Chartered Accountants Research Articles

A Study on Tax Audit under GST (Goods and Services Tax)

The implementation of GST just happened few years ago. At the initial stage the taxpayers were not much aware about the GST tax audit. It had become the duty of the auditor to educate their taxpayers about the rules and regulations of GST tax audit. The Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant had to verify each and every documents of their taxpayer before filing the returns. The purpose of this study was to find out the impact of GST tax audit on taxpayers. This paper titled as “A Study on Tax Audit Under GST (Goods and Services Tax)”. Both primary data and secondary data is been used for this study. Primary data is been conducted through questionnaire. Totally 123 responses has been collected from the respondents and secondary data obtained from journals, websites, articles, research papers. After analyzing the responses received from the respondents. By using SPSS statistical tools few tests have been conducted. Tests like Reliability Analysis, Linear Regression, Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis and Frequencies is been done. The summary of the responses obtained from respondents is been depicted through Pie Chart in the report.

EFFECT OF NON-AUDIT SERVICES ON AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE: EVIDENCE FROM ACCOUNTING PRACTITIONERS IN ABIA STATE

This study investigates the effect of the provision on non-audit services on Auditor’s independence: evidence from accounting practitioners and consequent effect on the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism in the financial statement audited. The study used the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) domiciled in Abia State. The data for the study were generated from primary source: questionnaires were the major instrument for data collection. The instrument was subject to both content and faces validity by experts. Three questions were structured in Likert scale form and the formulated hypotheses were tested with ordinary Logistic regression using SPSS package. The study found that non-audit services have no effect on auditor’s independence, the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism. The study therefore recommends that the audit committee should have full oversight of the auditor’s independence, including the nature and extent of the work they do and their fees. The audit committee should make its charter public. The charter should give investor information about how the audit committee chooses its auditors and how it decides the type of service they can provide.

The Factors Affecting The Performing Of Indonesian Accounting Standars For Non-Publicly Accountable Entities (Sak Etap) In Smes Assisted By Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (Kadin) Of West Java Province, Indonesia

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector gets more attention from the Government, because the composition of SMEs is large enough in the Indonesian economy when compared to large businesses in order to survive the pandemic. In the framework of national economic recovery (PEN) and given its role as the driving force of the national economy, the government provides various assistance to SMEs. However, there are various problems in SMEs, particularly in arranging of financial statements. The Government has set The Indonesian Accounting Standards for Non Publicly Accountable Entities (SAK ETAP) in 2009, as a guideline for preparing the simple of financial statements, making it easier financial statements preparation in accordance with the standards. The study objective finds out the influence of the Recording System, education level of owners, enterprises’ size, and enterprises’ age on performing of SAK ETAP in SMEs. The population in this study is owners of SMEs assisted by the Kadin Province of West Java. Sampling techniques with incidental sampling, namely participants who participated in community service activities Widyatama university. Technique of data collection uses questionnaires, then analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis. The outcome showed that the Financial Recording System has a effect positively on the performing of SAK ETAP in SMEs, while the education level, enterprises’ size, and enterprises’ age have no effect on the performing of SAK ETAP in SMEs. Recommendation, related parties (such as the SMEs Institution of West Java Province, Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountant (IAI) and University) hold the training and socialization of SAK ETAP

The Intention To Obtain Chartered Accountant: A Theory of Planned Behavior and Motivation Theory Approach

This research aims to analyse the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, comprehension, career motivation, economic motivation and achievement motivation on student’s intention to obtain the Chartered Accountant (CA). The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing using multiple regression analysis. The results of this study prove that attitudes, career motivation and achievement motivation had a positive and significant on student intention to obtain the Chartered Accountant. While subjective norms, comprehension, perceived behaviour control and economic motivation has a negative and insignificant on student’s intention to obtain the Chartered Accountant.

Country Note: Portuguese Chartered Accountants’ Perceptions of SME Tax Compliance: The Role of Taxing Expenses

This study presents an empirical analysis related to the following research question: What is the Portuguese chartered accountants’ perception of the role of the autonomous taxation of expenses (ATE) in small and medium firms’ level of tax compliance, and especially when this perception is mediated by factors such as the size and the economic activity of firms? The authors tested to determine if there are differences in the perceptions of accountants, and results show that the respondents’ application of ATE to micro and small companies has a positive impact on their perceptions of tax compliance. The same is not valid for medium-sized companies for which there is no significant effect on the perceptions of the role of ATE on small and medium enterprises (SME) tax compliance. Tax compliance, autonomous taxation of expenses, chartered accountants, small firms, Portugal.

