COMPUTER BASED ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM

1.1 Introduction

Computerized Accounting information is a system that increases the control and enhances the cooperation in the companies. Accounting information aids in profit making, budgeting and cost control. In a company, it is the duty of the management accountant to see that his company keeps good records and prepare proper financial regulations. Management accountants also need to keep up with the latest development in the use of computers and in the computer system design. Accountants provide many special reports for management, decision making. This function requires the gathering of both historical and projected data. The financial accounting information system is one that is well designed to facilitate the smooth, efficient and uninterrupted flow of data from the point where a transaction occurs through the various stages of data processing to the final stage, thereby culminating in a report.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

As information technologies grow more progressive, the manual accounting systems have become gradually inadequate for decision needs. Consequently, public and private sector firms in both developing and developed economies view computerized accounting information system (CAIS) as a vehicle to ensure effective and efficient information flow in the recording, processing, and analysis of financial data. Effective and efficient information flow enhances managerial decision-making, thereby increasing the firm’s ability to achieve corporate and business strategy objectives. This in turn, may increase the prospects of the firm’s survival (Platt and Platt, 2012).

Computerized Accounting Information (CAIS) denotes an electronic-based system that processes economic information and sup­ports decision tasks in the context of financial management and control of firm activities (Nicolaou, 2000). Borrowing from Rogers’ conceptual framework, the rate of adop­tion of Computerized Accounting Information (CAIS) is determined by five attributes: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. For example, Computerized Accounting Information (CAIS) that enhances planning and evaluation of the firm’s financial position and performance by processing economic data in a more reliable, relevant, understandable and comparable form to both internal and external stakeholders (Wood and Sangster, 2008) are more likely to be adopted and implemented by firms. Research suggests that CAIS promotes cost-effectiveness, ease of sharing knowledge, thereby improving operations and managers’ decision-making processes.

Chang (2011) asserts that computerized accounting information plays a significant role in enhancing organizational effectiveness in a global competitive environment. Financial statements still remain the most important source of externally feasible information on companies. In spite of their widespread use and continuing advance, there is some concern that accounting practice has not kept pace with rapid economic and high technology changes which invariably affects the value relevance of accounting information. The importance of Chang’s assertion is reinforced by massive accounting fraud in developed countries especially United States of America (USA), rapidly changing business environment and reports by some researchers that value relevance of accounting information has declined. However, a number of researchers claim that accounting information has not lost its value relevance.

Borthick and Clark (2009) believe that accounting exists because it satisfies a need − primarily a need for information. In order to be relevant, accounting data must among others, be quick to respond to users’ (particularly the investors) needs. Generally, investors are not in a situation to directly access the performance of companies in which they intend to invest. They usually depend on financial reports prepared by the management of such organizations. Financial report is one of the best sources of accounting information about a company. Financial reporting is an essential part of disclosure and helps investor to discover investment opportunities. The primary purpose of financial statements is to provide information concerning the financial situation of the company, its operational results, any changes of control in the company and cash flow. Hunton, (2012) study, which investigated the relationship between computerized accounting information system and organizational effectiveness; showed that there was strong relationship between accounting information system and organizational effectiveness, which means access to accounting information will lead to organizational effectiveness.

Access Bank Plc is a full service commercial Bank operating through a network of about 366 branches and service outlets located in major centres across Nigeria, Sub Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom. Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1998, the Bank serves its various markets through 4 business segments: Personal, Business, Commercial and Corporate & Investment banking. The Bank has over 830,000 shareholders including several Nigerian and International Institutional Investors and has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last ten years ranking amongst Africa’s top 20 banks by total assets and capital in 2011. As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant. Over the past 26 years, Access Bank Plc has transformed from an obscure Nigerian Bank into a world class African financial institution. Today, Access Bank is one of the five largest banks in Nigeria in terms of assets, loans, deposits and branch network; a feat which has been achieved through strong long-term approach to client solutions − providing committed and innovative advice.

Access Bank has built its strength and success in corporate banking and is now taking that expertise and applying it to the personal and business banking platform it acquired from Nigeria’s International Commercial bank in 2012. The last two years have been spent integrating the business, investing in the infrastructure and strengthening the product offer. As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant.

December 19, 1988: Access Bank was issued a banking license February 8, 1989: Access Bank was incorporated as a privately owned commercial bank May 11, 1989: Access Bank commenced operations at its Burma Road, Apapa Head Office March 24, 1998: Access Bank became a Public Limited Liability Company November 18, 1998: Access Bank listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange February 5, 2001: Access Bank obtained a Universal Banking License from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

1.3 Statement of Problem

Investigation revealed that poor accounting information jeopardizes administrative effectiveness, which makes managers of business organizations malnourished administratively in Nigeria. The consequence of this has been the current distressed syndrome that many organizations face. Many organizations need to learn to manage their intellectual assets (i.e. knowledge) in order to survive and compete in the knowledge society.

Effective knowledge of accounting information system is taken for granted in many business organizations and this in turn affects their level of growth. Many companies fold up because of ineffective accounting information system and lack of professional training of its members of staff and management of accounting practice. It is in view of these problems that this study is set to focus on the relevance of computerized accounting on business growth.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to Design and Implement a Computerized Accounting Information System. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to develop an application software that will:

1. Identify the relevance of computerized accounting information system for business growth;
2. Identify the benefits of having an efficient computerized accounting information system;
3. Assess the various application of accounting information system by banks; and
4. Determine out the role of information technology in enhancing the efficiency of accounting information system.

1.5 Significance of Study

The significance of the study is that it will bring to light the importance of computerized accounting information systems and the benefits associated with it. This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the Design and Implementation of a Computerized Accounting Information System. This study covers the relevance of proposed system for business growth in organization using Access Bank, Ikot Ekpene as a case study.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.8 Definition of Terms

Accounting: The activity, practice, or profession of maintaining the business records of a person or organization and preparing forms and reports for tax or other financial purposes

Efficiency: The ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or effort.

Information: Definite knowledge acquired or supplied about something or somebody.

Organization: A group of people identified by a shared interest or purpose, e.g. a business.

Accounting Information: The collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data that is used by decision makers.