Use Of Accounting Information Research Articles

Corporate disclosures and firm characteristics: A study of the emerging market listed companies

The objective of this study is to understand whether firm characteristics explain the extent of corporate disclosures in the annual reports of listed Indian companies. In the field of accounting, voluntary information disclosures have been receiving a lot of attention as they bridge the gap between what is mandatory and what is sought by the stakeholders. Due to the prime focus of corporate disclosure literature on the linkage of company characteristics with the extent of disclosures, it becomes pertinent to study this aspect before studying the policy and regulatory impact. Hence, it is examined what prompts listed corporate entities in an emerging market like India to disclose more. The disclosure scores of Indian CNX 100 companies over a period of five years (2011–2015) related to firm characteristics such as age, size, and listing status were arrived at through content analysis and subsequent coding of the data. The study applied correlation, regression, and t-test to analyze respective scores and firm-specific data accessed from CMIE Prowess and Ace Equity industry databases. The study found firm characteristics such as age and listing status to be non-significant in leading corporations to enhanced disclosures. However, regression results improving with respect to the firm size and almost becoming significant in later years especially in the post-policy period (i.e., post-2013) remains an important takeaway from this study. The study stands on a formidable ground that it is the policy initiatives that are pushing firms to reveal more about their businesses keeping in mind the diverse perspectives of accounting information users

Comparative Analysis on the Evaluation Method of Enterprise Profit Quality

As an important index to measure the operating result of enterprises, profit is the focus of accounting information users. In recent years, with the emergence of financial fraud cases in the whole world, the authenticity and reliability of accounting profits have been questioned. The users of accounting information shift their focus from the quantity to the quality of accounting profits. How to evaluate the quality of profits comprehensively and reasonably has become the focus of enterprise financial analysis. At present, the academic world has not established a unified evaluation system and method. My study summarizes and evaluates four most commonly used methods for evaluating enterprise profit quality. The study finds that all kinds of methods have their own characteristics. Each method has advantages as well as disadvantages. It is believed that the quality of profit is affected by many factors, and a variety of methods can be used for comprehensive evaluation to ensure the accuracy of the evaluation result.

Accounting as a Source of Financial Information on Insolvency in Liquidation Proceedings

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to indicate which information originating in accounting is important for ensuring the information transparency of bankruptcy proceedings. Methodology: Based on the literature review and the analysis of international legal acts, we determined priority types of information from accounting used in bankruptcy court proceedings. These types included information on the costs of insolvency proceedings, the assumption in the financial statements that there was no going concern, and the book value of assets. A survey was then conducted on a group of specialists in the field of bankruptcy. Findings: Respondents indicated information on the costs of bankruptcy proceedings as the most important. However, other accounting information under study also received a high assessment from insolvency specialists. The obtained assessments of individual quality features are characterized by high reliability confirmed by low standard errors. Research implications: Accounting evolves as a response to the information needs of accounting information users. Therefore, knowing these needs may contribute to changes in the requirements regarding the scope of information from accounting that is used in bankruptcy proceedings. Originality/value: In-depth knowledge of various aspects of the economic side of the bankruptcy phenomenon is part of the current trend in minimizing the negative effects of bankruptcy.

Perceived use of accounting information and practices of accounting in micro enterprises of developing countries

Research question: What is the perceived use of accounting information and current practices of accounting in micro enterprises? Motivation: Business decisions are more accurate and focused if they are made based on reliable information, for instance, accounting information. However, the use of accounting information in decision-making varies among the business entities, which is even poor in micro enterprises in developing countries. Idea: This study aims to examine perceived use of accounting information in decision-making and current practices of accounting in micro enterprises of Bangladesh. Data: The data include the characteristics of owner and business, perception on accounting systems, the use of accounting information (ACI) in decision-making and the current accounting practices collected from 148 respondents. Tools: The data are analyzed using standard descriptive statistical tools and multivariate regression. Findings: We find that the perception regarding the use of ACI in decision-making is low. Furthermore, the existing practices of accounting in surveyed entities are very low. The key practices, in terms of weighted mean, are cash reconciliation and practices of budgeting. Furthermore, the number of employees in the enterprises has a positive significant relationship with the perception regarding the use of ACI in decision-making. Besides, enterprises practicing accounting have higher performance. In addition, the size, and the nature of business have statistically significant positive effects on turnover. Contribution: This study may help stakeholders in understanding the role of accounting in business decision-making and its impacts on financial performance of the micro enterprises in developing countries.