Australia's divided accounting profession: The 1969 merger attempt and its legacy

The Australian accounting environment is dominated by two competing brands – Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) – which signal that the profession has been unable to achieve full unification. Focussed on 1969, this dual theory-informed, in-depth study examines the first of four unsuccessful attempts to merge the two professional accounting associations from which the two brands originate: The Australian Society of Accountants (the Society) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute). Primary data from public archives and oral history interviews, combined with secondary sources, are drawn upon to explain the failure of this proposed merger and to consider its legacy. The complementary theoretical perspectives of “boundary-work” and “institutional work” are applied. Amidst other challenges, corporate collapses during the 1960s precipitated a legitimacy crisis for the profession and raised the prospect of there being sufficient commonality of purpose to enable a merger. While there was overwhelming support from Society members, the merger proposal was defeated by a comprehensive “no” vote from Institute members. This pattern of voting was repeated in three subsequent merger attempts, leading to the persistence of the curious binary structure of the Australian accounting profession and associated ongoing differences and tensions.

Economic Crisis and Professions: Chartered Accountants in Zimbabwe

This study examined the effects of a declining economy on the profession of chartered accountants (CAs) in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a pragmatic grounded theory design. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with five purposively sampled CAs and two key informants drawn from the professional body and an institution that trains CAs. Furthermore, secondary data were drawn from the professional body’s archives and from newspapers. Data from interviews and documents were analyzed through thematic analysis and content analysis, respectively. The study has revealed that the profession of CAs has been changing in response to the declining economy and the changes include losing its status and autonomy, increased competition from other accounting fields and compromised professional standards. It also emerged that professionals themselves engage in both negative and positive activities that enable them to survive the effects of a declining economy. Recommendations are provided for the professionals and the professional body in dealing with the impact of a precarious economy.

Early warning indicators: An empirical investigation in Italian context and first implications for corporate governance

The aim of this paper is to map the exposure to the risk of financial distress and insolvency of Italian companies during 2019 by monitoring the five early warning indicators defined by the National Council of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts (CNDCEC) and approved by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, in accordance with the provisions of the “Crisis and Insolvency Code” (IC-Code). The methodology used to conduct these investigations consists of comparing the average value of each early warning indicator for companies belonging to a specific commodity-related sector to the threshold value established for each sector, in order to capture signs of potential financial distress. The results of the analysis show that Italian limited liability companies (LLC) and joint-stock companies (JSC) (listed and unlisted) in 2019 did not show particularly worrying signs of financial distress and insolvency. The results of the survey are relevant to national regulators, managers, investors, lenders and, more generally, market participants as they shed light on the type of commodity-related sectors in which economic and financial difficulties are more likely to occur. Moreover, the continuous monitoring process of the early warning indicators’ average values can provide valuable support to the CNDCEC to verify whether and how to modify/refine their thresholds, thus improving their ability to report foreseeable states of financial distress

Environmental Information Disclosure Assessment: The Case of Manufacturing Firms Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study aimed to assess the environmental information disclosure of listed manufacturing firms on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Furthermore, this study used the content analysis procedure of the firm’s annual reports and sustainability reporting. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard was adopted as the guidelines for assessing environmental disclosure. Meanwhile, the evaluated topics are material, energy, water, biodiversity, emissions, effluents and waste, environmental compliance, and supplier environmental assessment. The results showed that manufacturing firms had disclosed environmental information at a moderate level, and the average performance level was relatively low. Furthermore, by topic, the environmental performance levels showed that disclosure related to effluents and waste was the highest, followed by energy, materials, emissions, water, biodiversity, and compliance, respectively. The results indicated that the Indonesian government needs to improve environmental law enforcement for industrial practice. Furthermore, Indonesia’s capital market authority is expected to introduce a sustainability index as part of a business organisation’s concern for environmental protection. The Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountant (IAI) also needs to consider developing a standard for environmental reporting as an integral part of corporate financial reporting. Keywords: Annual report, environmental disclosure, environmental compliance, stock exchange, sustainability reporting

