Kerala Plus One Accountancy Notes Chapter 10 Applications of Computers in Accounting
Summary:
Meaning of a Computer:
The computer is an electronic device capable of performing a variety of operations as desired by a set of instructions.
Elements of a Computer System:
- Hardware
- People
- Data Connectivity
- Software
- Procedure
Capabilities of a Computer:
- Speed
- Reliability
- Storage
- Accuracy
- Versatility
Need for Computers in Accounting:
The advent of globalisation has resulted in a rise in business operations. Consequently, every medium and large-sized organisations require well-established information system in order to generate information required for decision making and achieving the organisational objectives. This made Information technology to play a vital role in supporting business operations.
MIS and Accounting Information System:
A management information system provides information necessary to take decisions and manage an organisation effectively. Accounting information system on the other hand identifies, collects, processes and communicates economic information about an entity to a wide variety of users.
Accounting Reports:
Information supplied to meet a particular need is called a report. An accounting report must fulfil the following conditions:
- Relevance
- Timeliness
- Accuracy
- Completeness
- Summarisation
Computerised Accounting System:
A computerised accounting system is an accounting information system that processes the financial transactions and events to produce reports as per user requirements. It is based on the concept of database and has two basic requirements:
- Accounting framework and
- Operating Procedure.
Advantages of Computerised Accounting System:
- Speed
- Reliability
- Scalability
- Efficiency
- MIS Reports
- Storage and Retrieval
- Accuracy
- Up-to-date
- Legibility
- Quality Report
- Real-time user interface
- Motivation and Employees interest
- Automated document production
Limitations of Computerised Accounting System:
- Cost of training
- Disruption
- Breach of security
- Inability to check unanticipated errors
- Staff Opposition
- System failure
- III-effects on health
Categories of Accounting Packages:
- Ready-to-Use
- Tailored
- Customised