Does Earnings Quality Affect Companies’ Performance? New Evidence from the Jordanian Market

This study aims to investigate the importance of earnings quality as a determinant of companies’ performance. It provides some empirical evidences from an emerging market, specifically from the Jordanian market. This study developed an econometric model for the effect of earnings quality on the companies’ performance using empirical evidence. The study employs a panel data analysis method by using a sample of all Jordanian industrial public shareholding companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during 2010-2018. The results reveal that Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Earnings Per Share (EPS) as proxies of company’s performance are affected by the earnings quality. This provides the importance of positive earnings quality that eventually influences the companies’ performance. The results of this study suggest that the higher control level on the managers’ behavior and its outcome will have an effect on earnings quality, and thus the company’s performance increases. As well as, high relevance of accounting information will improve earnings quality, and thus earnings quality with the interaction factors of the company’s environment work on improving performance. As a conclusion, this study can work as a reference to assist standard setters, security analysts, regulators and other accounting-information users in appraising relation between the earnings quality and companies’ performance.

THE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION USE AND INTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ENTREPRENEURS TOWARD PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN BANYUMAS REGENCY

This study aims to examines the effect of the use of accounting information and internal characteristics of entrepreneurs including accounting training, business scale and educational level toward productivity of SME’s. The use of accounting information and internal characteristics of entrepreneurs is measured by Likert scale and scale score. The sample of 94 respondents of SME entrepreneurs is selected from the population of all SME entrepreneurs in Banyumas Regency, using the quota sampling method. Analytical techniques use multiple regression to test the relationship between independent variables with dependent variables, after all all data has been valid and reliable through data quality test. The result of the test shows that business scale, educational level and accounting information use have significant influence to business productivity, while accountancy training variables have no significant influence to productivity of SME’s

The relationship between management characteristics and financial statement readability

PurposeThe present study attempts to assess the relationship between management characteristics (managerial entrenchment, CEO narcissism and overconfidence, managers' myopia, real and accrual-based earnings management) and financial statement readability of listed firms on the Tehran Stock Exchange. In other words, this paper seeks to answer the question that “whether management characteristics have a favorable effect on financial statement readability or not.”Design/methodology/approachMultivariate regression model is used to meet the purpose of this study and research hypotheses are also examined using a sample of 1,050 listed observations on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2012–2017 and by employing multiple regression patterns based on panel data technique and fixed effects model. Moreover, exploratory factor analysis of six variables (tenure, board independence, CEO duality, CEO ownership, board compensation and CEO change) is used for calculating managerial entrenchment and the FGO index is used for measuring readability.FindingsThe obtained results show that there is a negative and significant relationship between managerial entrenchment and accrual-based earnings management and a positive and significant relationship between real earnings management, managers' myopia, managers' narcissism and overconfidence and financial statement readability.Originality/valueSince the present study is the first paper to investigate such a topic in the emerging markets, it provides useful information about intrinsic and acquisitive characteristics of management for accounting information users, analysts and legal institutions that contribute greatly to financial statement readability. Besides, the results of this study aid the development of science and knowledge in this field and fill the existing gap in the literature.