Human Rights from a Social Accounting Perspective in a Post-conflict Environment: The Case of Sri Lanka

This paper examines how three decades of civil conflict in Sri Lanka has impacted the perceptions of the accounting practitioners with regard to human rights (both during and post-conflict). Using the legitimacy lens in social accounting and the role of the state-supported accountancy body - Institute of Chartered Accountants Sr Lanka (CASL) human rights case is investigated. Specifically, the study’s scope is on rights and the degree of legitimacy formation for which accounting associations are accountable for human rights disclosure in a post-conflict environment in an emerging economy. The study interprets documentary evidence and a survey data that was administered among the members of the CASL. The findings reveal that the civil conflict had not hindered the accountants being in parallel with the legitimacy of social accounting notions adopted by the Western world in the disclosure of human rights. At the individual response level, they perceive that the accounting discipline as agents to promote human rights disclosure in business entities. Despite the fact, that this study has a low response rate, what is generalisable is an understanding of the processes and mechanisms which relate to the way the accountants perceived human rights by themselves. The practical implication indicates that urgent measures need to be undertaken to mainstream the legitimate human rights obligations of business entities since there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in a post-conflict environment. The social implication is that awareness of human rights issues, especially among the next generation of accountants is vital since this transformation would enable them not only to be technically competent but also to be ethical in a post-conflict environment. The study contributes to the literature on perceptions of human rights in a post-conflict environment from a social accounting perspective in an emerging economy.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India V/S National Financial Reporting Authority

In India traditionally accounting and audit related standards are regulated by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ICAI was established to set a code of conduct that needs to be followed by all the professional accounting practitioners including auditing firms. ICAI working as an autonomous institution under Government of India, but Government has set up another regulatory body calledNational Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)over ICAI for recommendations to the Central Government on formulating high-quality accounting standards and auditing polices, which mandatorily adapt by companies or auditors. NFRA is given complete power to regulate &control audit practices. Howeverone can observe that there are two equivalent organisation operating with the same objective which may create more bureaucratic hurdles in the system.

Generic skill profiles of future accountants and auditors – moving beyond attributes

PurposeThis study investigates perceptions regarding generic skills future entry-level accountants and auditors will require. Such soft or pervasive skills are necessary to operate effectively in the future world of work. Prior research mainly explores generic skills from an attribute-based perspective, while this paper combines it with an activity-based perspective in generic skill profiles of accountants and auditors.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a mixed methods research approach through focus group discussions and a survey involving more than 3,000 professional accountants and/or auditors, the study uses data from the Southern African region (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia) to determine views on the competency needs of future accountants and auditors. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine whether categories of generic skills for future entry-level accountants and auditors differ.FindingsFour generic skills factors emerged as essential for future entry-level chartered accountants (CAs): digital, decision-making, organisational and business acumens. Three generic skill factors emerged for future registered auditors (RAs): digital, practice and commercial acumens. The results show that generic skill profiles of CAs and RAs, who are members of an accounting body differ and that both the context, related to an activity-based perspective, and individual or internal abilities, related to an attribute-based perspective, matter.Research limitations/implicationsThe study extends generic skill theory by identifying broad categories of generic skills (referred to as acumens) for future accountants and auditors.Practical implicationsInsights from this paper facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the generic skill profile approach, combining attribute-based and activity-based perspectives, and this could assist accounting educators, practitioners and professional bodies to better prepare entry-level accounting and audit professionals for the workplace.Originality/valueThe study identifies broad categories (digital, decision-making, organisational, business, practice and commercial acumens) within generic skill profiles of CAs and RAs and shows that generic skills do not operate independently and should be viewed as an interdependent set or constellation of competencies.

