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 31st 202

Pengaruh Anggaran Berbasis Kinerja, Sistem Akuntansi Keuangan Daerah, Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah Terhadap Penilaian Kinerja Satuan Kerja Perangkat Daerah (Studi Kasus Pemerintah Daerah Kota Surakarta)

This study aimed to examine the effect of performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system and financial management information systems on performance appraisal work unit area in Surakarta. The data in this study were collected by using a survey method with the help of a questionnaire research instruments totaling 70 pieces were distributed directly to 25 working units that exist in the upstream Surakarta addressed directly to the chief financial officer, treasurer, and staff compiler financial statements work on the local work force. The data in this study will be analyzed using multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS software version 17.0. To test the validity and reliability of research instrument used Pearson correlation and Cronvach Alpha. Besides, it is also done testing data normalization using a normal probability plot. The results of this study indicate that the performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system, financial management information systems and a significant positive effect on performance appraisal work unit area.The amount Adjusted R2 Performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system, financial management information systems area, performance assessment work unit area is 50.2%. While the remaining 49,8% is influenced by other variables that are not described in this stud

Pengaruh Anggaran Berbasis Kinerja, Sistem Akuntansi Keuangan Daerah, Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah, dan Penerapan Good Goverment terhadap Penilaian Satuan Kerja Perangkat Daerah (Studi Pemerintahan di Kabupaten Indragiri Hulu)

This study aimed to examine the effect of performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system, financial management information systems and the application of good government on performance appraisal work unit area in Indragiri Hulu.The data in this study were collected by using a survey method with the help of a questionnaire research instruments totaling 72 pieces were distributed directly to 24 working units that exist in the upstream Indragiri Hulu addressed directly to the chief financial officer, treasurer, and staff compiler financial statements work on the local work force. The data in this study will be analyzed using multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS software version 17.0. To test the validity and reliability of research instrument used Pearson correlation and Cronvach Alpha. Besides, it is also done testing data normalization using a normal probability plot.The results of this study indicate that the performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system, financial management information systems and the application of good government and a significant positive effect on performance appraisal work unit area.Keywords: Performance-based budgeting, the financial accounting system, financial management information systems area, the application of good government, performance assessment work unit are

Digitalization of Accounting: Implementation Features and Efficiency Assessment

The digitalization of accounting processes offers significant benefits, including increased efficiency and reduced errors in accounting data. However, the successful implementation of new and modernization of existing computer programs in the accounting system requires consideration of cost, technical, professional, and managerial factors. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative parameters that can form the basis for making decisions on the integration of automated accounting data processing, robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, or their combinations into existing systems for the full digitalization of accounting. The integration of software robots and artificial intelligence into accounting systems offers various benefits related to the creation of a non-standard environment where the generation, transfer, and exchange of traditional accounting information is accelerated and improved through the integration of data from other management systems and databases. These improvements contribute to the efficiency and reliability of the automated accounting system. The introduction of software components such as robotic process automation and artificial intelligence helps to free accounting staff from the routine of repetitive operations and ensures automatic prioritization and sequencing of accounting registration in the digital space. Integration of bots into an automated accounting system also facilitates document sharing and provides remote automated monitoring. This increases interaction between departments and improves control over operations that require additional attention from managers. To assess the effectiveness of such software solutions, the authors critically evaluate existing approaches to determining the qualitative indicators that are expected to be obtained after the introduction of software innovations and propose to supplement the performance criteria with quantitative indicators, among which are the time-saving ratio in document processing, the error rate and the resource-saving ratio. In conclusion, this study substantiates the need to consider quantitative parameters and coefficients that can be used to assess the effectiveness of implementing software solutions in automated accounting systems for the digitalization of financial information. The results emphasize the need for a holistic approach to assessing the effectiveness, reliability, and security of these solutions. Improved technical knowledge and training of accounting professionals in security assessment are crucial for the successful implementation and use of digitalization of accounting systems

Methodology for Assessing Reliability Growth Using Multiple Information Sources

The research presented here examines the assessment of the reliability of a system or product utilizing multiple data sources available throughout the different stages of its development. The assessment of the reliability as it changes throughout the development of a system is traditionally referred to as reliability growth, which refers to the discovery and mitigation of failure modes within the system, thereby improving the underlying reliability. Traditional models for assessing reliability growth work with test data from individual test events to assess the system reliability at the current stage of development. These models track or project the reliability of the system as it matures subject to the specific assumptions of the models. The contributions of this research are as follows. A new Bayesian reliability growth assessment technique is introduced for continuous-use systems under general corrective action strategies. The technique differs from those currently in the literature due to the allowance for arbitrary times for corrective actions. It also provides a probabilistic treatment of the various parameters within the model, accounting for the uncertainty present in the assessment. The Bayesian reliability growth assessment model is then extended to include results from operational testing. The approach considers the posterior distribution from the reliability growth assessment of the prior for the operational reliability assessment. The developmental and operational testing environments are not a priori assumed to be equivalent, and the change in environments is accounted for in a probabilistic manner within the model. A Bayesian reliability growth planning model is also presented that takes advantage of the reduced uncertainty in the combined operational assessment. The approach allows for reductions in the amount of demonstration testing necessary for a given level of uncertainty in the assessment, and it can also be used to reduce high design goals that often result from traditional operating characteristic curve applications. The final part of this research involves combining various sources of reliability information to obtain prior distributions on the system reliability. The approach presents a general framework for utilizing information such as component/subsystem testing, historical component reliability data, and physics-based modeling of specific component failure mechanisms

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN NATIONAL PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of internal control systems on financial accountability in national public secondary school in Kenya. The specific objectives were; to evaluate the effect of control environment on financial accountability, to determine the effect of control activities on financial accountability, to ascertain the effect of risk assessment on financial accountability to examine the effect of information and communication on financial accountability and to assess the effect of monitoring on financial accountability in national public secondary schools in Kenya. However, accountability is still wanting in some public secondary schools. The study was carried out in 103 national public secondary schools in Kenya. Survey research design was used on a population of 309 consisting of; 103 principals, 103 bursars, 103 BOM chairs. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to select principals, bursars and BOM chair. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires, while secondary data was collected through audited financial statements. Reliability of the research instruments was tested through Cronbach’s Alpha. Descriptive statistics comprised of frequencies; means, standard deviation and variance. Inferential statistics comprised of; Correlation analysis, ANOVA, regression analysis, testing for normality, autocorrelation and multicollinearity. The dimensions of internal control systems were found to have a significant joint effect on financial accountability. It was therefore recommended that the government should ensure that BOM have accounting knowledge and should be appointed based on integrity and ethical values. Segregation of duties should be strengthened with clear roles of the principal, bursar, other BOM members, storekeeper and other employees. Authorization of activities should be mandatory. Impromptu checks of ongoing projects and approved expenditure should be frequently done. The government should employ all principals and bursars on contract basis renewable only based on financial accountability. The government should interlink the schools bank accounts to a central accounting information system. The government should ensure through independent checks that the budgets and other financial statements are complete, reliable and correct. There should be frequent external audits by county auditors. JEL: H52; H75; I10 Article visualizations

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System Performance Report, FY2011

Agency Performance Repor