Analysis on the Present Situation and Countermeasures of Earnings Management

<p>Earnings management of listed companies has become a very common headache for listed companies in China, and it is also a problem of great concern to the public. Within the scope permitted by accounting standards and relevant laws and regulations, a considerable number of people purposefully planned to realize the expected earnings by choosing accounting policies, changing accounting estimates or arranging transactions and events, and they influence the decision-making of accounting information users through financial reports, thus enabling the company to maximize its own earnings. Paying attention to enterprise earnings management has become the consensus of every decision maker. This paper analyzes the present situation and motivation caused by earnings management, and it puts forward several governance measures of earnings management aiming at the present situation, aiming at making listed companies use earnings management reasonably, avoiding overuse or overuse of earnings management, and showing the public a real business situation.</p>

Challenges of outsourcing accounting in Latvia and Lithuania

Accounting provides around 80 % of information of any type and sort of activity of legal entity and significantly influences the decisions of accounting information users. The accountant profession, which had faced many challenges over the past few years, now is proving to be no exception. The article looks at both theory and practice and attempts to determine and understand problematic issues about outsourcing accounting challenges. The purpose of the research is to evaluate outsourcing accounting challenges in Latvia and Lithuania. The research deployed the survey, the inductive and deductive methods, the methods of systematisation, comparison and a summary of information. Research object – companies providing outsourcing accounting services in the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania. From the results of the research the authors have come to the following conclusions: the biggest challenges for accounting outsourcing companies of both countries are keeping up with new regulations and standards and technology developments. Both countries have quite a similar view on challenges of accounting outsourcing companies, however, Lithuanian respondents provided opinion on more significant challenges such as attracting new customers, differentiating from competition and experiencing pressure to lower fees, as Latvian respondents – emphasized challenge of keeping up with new regulations and standards.

The Personality Factor of Conscientiousness on Skills Requirement and Fraud Risk Assessment Performance

The study examines the moderation effect of the personality factor of conscientiousness on the relationship between skills (forensic accountant and auditor) and fraud risk assessment task performance in the Jordanian public sector. The forensic accountant skills denote enhanced level of capability purposely required to collect evidence in respect of fraud prevention, detection, deterrence as well as response. Whereas, the auditing standards require auditors to make available realistic guarantees in terms of sufficiency and reliability that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatements arising from fraud or error. Despite efforts by the government in reducing cases of fraud through a measure of reforms such as the establishment and strengthening of accountability organs and promoting global best practices for corporate organisations, fraud and financial crimes in the public sector of Jordan are still increasing. Hence, this paper develops a conceptual framework to investigate the moderating effect of conscientiousness on skills requirements and fraud risk assessment performance. The study will assist the forensic accountants and auditors working as regulators in the public sector environment concerning fraud prevention, detection, and response. It also creates awareness among accounting information users in the public sector. The paper contributes to the literature on personality factors of conscientiousness, auditing and forensic accounting, enhanced capability skills requirement, and competence (fraud risk assessment performance) by forensic accountants and auditors about fraud prevention, detection, and response in the Jordanian public sector.

Penerapan informasi akuntansi diferensial dalam pengambilan keputusan manajemen pada UMKM Gilingan Padi Mekar Sari Desa Kosio Kecamatan Dumoga Tengah

Differential accounting information is one of the information needed by the management of a company in planning and decision making, especially accept or reject for special orders, which will help management in this case UMKM Gilingan Padi Mekar Sari which often get special orders. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of differential accounting information in the decision to accept or reject special orders to produce superwin rice and ciherang rice types at UMKM Gilingan Padi Mekar Sari. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The results of this study can be seen based on the comparative calculation of regular production and special order production using the differential accounting information of the UMKM Gilingan Padi Mekar Sari in receiving special orders for both products namely superwin rice and ciherang rice will get an additional total differential profit of Rp 43.441.500. Therefore, the use of differential accounting information is needed in the decision to accept or reject special orders.

