DEVELOPMENT OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THE BARRIERS FACED IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

Abstract

Accounting Information Systems facilitate the automation of accounting information. The accounting information of an organization creates the foundation on which the entity’s financial reports are generated. In spite of the fact that plenty of attention has been placed to the development and advancement of accounting professions in the developing countries, there has been very minimal emphasis placed in determining the implementation of accounting information systems. The main purpose of this research study is to examine the development of accounting information systems and the barriers that are experienced in developing nations, with a specific case study on Lebanon. The findings of the study established that the barriers include organizational structure, lack of technological advancements, poor training and education, and financial problems in the costly setting up of AIS. The strategies that organizations should take up include the training and education of managers and accountants within the organizations to gain competencies in carrying out accounting information systems, gain financially feasible contracts for setting up the systems and changing organizational structures to embrace advancements in technology.