Preface

About Srinivas University (Organizer) Srinivas University, Mangalore, is a Private Research University in Mangalore, Karnataka, India established in 2013 by the Karnataka State Act. Srinivas University is the flagship of 18 Srinivas Group of Institutions started by A. Shama Rao Foundation, Mangalore, India, a private Charitable Trust founded in 1988 by an Eminent Chartered Accountant A. Raghavendra Rao. A. Shama Rao Foundation has started many professional colleges in Mangalore which include Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Srinivas Institute of Dental Sciences, Srinivas Institute of Technology, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Srinivas Institute of Nursing Sciences, A Shama Rao Nursing School, Srinivas Integrated Campus, Srinivas College of Hotel Management, Vijayalakshmi Institute of Hospitality Sciences, Srinivas First Grade College, Srinivas School of Engineering, Srinivas Institute of Management Studies, Srinivas College of Physiotherapy, Srinivas School of Business, Srinivas School of Management, Srinivas College of Education, Srinivas Institute of Social Work. About Department College of Computer Science and Information Science is envisioned to other courses which would build the students into enthusiastic quality professionals in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. The College is located in the heart of Mangalore City, connected with Central Railway Station others excellent learning atmosphere. Students are exposed to a variety of curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that transform them into dynamic change agents who are able to make a difference by their presence wherever they are. Students from different parts of the country and regions who enroll in the college make it truly inclusive and multi-cultural. The college promotes research in relevant fields of Computer and Information Science also other Ph.D/D.Sc and Post-Doctoral Fellow Programme in accordance with the regulations of the University. About Conference International Conference on Computational Physics in Emerging Technologies (ICCPET’2020) aims to bring together leading Academic Scientists, Researchers, Practitioners, Educators to present, discuss the most recent Innovations, Trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the domain of interest from around the world to exchange, share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Computational Physics. Prospective authors are kindly encouraged to contribute to and help shape the conference through submissions of their research abstracts, papers, e-posters and high quality research contributions describing original and unpublished results of conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, or theoretical work in all areas of Computational Physics in Emerging Technologies are cordially invited for presentation at the conference. International Conference on Advances in Computational Physics in Emerging Technologies is the premier interdisciplinary platform for the presentation of new advances and research results in the fields.International Conference on Computational Physics in Emerging Technologies (ICCPET’2020) is the premier interdisciplinary platform for Academicians, Authors, Students, Research Scholars, Scientists and Industry Experts for the presentation of new advanced innovative research ideas and results to share in the field. The more gatherings get shut down due to the growing concern of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). So, there may be a chance of entire conference events will take place online for all national and International Participants. We have modern technology support from our university, Which enables us to hold face-to-face Virtual presentations and for a digital event to take place, in lieu of an in-person event. We look forward to bringing together Keynotes Speakers and Participants from all parts of the world in this new virtual format to learn and together. The live online conferences will have the same content as the in-person versions and will maintain the same agenda as originally planned, with minor adjustments to the schedule that are convenient for attendees in different time zones. Replacing the in-person event with a dynamic virtual Presentation will enable us to bring attendees and speakers together in a healthy and productive way.The Location of the conference was Srinivas University, Pandeshwar, Mangalore-575001, Karnataka, India. Entire Conference in Online mode through Cisco Webex Meeting. First 1 Hour inauguration and next 2 hours Invited talk. Discussion and Question and Answer happened through webex Platform. The delegates will present paper from their location through Webex sharing. We had a capacity to accommodate 1000 participants in webex Platform. We had a Internet speed of 50 Mbps. We had continuous stable internet connection. We were able to conduct smoothly virtual conference. For Inauguration there were only 30 members and some participants internet connection was not stable, other than this there was no problem in conducting virtual conference.List of Conference Report, SRINIVAS UNIVERSITY International Conference on Computational Physics in Emerging Technologies, ICCPET 2020 Oral Presentation Guidelines, PRESENTATION SCHEDULE, Editors, The Invoice Address are available in the pdf.

