Effects Of Computerised Accounting Method And Control System On Production

The research topic of this study is "effects of computerised accounting method and control system on production- a study of selected banks in Enugu Metropolis. The purpose is to know whether the application of Computerized Accounting System superceeds that of manual Accounting System, and that if computerized Accounting System enhance higher turnover and profitability, and also whether a computerized accounting system is an effective means of keeping accounting records. The study population is 70 persons who are the members of the staff of the three major selected banks. Using the Taro Yamene"s formula the sample size calculated gave (60). The formulated hypothesis were tested using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical technique at 5% level of significance. The researcher also made use of primary methods of data collection which included questionnaire and personal interview. Also the secondary method of data collection used was gotten from official documents of the banks, various research work on computerized accounting system, accounting journals, textbooks and Caritas University Amorji - Nike, Emene, Enugu State library. Based on these, the researcher recommended that banks in Enugu Metropolis should channel most of their resources in the training and development of bankers and Accountants personnel in computerized accounting system related technology such as I.C.T to boost performance in their banking operations and their personnel. Also due to the widespread of computer trends and its dynamics nature, it is recommended that banks in Enugu metropolis who are still battling with manual system should adopt specifically the Computerized Accounting System.

Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Accounting is the art of recording, classifying, and summarizing in a sufficient manner and in terms of money, transactions, and events which are of a financial character and interpreting the results thereof.

The effects of computerized accounting is very easy to see in that, once the system is developed and install information, on any aspect of accounting is that financial information can be safely stored and retrieved as the need arises, for instance, manager of a firm may want the particulars of a debtor who has been owing for the past six (6) months and the computer will simply produce the information in just a matter of seconds, a work which could take about two weeks or more to accomplish where only manual systems of recording transactions is being used. It no gain saying that modern businesses are growing bigger and more complex everyday.

Manual system of recording financial information is no longer coping with the rate of sophistication and competition in these modern industries. Management needs timely information for planning and it is only computerized accounting method and control system that can supply all the needed financial information immediately at the close of accounting period. Many institution both commercial and private, especially banks are finding it increasing difficult to process their financial dated speedily and accurately enough to satisfy their numerous customers. Lack of effective method of financial information in any modern organization hinders management plans and the resultant effect is poor productivity and a negative goal of every firm which is to maximize profit.

The dream of most of our commercial and private firms today is computerized accounting method and control system. Firms are tired of hiring auditors to audit financial statement of the firm due of some certain vital accounting documents might be missing or improper records are kept. For effective and efficient production, management needs timely information for planning and forecasting, computerized Accounting System can give an effective solution to these problems.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study entitled the "Effects of Computerized Accounting Method and Control Systems on Production" attempt to determine the effects of automated accounting system on production.

There are numerous problems associated with the use of human labour alone to process accounting information. In many cases errors such as errors of commission and omission, aver-statement and under-statements of account have set organization back on their courses. Sometimes these mistakes are not discovered until a considerable loss has be caused to the firm. In calculations involving fractions many firm has loss a substantial sum of money due to error of miscalculation and the resultant effect on over all production in decrease in efficiency which many organization strive to attain. We have seen a good number of occasion where the trial balance or the balance sheet could not balance either because the account was over stated or under stated which subsequently lead to setting up of a suspense account.

Another problem associated with banks is the time wastage on cashing or cheque depositing or withdrawal on an account; we must have witnessed at one time or the other in the commercial banks where the customers were lamenting because of the delay on the part of the bank workers to give the customer timely service. It is said that time is money and as such no person would like to spend a whole at bank just to withdraw money, a thing which could be done with five minutes if the accounting system is computerized.

The researcher is also looking into the problem of difficulty in assembling accounting information especially when subjected to pressures are bound to make mistakes which in many occasion made firm to suffer loss. Also human being is subject to fatigue and any work done under such condition is likely to contain errors.

In summary. Based on the problems identified above , the use of clerical effort alone to process accounting information will produce result full of errors which eventually leads to of profits., inadequate information for management planning, loss of time and general decrease in over all economic growth of the nation. These as enumerated are not surmountable if appropriate system is applied and only that can provide adequate solution is computerized accounting system.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study.

By purpose of the study the researcher means the prime objective he has in mind. One of the objectives is to create awareness on the use of computer to process accounting information and the ultimate benefits accruing there from.

Many people and organization have the notion that if business transactions are computerized, it will lead to more unemployment problems but it is not true. Country like the USA has a far lesser unemployed graduates than Nigeria, yet USA has computerized almost everything they do including business and non business aspect of life, making use of digital and non digital computers.

Again there are numerous benefits currently enjoyed by the organization using computerized accounting system, every other organizations, both the big and small ones should equally share in such benefits, since what is good for the is also good for the gender.

The question is "how can small firms which cannot afford to buy a computer of their own enjoy the benefits of using computer to process their business transactions?" the answer has already been stated in earlier part of this chapter and that is by commercializing the use of computers to process

The objectives of this study are:-

To determine he relationship between the application of the manual accounting system and the computerized accounting system in the banking system.

To find out, whether the effect of computerized accounting system enhances higher turnover (volume of operation) and profitability in banks.

To examine the impact of using computer to keep accounting records.

1.4 Research Questions.

To be able to achieve the above purposes, some questions would be asked which help the researcher to gather the necessary information needed, they are:

Are there any relationship between the manual accounting system and the computerised accounting system in the banking industry?

Also can computerized accounting system enhance high turnover and profitability in banks?

Finally, What are the effects of using computers to keep accounting records?

