Accountants' Risk-Taking and Alertness to Investment Opportunities.

While accountants working in financial institutions possess extensive expertise in accounting, finance, and investment activities, it can be challenging to identify the primary factors influencing their investment decisions. This study examines the alertness of experienced accountants to investment opportunities (AIOs), with a particular focus on their propensity for risk-taking (RT). A random sample of 468 Iranian accountants, including accounting students and graduates from public and private institutions, was selected to achieve this. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and SPSS 26 software. In this study, financial intelligence, ambiguity tolerance, and optimism positively influenced RT and AIOs. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between RT and AIOs. However, it was observed that accounting education significantly impacted AIOs, whereas the propensity for RT decreased with age among accountants. From a theoretical perspective, the findings of this study can contribute to the understanding of decisionmaking processes among accountants, investors, and entrepreneurs, shedding light on the factors affecting their RT and AIOs. In terms of practical implications, the results of this study can be valuable for those involved in establishing rules and regulations, as well as educational planners. By promoting the best possible investments and rational decision-making, these insights can contribute to the optimal allocation and utilization of resources, facilitate job creation and entrepreneurship, and ultimately foster economic growth and development within society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]