Author Note
This Paper was prepared for Management Information Systems SMT 273754 taught by Professor Catherine White.
Abstract
This research paper will show the impact of information technology and information systems on the accounting profession. It will focus on internal and external auditing practices as well as the expansion of career opportunities in the accounting field. The information provided will be useful to decision makers of organizations in understanding the auditing process and to those looking to pursue a career in accounting.
Keywords: information technology, information systems, accounting, finance, business processes, organizations, auditing, careers, decision making
How IS Has Affected the Accounting Profession
Developing and ever changing information technology and systems have greatly affected the accounting profession, especially in the finance practices of business. The business processes of organizations have not only become automated for productivity that is more efficient, but has changed the way in which financial information is accessed and shared internally and externally (Laudon & Laudon, 2014). Increased use of information technology has also increased crimes such as financial statement fraud, embezzlement, and securities fraud, therefore affecting auditing processes. This cross functionality of accounting, auditing and technology expands the career opportunities within the accounting field (Pepe, 2011).
Brief History
Although the accounting profession did not emerge until the mid-1800s, since “the early days of clay tokens to the invention of the abacus, accounting is as old as civilization”. The idea of cost accounting-“the discipline of estimating, tracking and controlling product and service costs”- originated in the late
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