Deferred Tax Accounting for SMEs: Modified Income Statement Approach

Purpose: Accounting for income tax under International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) is dealt with in IAS 12 Income Taxes. It is often said that users of financial statements do not find information produced in accordance with IAS 12 useful. This is a serious problem because for many businesses tax is one of the largest expenses. In some cases, preparers find the requirements of IAS 12 difficult to apply in practice. Its requirements are said to be unclear, and preparers sometimes question the relevance and understandability of the information that is provided in accordance with the standard. The IFRS for SMEs currently require use of balance sheet approach for accounting of deferred taxes. In India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – the apex standard-setting body in India, is formulating revised accounting standards for SME’s in India. This article examines an alternative to the balance sheet approach which is less complicated and easy to implement.[Reviewer1] [AB2] Methodology: This article proposes a new method i.e. Modified Income Statement Approach. This method is a mix of income statement approach and balance sheet approach, as it requires recognition of deferred taxes using temporary difference approach but calculated using income statement and the other comprehensive income (in effect, Comprehensive income statement). Modified Income Statement Approach requires comparison of tax expense with the underlying related income and expenses so that they are recognized in the same period. In doing so, it also considers income and expenses recognized in the income statement as well as the Other Comprehensive Income. Hence, this approach is more of temporary difference approach but applied by using income statement method. It covers all items of timing differences and most items of temporary differences. The SMEs have less complicated structures and transactions. Also, in many countries, including India, there exists no concept of tax balance sheet. Hence, it would be worthwhile to ease-out the deferred tax accounting for SMEs. The hypothesis is that application of modified income statement approach can result in similar outcome as the balance sheet approach.Findings: A survey of 50 top companies in India was conducted. The results show that 60% of the companies would have recognized the same deferred tax asset/ liability under both the methods i.e. modified income statement approach and balance sheet approach. Balance 40% had some minor differences, but such transactions may be less frequent for SME. On an average, the impact of using modified income approach as against balance sheet approach is a mere 4%. The only items not covered by the modified income statement approach as against the balance sheet approach are Fair valuation of assets/ liabilities on business combination, Compound financial instrument and the existence of undistributed profits of subsidiaries, branches, associates and joint arrangements[Reviewer3] .[AB4] Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: [Reviewer5] [AB6] To balance out the cost and benefits of implementing an accounting standard as per the framework, it is critical that SME’s use a simpler and less complicated method which is easy to understand and implement. Modified income statement approach is easy to apply and not complicated or technical to understand. In India, companies are used to calculating deferred tax using income statement approach. Hence, this will be a small change from the existing approach, while achieving the objectives of the balance sheet approach. Hence, modified income statement approach seems to be an appropriate method for SMEs.

PENGARUH TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN AKUNTANSI, PERSEPSI BIAYA TERHADAP NIAT UNTUK MENGAMBIL SERTIFIKASI PROFESI CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT (CA) DENGAN MOTIVASI SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI

This study aims to examine and analyze the influence of accounting understanding level, cost perceptions ofintentions to take Chartered Accountant (CA) professional certification with motivation as a moderatingvariable. This study uses a quantitative method of associative and verification approaches. The object of thisresearch is the S1 Accounting Study Program students at Muhammadiyah University of Metro. The studypopulation was 406 students. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, so as to obtain a sample of102 students. Data analysis techniques in this study used descriptive statistics, classic assumption tests,moderated regression analysis, hypothesis testing and coefficient of determination tests. Data were analyzedusing SPSS version 20. The results of this study indicate that: 1) The accounting understanding level did notsignificantly influence the intention to take Chartered Accountant (CA) professional certification, 2) Perceptionof cost had a significant effect on the intention to take Chartered Accountant (CA) profession certification, 3) Motivation was able to moderate the relationship between the level of accounting understanding of intention to take Chartered Accountant (CA) professional certification, 4) Motivation was able to moderate the relationshipof perceived cost to intention to take Chartered Accountant (CA) profession certification.

Financial Condition and Government Accounts: An Analysis in the Municipalities of the State of Rio de Janeiro (2009 to 2015)

This research sought to analyze whether the opinion of government accountability of the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro by the Court of Accounts of the State of Rio de Janeiro (TCE-RJ), in the period from 2009 to 2015, considers the financial condition of these municipalities. The financial condition was measured based on the methodology created by the Canadian Institute Chartered Accountants and adapted to the reality of the Brazilian institutional and regulatory environment. Factor analysis was used to select and group the determinants of municipal financial health and the logistic regression analysis to assess whether the result of the opinion of the municipal accounts by the TCE-RJ considered the municipal financial condition. The results were conclusive in relation to the analysis of the accountability of municipal government accounts considering the financial condition factor that deals with the collection, as well as the opinion of the TCE-RJ indicated that it is related to the technical analysis of external control. It was not possible to conclude whether there is political influence from the governor in issuing the prior opinion of the plenary.