Specific Aspects of Accounting and Analytical Support for the Economic Security System of a Commercial Bank

The presented study addresses the issues of improving the economic security of credit organizations and substantiates the authors’ position on the use of accounting and analytical information as a tool for making tactical and managerial decisions. Aim. The study aims to identify the specific aspects of accounting and analytical support for the economic security system of a commercial bank and to assess the role of accounting and analytical information within the economic security system. Tasks. The authors analyze the theoretical framework for examining the place and role of accounting and analytical information in the economic security system of a credit organization and examine the major aspects of accounting and analytical data that form the structure of the economic security system. Methods. The methodological basis of this study includes analysis of scientific works of foreign and Russian scientists on the economic security of business entities and on the role of accounting in ensuring the economic security of credit organizations. The study also uses general scientific methods, such as analysis, scientific generalization, and comparison. Results. The authors determine the correlation between accounting information and the economic security system and identify specific directions for improving the level of economic security of a commercial bank based on the specific aspects of the accounting and analytical system. Conclusions. The level of economic security of a credit organization is expected to increase due to the specific aspects of accounting and analytical support.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ УЧЕТНО-АНАЛИТИЧЕСКОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ДОХОДАМИ И РАСХОДАМИ

The article presents the results of research of theoretical positions in relation to accounting and analytical categories, such as income and expenditure. In the scientific and professional community, there are many disputes and discussions on the theoretical aspects of accounting and analytical support (AAS) of income and expenditure financial management. Globalization of the economic space; 4.0 industrialization; digitalization (digital economy); nooeconomics, and other aspects, led to the need for the development of scientific theoretical thought. The purpose of this study is to develop new trajectories of financial management of income and expenditure, which is focused on the needs of management and users of accounting and analytical information. The results of the study are to expand and refine the theoretical positions in relation to the AAS financial management of income and expenditure. In the process of research of controversial and problematic issues of the financial management of income and expenditure, the methods of scientific knowledge, analysis, synthesis and specific methods of factor deterministic dependence that characterize the results of the economic entity's activity have been used. The practical and scientific significance lies in the design and further development of the theoretical positions of the AAS of financial management of income and expenditure. It should be recognized that the essence of income and expenditure from the positions of accounting and analytical categories will significantly expand the theoretical positions of the regulatory requirements of the Russian Accounting Standards (RAS), which contributes to the integration of accounting types in accordance with IFRS applied in the UAO system. In its turn, this will allow financial management to solve important problems of development of the economic entity related to the increase of profits, its calculation using different methods, depending on the goals.

ПРОБЛЕМИ ОБЛІКУ ОСНОВНИХ ЗАСОБІВ НА ПІДПРИЄМСТВІ

The article is devoted to topical issues of improving the methodology and organization of fixed assets accounting. Fixed assets play a huge role in the labor process, as they together form the production – technical base and determine the production capacity of the enterprise. Their condition directly affects the activities of the enterprise, namely its continuous operation. Over a long period of use, fixed assets enter the enterprise and are put into operation; wear out as a result of operation; are repaired, by means of which their physical qualities are restored; leave the enterprise due to obsolescence or inexpediency of further use. Fixed assets used in enterprises in modern economic conditions are one of the most important economic resources. Fixed assets, formed at the initial stage of the organization, require constant management. In the process of accounting at enterprises there are a number of problems of methodological and practical nature in the organization of accounting, valuation and depreciation of fixed assets. In the course of writing the article, the economic characteristics and concepts of fixed assets, theoretical aspects of fixed assets accounting, normative documents related to the researched problem were investigated. The analysis of fixed assets can be carried out in several areas, the development of which in the complex allows to assess the structure, dynamics and efficiency of fixed assets and long-term investments. Options for solving problems in accordance with modern economic conditions are revealed. The correct organization of accounting of fixed assets ensures the efficiency of their use, the timeliness of determining and reflecting transactions with changes that occur with them, the completeness of the reflection of these changes in value terms in accounting. Thus, the fixed asset accounting system needs to be improved. A comprehensive approach to the organization of fixed assets accounting is needed, which is able to provide the necessary conditions and opportunities for the use of valuable accounting information to make management decisions on the evaluation and effective use of fixed assets.

