Infusing Blockchain in accounting curricula and practice: expectations, challenges, and strategies

Abstract

Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology, is acknowledged as the most significant and disruptive innovation in accounting since the double-entry system. All the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms and several major S&P500 companies have invested considerable resources in developing blockchain technologies. Some maximalists of this technology have even hinted that it will fundamentally change accounting and auditing if all transactions can be captured in an immutable blockchain. It is a daunting task for accounting academics to determine how to infuse blockchain in accounting curricula since the body of knowledge in this area spans several disciplines, such as, accounting, economics, finance, computer science, and engineering. It is also difficult for accounting practitioners to know what aspects of this technology are relevant to accountants for the same reason. In this paper, using the diffusion of innovation theory, I help explain why we need to incorporate the accounting-relevant aspects of blockchain in accounting curricula and practice and how we can accomplish that goal without introducing unnecessary technological complexity and jargon. I also provide eight case studies, which were successfully trialled by me at CPA organization/association conferences, that can be used to communicate the accounting relevant aspects of blockchain in the domains of accounting, tax, and audit services.