Information systems specialists are not equipped to know what financial personnel need in an
accounting information system. Accountants are equipped with that knowledge, and many of
them also understand some of the technical aspects of the AIS. Accountants need to be
involved in the design of the system because they know each aspect of the system and how it
all works together, and how the general ledger works to create financial reports that are
accurate.
Accountants need to be involved in the design process, which includes the DFD (data flow
diagram). The DFD shows the data sources, flows, transformation processes, storage, and
destinations of data. All of this is crucial to getting financial reports that are accurate. Using
DFD’s will show weaknesses in the system and give everyone the opportunity for corrections
before going live. (Romney, 2020).
Accountants should write policies and procedures, including the design, for information
technology to adhere to while implementing the AIS, as well as for other users in the company
that need to be aware of protocols and functions of the system. The accountant is the one that
knows the accounting system from beginning to end and what controls need to be in place and
what roles need what access or reporting functions. The policies and procedures should be
updated periodically, as well as anytime changes are made to the accounting system, and
distributed to staff in a timely manner. This way anyone in the accounting chain will be aware
of any changes made to the system or any new or revised controls that are put in place.
Accountants should prepare management reports to review with business owners to determine
how different business segments are performing, allowing for changes to be made if necessary.
The things that can show up in these reports include comparison of different business
segments, different product categories, pricing, and staff performance. (Financial, n.d.).
Financial reports vs. management reports: what’s the difference?. (n.d.). Growth force.
https://www.growthforce.com/blog/financial-reports-management-reports-differences
Romney, M. B., Steinbart, P. J., Summers, S. L., & Wood, D. A. (2020). Accounting Information
Systems
(15th ed.). Pearson Education (US).
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780135573082