Accounting and politicians: a theory of accounting information usefulness

PurposeHow do cognitive aspects influence the use/non-use of accounting information by the politicians? The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and theorize the readiness to use and the actual use of accounting information in relation to the human and social agency involved.Design/methodology/approachApplying cognitive fit theory and social cognitive theory, the authors explain how cognition of accounting information producers and users relates to their tasks and their environment. Analyzing cognitive matching, the authors develop accounting information usefulness as a function of the cognitive match between the accounting information producers and users.FindingsThe theoretical findings posit that cognitive fit increases with the degree of matching between the cognition of accounting information producers and the cognition of accounting information users. The theory proposes that enriching and matching the various cognitive factors lead to formation of more aligned mental representations to govern the processes of accounting information production and use as a prerequisite for the accounting information usefulness.Research limitations/implicationsBy theorizing human cognition, behavior and learning, the authors seek to contribute to the explanation and prediction of accounting information use. Future research needs to empirically validate and/or further develop the propositions.Practical implicationsPractically, the conceptualization can be used to align individual and collective learning on both sides and to introduce information use audit as an instrument for supporting collective learning.Originality/valueThe theory of accounting information usefulness is the first attempt in public sector accounting literature to explain the relation of production and consumption of accounting information in relation to the cognition of the actors involved.

Users’ Perception of Financial Reporting Quality in Ghana

This paper assesses the extent to which top and middle management perceive FRQ of companies in Ghana after the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Drawing from the literature, a five-dimension FRQ questionnaire was developed for the study. It was a cross-sectional survey that involved a sample of 500 respondents from top and middle level management across seven industries in Ghana. The findings indicate that, generally top and middle management perceive the qualitative characteristics of FRQ of the Ghanaian companies to be very good. However, Timeliness of FRQ in terms of publishing audited financial reports was the only poorly rated qualitative characteristic. Implications to accounting theory and practitioners are discussed. Moreover, there were differences in respondents’ perception of FRQ according to their work background characteristics. It was found that top and middle management who were professional accountants were more critical in their assessment and therefore rated their perceived FRQ significantly lower than those who were non-accounting professionals. This study contributes to filling the void in FRQ literature regarding accounting information users’ assessment of FRQ in IFRS-compliant countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Accounting Engineering and Management of Results

Accounting means normally a basis while making management decisions; it is the information tool in order to highlight the strategies and to confirm their success. There are also cases where the roles are reversed and the management delineates the accounting directions according to the results obtained, thus being transformed from the company management for results to the results themselves. Even if over time, the information and activity monitoring techniques improved, the precision of the economic and financial data remains dependent on the reporting referential and the manipulation technique of the results. The article is meant to highlight the items capable to characterise the choice of a management based on results, the conditions of its development, how the financial and accounting information users are affected, particularly the investors, as well as how it can be detected. It is also highlighted the fact that the management based on results plays a very important role for the apparition and development of the accounting engineering at the level of company by the determination it exercises over the managers while achieving or surpassing the objectives. Thus, there is the issue of a false reflection of the company’s activity, regarded by the prism of the management objectives, making particularly sensitive the passage from the economic reality of the company to the management ideals of the management.
 The financial and accounting information remains as main source of reflection of the economic activity and of the results of these activities, both for the own managers of the entities and for the large diversity of third parties: providers, customers, employees, investors, banks, State institutions etc., that makes it vulnerable in front of the external actions. It is important that in any management plan, its accounting represents a source of information for the management and not a means of obtaining the results.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE GENERATION OF ANALYTICAL ACCOUNTING INFORMATION FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT TRANSACTIONS

