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The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession

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The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession

Kaishia Johnson

ACC/340

April 21, 2014
Judy Thomas

The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession

Accounting Information Systems are defined as a collection of data and processing procedures that create needed information for its users, and exists at the intersection of two important disciplines: (1) accounting and (2) information systems (Bagarnoff, 2008, pg. 1). Knowing and understanding accounting information systems will allow accountants to possess a level of proficiency from using computers and the specialized software required to prepare the necessary financial statements. This paper will describe how information systems are changing the various aspects of the accounting profession. A description of the variety of new technologies and their effect on the accounting process will be also being discussed. Lastly the paper will discuss how these technologies have changed the way tax accounting is performed at Jackson Hewitt.

Information systems are changing the various aspects of the accounting profession because it has eliminated the need to create and store enormous stacks of paperwork that has to be kept track of for financial reporting. The effect of accounting technology has been positive for accountants and firms, resulting in financial reports that are constructed faster and contain fewer errors. Information systems are used by accounting firms and departments to store and transmit their information used in financial reporting. Equipment Computers provide a place for accountants to store their company’s accounting data. Scanners can transfer paper receipts, billing, and invoices into digital media that is stored and filed within the computer, and this information can be retrieved when needed. In addition, a scanner can function separately from a

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