This essay is going to discuss the perception that financial accounting appears to be transforming. It demonstrates that why the financial accounting theories appears and the difference between descriptive and prescriptive methods of research; the reason why researches might shift from one method to another and how the accounting theories influence by some famous researchers contribution such as Paton, Littleton and Chambers.
Accounting is a human activity; therefore accounting theories should consider people’s behavior with respect to accounting information. (Deegan, 2009, p.4) Hendriksen (1977, p.1) defends that accounting theory should be logical in the form of broad principles. It provides a general framework of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and guides the development of new practices and procedures. According to SAC 1 paragraph 12 (CPA, 2009), user needs accounting information to making resource allocation decisions. In order to provide the high quality and relevant information to achieve user needs, researchers attempt at constructing accounting theory to improve accounting practice and the quality of accounting information. (Gaffikin, 2005, p.3) Consequently, financial accounting theories come into view.
Research and develop the accounting theories fundamentally use “Inductive” or “Deductive” method. Inductive method such as descriptive theories suggests that theory is drawing a conclusion from a set of facts or evidence. (Deegan, 2009, p.8) It is because accounting theories should consider people’s behavior; the observation and conclusion form a set of facts can have extensively adoption. The research is based on careful observing of accounting practice in accountants consistent behavior (H...
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Accounting has been a living part of history since the Neolithic period and remains a prevalent and ever-evolving profession still to this day. This essay therefore proposes to look at the significance and role of history specifically related to the accountancy field. In order to substantiate this claim of the importance of accounting history, numerous benefits of accounting history will be presented. Factors such as the use of historical research and its availability thereof to constantly develop accounting policies will be discussed as well as how historical accounting practices can be used to understand current practice and assist in the training of individuals in the accounting field. Lastly, the importance of history in the development
Accounting dates back as far as first centuries, is the language of business. As everything has gone through many changes, accounting has also changed many times through out the centuries. It went from the use of abacus to the most advanced softwares, and computers. With these drastic improvements nowadays accounting, financial accounting and management are facing big challenges. From the presentation of the reports to communication to the users, investors, and owners, the accounting field has gained totally a new shape from two decades ago. Today with the dynamic change in every aspect of life, the accounting field has to act fast and be able to adapt these new changes and challenges in order to survive.
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From the first tutorial, ‘Current Conceptions of Accounting’, we had already change our prediction on accounting professional. At the beginning, we through that accounting professional would be more formal and format. From what we have learnt from the first two semesters of accounting, we need to do everything under the current structure, standards, and regulations. Accounting is a tool and skill that help us to achieve our career successful. However, the first tutorial activity, which require us to bring up our view of ‘accounting, accountability, or an accountant’ from a lifestyle magazine. This activity make us found that accounting could be just next to us, not just in the career field, but also could find it anywhere in our life. This activity has open up our mind of accounting
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Modern information system is now popular all over the world, it also change the accounting area. Instead of the old manual analysis, many companies making effort in developing a fitted accounting information system for themselves, as they realize the advantages that the new technology brings in - more efficient and accurate in processing, integrated data, detailed record etc. However, even though there are so many benefits, the functional system also brings challenges, making new requirements to the accountants and auditors. This paper will discuss the impact of technology to the accounting information system, as well as the necessary capability ethics that the accountants should learn in this 21th century.