to my friends for helping me. Thank you.”

The AutoCount Competition 2024 was a resounding success, providing participants with invaluable experience in using professional accounting software. It was an excellent platform for students to enhance their technical skills and gain confidence in financial reporting and transaction adjustments. The competition’s objective to promote practical accounting skills among students was achieved, and we look forward to the continued success of future editions. We extend our appreciation to UTAR lecturers and ACSB for their contributions to the event’s success.