1.5 Significance of the Study.

Most banks have growth and continuity as part of their objective, and such objectives are best realized by an efficient management, as well as effective computerized accounting system. This has made it possible for banks to gain inherent advantage while minimizing risks involved in their daily operations.

This research project will therefore be of immense advantage or benefit to the management of banks, computers and other business organization using computerized accounting system. Hence, the theories and concept contained therein can be infused into their management system.

This research will also contribute to enhance efficiency in the following ways;

Speedy and accurate decision making through the use of computerized accounting system.

Improvement in the delivery and quality service.

The banks profitability will be improve.

Firstly, in the realm of academic, the project will be very useful to wide audience as it applies to courses in accountancy, banking and finance as well as executive development courses, management seminars and supervisory workshop conducted in colleges and universities.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study.

The scope of the study is restricted to examining the effect of computerized accounting system on the performance of banking industries such as, Diamond bank plc, Eco bank plc and First bank plc all in Enugu metropolics of Enugu state.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Audit Trial:

A technique that made it possible to retrace processing of data in all other to charge, add or delete records in a file.

Blocking:

The storage of more than one term in a record.

Complier:

A programming system applied by a manufacturer to convert a programme written in an automatic language into machine language.

Expert System:

A computer system which embodies some of the experienced and specialized knowledge of an expert. it enables a non-expert to achieve comparable performance to an extent in the field.

Application Packages:

These are computer programmes written for the purpose of carrying out specific task for individuals or organizations with similar or related needs.

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.0 Summary of Findings

The effects of computerised accounting method and control system on production, was the study carried out by the researcher in this research exercise. Selected banks in Enugu Metropolis formed the focus of this study.

The researcher study in consideration of its objectives had made some useful findings from the data collected through personal interviews, questionnaire administration and library research and also from the hypothesis formulated and tested.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, a summary of the findings made are as follows:-

There is a relationship between the application of the computer and manual system in the accounting system of the banking industry. This was found to be true because the application of a computerized accounting system in banking operations aids quick customer services decision making process and quality performance than in manual accounting system. Also, the installation of accounting software in the computer, processes data and creates reports much faster than manual system which is slow.

It is evident that the impact of computerized accounting system enhances higher turnover and profitability in banks. Through this was corroborated by the test carried out, it was observed that some banks in Enugu Metropolis are yet to take advantage of the excellent benefits provided by it, as such this reports from banking operations carried out have remained uninterested and unreliable.

It is evident that the computerized accounting system is an effective means of keeping accounting records.
This is because computerized accounting system provides a means for them to record; very high volume of transactions with the great speed and financial and prepare a wide range of detailed financial report. It also provides management with current account balance information since balance is posted as the transactions occur.

Other findings include:

The application of computerized accounting system is effective in strengthening the control system and accountability in banks.

There is co-ordination in the entire banking operations through the use of computerized accounting system.

5.2 Conclusion

Computerized Accounting System which is technically known as Electronic Data Processing [EDP] accounting system is an integrated, computer - based used machine system which allows the user to enter the transaction into the program once and all accounts are updated as necessary. It is also a specialized machine system use in gathering information. It also provides information for decision making functions and has been of tremendous benefits not only in banks also to all manner if firms and organizations. Computerized accounting system has helped in facilitating the provision of timely, quick customer service delivery, accurate and reliable information, required by them ie. (banks and other firms and organizations).

It has also brought about quality performance in banking operations by abiding by the accounting instructions and guidelines which help them to minimize risk/challenges that are likely to be encountered in the course of their duties as well as evolves adequate measures to combat such challenges and achieve success.

Though the cost of maintenance and designing an effective computerized accounting system and the purchase of the associated facilities needed for it is high, if the banks are well committed to improving their performance and enhancing higher quality of work performed for higher profitability, they should go for it as well as ensure that the recommendations are rigidly followed.

5.3 Recommendations

From the findings of this study the following recommendations are therefore made to enhance the performance by banks in their banking operations in Enugu metropolis.

The recommendations are:-

Banks in Enugu metropolis should take advantage of the excellent benefits derivable from the adoption of well designed computerized accounting system. This will help them to achieve a high and acceptable standard of quality in the performance of their banking operations.

Banks in Enugu metropolis should channel reasonable proportion of their efforts and resources to the training and development of their bankers and accountants personnel (manpower development) through seminars, workshops and the use of computer. Accounting system so as to promote efficiency in banking operatives and in their statement of financial position ensure accurate timely and much easier and reliable for use.

Due to the dynamic nature of computerized Accounting system, and in line with the present global computer trends of events which is now widespread and mostly known as

Computer Age". It is recommended than banks and other firms and organizations that are still in the operations of manual system of accounting to adopt specifically the computer based/Electronic Data processing (EDP) accounting system and this will in no small way aid in quick customer services delivery, produce a wide range of detailed report at short interval and provide management with current information to support decision making and aids collection storage, retrieval, communication and adequate security of information from unauthorized persons or fraudulent purpose and for the purpose of efficient performance and management and the achievement of the terms of their objectives.

Banks in Enugu Metropolis should as a matter of necessity and duty strive to incorporate the attributes of a well developed and effective computerized accounting system in the implementation of these quality performance that are stated in form of accounting principles which are important because they provide the conceptual guidelines for application of the basic accounting system. Also they give the measurement, recording and reporting phases of their accounting information processing cycle.

They way computer trends is widespread, the way also computer frauds and problems is also widespread I recommend that "Green Computing" strategies to be use to reduce to problem the computer have on our environment. Green Computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer strategies that support green computing include recycling, regulating manufacturing process, extending the life of computers and immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers.

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