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The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession

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The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession
Eliot Sherman
ACC/340
June 11, 2015
Michael Raponi

According to Accounting Web, the next decade will see industries transition to a Cloud-enabled world where work can be accomplished anywhere, anytime. This will especially be true of the accounting profession, according to Intuit, as such tools as Cloud-connected smartphones and tablets will enable firms to provide clients with an "accountant in their pocket" at all times. In the modern age, technology is constantly evolving and this has an effect on every profession, especially accounting. Processes and procedures are becoming less manual and more automated. Accounting begun being all written and having hard copies as the only backup. Systems are becoming more advanced and powerful which allows them to aggregate large amounts of data. As time went on, new software and hardware allow calculations to occur more quickly and allow backup to be more readily accessible. As well, with accounting constantly changing, the standards and regulation overseeing the profession were as well. As well, a lot of companies in the early 2000s when the technology bubble was building, companies such as Enron and WorldCom tried to take advantage of lax audit rules and committed extensive fraud. This constantly requires technology to change to allow for it to be in line with what is required, specifically in relation to audits and GAAP. In this digital age, technology adapts and improves and this has a direct impact on accounting and this ends up changing the landscape. One of the biggest changes for accounting was the invention of the Computer System, more specifically Accounting Information Systems. Accounting Information Systems (AIS) are used by organizations to generate information based on raw data. They extend beyond just accounting and allow businesses to also incorporate finance, marketing, human resources and production. A computerized accounting system records accounting transactions using a computer and accounting software. It is one of the database-oriented applications wherein the transaction data is store in a well-organized database. The user operates on this database using the required interface and also takes the required reports by suitable transformations of stored data into information. Therefore, the fundamentals of computerized accounting include all of the basic requirements of any database-oriented application in computers. It helps simplify, integrate and streamline all the business processes cost effectively and easily helps present the true picture of the business undertakings to users of financial reports. This allows departments to work together more easily and helps decrease overhead. This not only saved time but made documents, information and calculations (especially audits) more easily accessible for both accountants and external shareholders. In my organization, it made financial analysis infinitely quicker and more accurate. It allowed for audits to be completed faster and for taxes to be filed more efficiently. This revolutionized business in general however specifically makes my job easier on a daily basis and that of everyone in the company from bottom to top (we utilized time entry software as well which this benefits). I’d argue that this was one of the largest innovations for the accounting profession as it changed it forever. Snowballing off of that, I’d argue that the accessibility to the internet, specifically wirelessly changed the landscape and scope of accounting engagements. According to Accounting Web, "Clients will expect real-time support that is delivered when, where, and how they want it," the report stated. "Online customer relationship management and support systems will grow in importance. High-touch, face-to-face client contact will not go away, but it will be augmented by virtual support and collaboration systems. The use of customer relationship management systems will also increase and automate simpler support tasks and provide clients with self-serve options." With many systems moving towards cloud-based platforms, the need for accessibility anywhere is becoming essential. As well, clients being international and the large need for traveling is requiring information to be at ones fingertips anywhere. Now with a simple stick, accountants can do work on trains, airplanes, remote countries, etc. so that they’re servicing their clients and getting work done anywhere and everywhere. A specific example comes from Autodealer: “Using communication software such as PC Anywhere, VPN, VNC and terminal services connections anyone you authorize may access your data from anywhere that has an internet connection. This enables real time analysis of your dealership data with your accounting personnel. The internet also lets you download the data to other software or third party vendors you have authorized to receive your data.” Companies can have business meetings and do cost analysis on different coasts or in different countries by just sending documents. Today, emails, documents, financial statements are all sent directly to accounts that are linked to smart phones, tablets and computers. The ease with which one could access information is so seamless that major accounting decisions or meetings can occur anytime and anywhere and this truly changed the landscape of the accounting profession as well. In today’s computerized, interconnected, global business environment, computerized accounting systems and internet (wireless) became the engine of growth in business organizations. It therefore involves the computerization of accounting information systems which is established in order to facilitate decision making. These create many benefits for the accounting profession and the people that utilize its services. Changes in technology have greatly impacted the accounting profession in all organizations and these inventions allow companies to become more efficient and informed and revolutionized the accounting profession forever.
Reference
http://www.accountingweb.com/article/intuit-looks-technologys-role-accountings-future/222633
http://www.autodealermonthly.com/channel/dps-office/article/story/2006/09/the-internet-and-its-effects-on-accounting-departments.aspx

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