The paper focuses of the major problems related to the development of the system for analytical accounting of import and export transactions and its effective functioning in the contemporary conditions. A special attention has been paid to the directions for introducing improvements in the organization of processes of generation and use of analytical accounting information for the import and export operations of the enterprise.The import and export of goods belong to the group of the so-called traditional foreign trade transactions, which comprise a basic unit within the system of contemporary international economic relations. As an object of accounting, import and export transactions are characterized by considerable complexity. It derives from their essential characteristics, which substantially distinguish them from commercial transactions within the domestic market in the country. Taking into account the specificities of import and export transactions, we can characterize them as complex business processes involving numerous and diverse business operations that have to be reflected in accounting.The main accounting objects in the context of import and export transactions can also be identified as primary objects of management in the enterprise carrying out such transactions. This puts an important requirement in accounting for providing, interpreting, using and delivering complete, comprehensive, reliable and timely information about them. The complexity and specificity of import and export transactions entails a need for greater analyticity in their accounting for better information support needed for their management.An issue of utmost importance in the generation of accounting information for the import and export transactions is the rational development of the structure of the system for analytical accounting in accordance with the specific information needs of the enterprise related to the analysis and overall management of these operations. A major problem in this regard is to ensure organizational and methodological unity between the generation of analytical accounting information for the import and export of goods and the subsequent detailed analyzes in different perspectives. For this purpose, it is necessary to organize the accounting based on analytical indicators, which correspond to the specific directions for detailing the analyzes of import and export transactions. It is also mandatory for the organization of the system for analytical accounting to be complied with the important requirement that the benefits of the information should exceed the expenses made for its generation. This presupposes the achievement of an effective organization aided by modern accounting software, and as early as upon initial entry of the data in the accounting information system based on the primary accounting documents for the completed transactions the information needs of analysis should also be taken into consideration. Thus, a one-off entry and multiple use of the detailed accounting information on import and export will be ensured, the doubling of expenses for labor and time will be avoided in relation to the generation of accounting information and its subsequent use for the purposes of analysis.

The Quality of Accounting Information: Relevance or Value-Relevance?

Research aim: This paper critically evaluates the qualitative characteristics of accounting information that can be drawn from the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB)/International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) Conceptual Framework and Value-Relevance studies that are motivated by users of accounting information. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study reviews the value-relevance literature and Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (SFAC) No. 8, which was issued by FASB in September 2010 in order to make a distinction between them. Research findings: The value-relevance literature, which reported the associations between accounting numbers and common equity valuations, has limited implications or inferences for accounting information users. Although some scholars believe that the value relevance model indicates that accounting information is relevant and reliable (faithfully represented), it is, however, difficult to attribute the cause of the lack of value relevance to the relevance or the reliability aspects as the value relevance model does not distinguish between relevance and reliability. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study provides some recommendations and a framework for future academic research related to the qualitative characteristics of accounting information (especially earnings) and value-relevance models. Practitioner/Policy implications: According to the conceptual framework defined by the FASB and IASB, relevance and faithful representation, as fundamental qualitative characteristics, are required for the provision of the usefulness of accounting information, and should be taken into consideration by scholars and standard setters in the accounting area. Research limitation/Implication: This paper does not have a direct impact on practice. But, if the standard setters and researchers apply the concepts have been defined by this study in their accounting standards and their research, respectively, the results of those standards or research can be finally useful for the practice, especially for the investors. Keywords: Accounting Information, FASB/IASB Conceptual Framework, Value-Relevance, Relevance, Faithful Representation Type of manuscripts: Literature review JEL Classification: M480

Accounting policy as a tool of enterprise management system

The essence of the concept “accounting policy” in its modern sense, main principles and problems of its formation are discussed in the article. The process of accounting policy implementation into enterprise practical activity under accounting reforms conditions in Ukraine has been under consideration. Main stages of accounting policy formation have been considered. Organizational and methodical basis of accounting policy formation at micro- and macro- levels has been highlighted. State participation in requirements setting on accounting policy content and structure, its detailed elaboration degree, area of usage, accounting policy focus on different groups of accounting information users has been specified. Statutory regulations and legislative instruments of accounting policy formation have been explained, its place in enterprise management system has been studied. Ways of improvement of Order of enterprise accounting policy taking into account accounting issues have been determined. Directions of further research have been proposed.