Finance
Fact-checked

At SmartCapitalMind, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Accounting Information System?

Osmand Vitez
Osmand Vitez

An accounting information system is the system of methods and processes companies use to maintain information relating to business or financial transactions. Historically, this system involved paper ledgers, journals, and other financial reports. Business owners and accountants were responsible for actively using these ledgers and journals to maintain accurate financial records when running their business operations. The advancement of information technology has allowed companies to transform this accounting information system into an automated process using computers, servers, and accounting software.

The accounting cycle is a driving force in most company’s accounting information systems. This cycle includes identifying and analyzing transactions, creating and posting journal entries to the general ledger, preparing a trial balance, creating adjusting entries, preparing an adjusted trial balance, creating financial statements, finalizing accounts with closing entries, and generating a final trial balance and financial statements for the accounting period. These basic steps help companies develop their accounting information system, whether manual or computerized.

Man climbing a rope
Man climbing a rope

Accounting software packages usually consist of several different modules based on the traditional manual accounting process. Modules include general accounting, fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and other special modules. Each individual module creates a system where companies can move information through the accounting cycle steps. The ability to transfer this information electronically can improve the company's accuracy and timeliness for reporting financial information.

Computerized accounting systems often require company employees to focus more on reviewing the information gathered from various business departments rather than inputting business data. This system allows individual accountants to process more information in less time than traditional paper ledgers. Accounting software may also have automatic internal safeguards that check the accuracy and validity of financial information using an internal review process. This process often limits the amount of basic data entry errors and other nonsensical information from entering the accounting information system.

Companies may choose to use a hybrid accounting information system involving both manual and computerized accounting processes. Certain types of business or financial information, such as vendor invoices, payroll timesheets, and contractual agreements, may need to be reviewed by an accountant. Using a hybrid system can provide a better review process since accounting employees can question financial information and seek feedback before entering information into the accounting system. The manual review process may also be required by the company's internal controls. These internal controls ensure that no information is entered into a company's accounting software that is inaccurate or represents higher financial obligations than previously anticipated.

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

strawCake

@JaneAir - I have a friend who is about 15 years older than I am who used to have a job in a warehouse. And guess what that warehouse was for? It was for medical records that were on paper! I don't think very many warehouses like that exist anymore.

JaneAir

I can't even imagine trying to keep track of all that information just on paper. What if there was a fire or something? Not to mention the astronomical amount of space that would be necessary for storage!

I swear computers make everything so much easier.

allenJo

We use an accounting program in our small business and it’s been invaluable in helping us to track income and expenses, as well as handle all of our payroll related tasks and other financial operations.

What I like best is the separation of accounting functions into modules. This enables managers to focus only on the data that they need, making it easier for them to make the decisions that will make the business more cost effective and productive.

For example, there’s no reason that sales people have to sift through a lot of information that is unrelated to what they do in my opinion. That should be left to the company president or CEO. Salespeople can just use Sales Order and Inventory modules to get the information that they need.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Man climbing a rope
      Man climbing a rope