Auditing the auditors: A comparative study about India, UK, and the USA

Contextual status quo of The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) in India as a self-governing controller to audit the auditors has rehabilitated an argument on “peer review” and “independent review”. Whereas the global exercise is that of self-governing misunderstanding above the auditors, the professional body of auditors in India, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is divergent to the move of the government to employ a regulator over auditors. This paper scrutinizes the audit procedures and audit format followed by India, the UK, and the USA. The professional courses that are offered to tune the auditor’s professional skills, qualities, and knowledge, such as, CA, CPA, and ACCA followed by these countries are reviewed. Financial statements reviewed by a self-regulating auditor and following the auditing principles stimulate self-assurance. The study treasures that all participants plus committed public accountants trust that the present state-run of auditing is not acceptable in India as parallel to the UK and USA. For the study, the data is collected from audit professionals, financial experts, academicians, and stakeholders by the aid of a well-structured questionnaire (5-point Likert scale). Factor Analysis (FA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) along with Inferential Analysis is calculated. In conclusion, the path diagram is drawn with the help of Structural Equation Modelling. The discussions highlight that to elevate a country like India, adapting stringent rules and regulations is necessary to ensure that profession of an audit always serves towards a good impact in terms of factors such as auditor’s fees, auditors’ size, and auditors’ reputation. The findings and suggestions may be useful for policymakers, academicians, and stakeholders.

ANALYSIS OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS ETHICAL CODE IN INDONESIA FROM AL QURAN PERSPECTIVE

The rise of cases of accountants who do not comply with the standards of professional accountants' code of ethics and the need for an Islamic code of ethics which is considered important for Islamic accountants. Islamic accountants must adhere to the Islamic values-based code of ethics which is currently not compiled by the Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants(IAI). This study aims to determine the Code of Ethics of Professional Accountants in Indonesia from the Al Qur'an Perspective. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The sample used is a social situation which consists of threeelements: place, actor, and activity. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are five professional accountants' codes of ethics, namely: integrity, objectivity, competence and professional prudence, confidentiality, and professional behavior. The five codes of ethics are in line with the code of ethics contained in the Qur'an, which is honest and loves truth, fairness, learning the lawful, trustworthy, and disciplined.

Transition to the Revised OHADA Law on Accounting and Financial Reporting: Corporate Perceptions of Costs and Benefits

This paper examines the ongoing transition to the revised Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa Act on Accounting and Financial Reporting for companies in general and to the International Financial Reporting Standards for listed and group companies with a particular focus on recent institutional developments and corporate concerns. The study used 80 professional accountants, most of whom were members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Cameroon and academics. Using the descriptive statistics, the study shows that the transition to the revised OHADA brings about a high level of comparability and transparency of the financial statements, that the International Financial Reporting Standards can be implemented in Cameroon (but not fully), and that the benefit of the transition exceeds the cost.

Computerized Accounting Systems: Measuring Structural Characteristics

This study aimed to develop a standard measurement tool for the effective assessment of computerized accounting systems (CAS) quality and effectiveness based on systems theory, in terms of their structural characteristics or functional components. The researcher identified five structural characteristics (components or subsystems) of CAS, namely internal controls, automated data-processing, relational database, automated reporting, and enhancing technologies components. The operationalization of these structural characteristics resulted in a 25-item index that forms the measurement tool developed. The 25-item index was constructed based on the review of prior literature to ensure content validity. The CAS measurement tool was administered to 384 active members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) through an online survey, and 234 useful responses were collected and analyzed to test the validity and reliability of the measurement tool. The researcher assessed the construct validity of the CAS measurement developed using the exploratory factor analysis, and the internal and external reliability using the Cronbach’s alpha test of consistency and test-retest statistics, respectively. The results of the study suggest that the CAS measurement tool developed has strong content and construct validity as well as high internal and external reliability. It is, therefore, believed that the tool would yield valid and reliable results when employed in the assessment of computerized accounting systems. The study is significant as it introduces a new approach to assessing the quality of accounting information systems in terms of their structural characteristics instead of qualitative characteristics such as perceived advantages and ease-of-use of the systems. Further research is suggested to confirm the validity and reliability of the CAS measurement tool presented in this study. Keywords: Accounting information systems, Automated data-processing, Automated reporting, Computerized accounting systems, Enhnacing technologies, Functional components, Internal controls, Relational database, Structural characteristics, Systems theory DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-16-05 Publication date: August 31 st 2020