Use Of Computer In Recording Accounting Information, Problems And Prospects

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
In this present world, individual, business men, firms and government have
seen the effects of computer in the area of recording and safe keeping of
information,.
However, this computer cannot function unless the day-to-day business
activities are well documented and fed into it properly.
Every business set up has different levels of management and each of these
levels of management needs information to enable them make decision on
how the objective of the organization can be achieved likewise, the
government.
In Nigeria before the advent of computer, nearly all clerical works are, done
by paper and pen. This gives rise to
Mismanagement of stationeries.
Errors and omissions in accounting enterprises Monotonous work and tiredness and other, associated clerical
problems. But since the introduction of computer, problems are
minimized. Therefore, the use of computer in recording accounting
information in this modern world cannot be over sighted. In the past,
recording, filing and safekeeping of information was known as
“routine clerical work” but with the advent of sophisticated,
electronic business machines it is now known as “data processing”.
Today, no business can survive without the use of computer especially, in
recording accounting information.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
The problems of computerized accounting and computer are as follows:
a. DATA/INFORMATION INPUT:
“Garbage in garbage out” is a general phenomenon in
computer. Electronic computer has no self-judgment and as such
devoid of human errors becauseit’s what you feed into the
computer (input) that it gives out (output). For example, if one
feeds in wrong data into the computer, no matter how efficient the
programming may be, wrong output will be the outcome because
the computer has been misled.
b. COMPUTER LANGUAGE:
Computer has its own language and all data are programmed
and written in this special language. Therefore, it required a lot of
training without which computer will not make any meaning to the
users.
c. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Computer does not function effectively in a hot environment,
for this reason it requires huge amount in installing air-conditions
to enhance efficiency.
d. COST:
Small businesses cannot afford computer because it is costly
to buy and maintain which constitutes a bottleneck in getting
correct information and as such, the small businesses cannot
thrive in the present of the big ones.
e. AWARENESS:
Some individuals, business men, firms, and government are
not fully aware or do not know about the importance, advantages,
disadvantages, and in-depth problems/prospects study of the use
of computer in keeping accounting records and information.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This research work on “The use of computer in recording accounting
information, problems and prospects” is to investigate or require for the
following:
a. To make known the brief history of computer, understand some
important components of the computer, advantages, disadvantages,
and importance to users that is individuals, business men, firms, and
government as a part of awareness on computerized accounting.
b. To make known to small scale businesses affordability of computer in
that the cost of different types of computers that can help in recording
accounting information and transactions are made known to them so
that they could strive in the presence of the big businesses.
c. To make known users of computer in recording accounting
information to know how to keep computer running in a perfect
condition, the environment it’s to be kept in should be conducive and
cool for effective and efficient performance of the computer system.
d. To make known to users of computer in recording accounting
information to understand that there are languages that computers
understand and use, so therefore they should go for training in this
languages to enable them communicate perfectly with the computers.
e. To make known to the users of computer in recording accounting
information to make sure that the data/information we want to input
into the computer is correct, valid, trustworthy, and accurate so that
when we need back those information, we won’t get something else
from what we are looking for.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following are some of the questions the researcher would like to find
answer to in order for him to carry out the project effectively:
a. What made individuals, firms and government adopt computer
system?
b. What has been the effect of the use of computer on old and new staff?
c. ‘‘Routine clerical work” and “Data processing” which is more
economical?
d. What improvement has computer made to the general accounting
system in the firm and country?
e. What are the problems that generate from the use of computer?
f. What are needed to make computer use effective?
g. What effect has the use of computer in the labourmarket?
h. In modern accounting, can computer be left out in recording
information?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
The following hypothesis shall be treated in the coursed of carrying out this
research work:
1. HO: There is no significant relationship between the electronic data
processing approach and the manual system approach.
Hi: There is significant relationship between the electronic data
processing approach and the manual system approach.
2. HO: Computer has no positive effect in recording accounting
information.
Hi: Computer has positive effect in recording accounting information.
3. HO: Information from the computer is not always correct, reliable,
and accurate.
Hi: Information from the computer is always correct, reliable, and
accurate.
4. HO: Not all employees have access to programmed data.
Hi: All employees have access to programmed data.
5. HO: The use of compute has not cause unemployment.
Hi: The use of compute has cause unemployment

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study cannot be over-emphasis because of the
nature of modern day organizations. It is embarked on to poultry the
importance of computer of an organization with peculiar reference to
modern accounting system. These importances are stated down below:
i. The importance of this study is to make the accountants and the auditors
realize that computer should not see as an enemy but as an aid to
them and their business functions.
ii. This study is to help remove the in concept concealed by the junior
workers that computer introduction will lead to retrenchment of
workers which is a fallacy because without human being, computer
cannot work or operate.
iii. This research work will help disclose the benefits of computerized
accounting system with the understanding that if the third world
countries like Nigeria can undertake this system, they can compete
with the advanced countries.
iv. This will also help see accuracy and efficiency of work carried out as
well as increased productivity.
v. This research work will also help other renders and researchers to
widen their scope of knowledge academically, occupationally, socially
and economically as a base for other research work.

1.7 SCOPE, LIMITATIONS, AND DELIMITATIONS OF STUDY
1.7.1 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This project is designed to cover the use of computer in recording
accounting information by individuals, firms and government. But
generally, business organizations were concentrated upon with a case
study of Bendel feeds and flourmill, Edo state.
However, particular attentions were to the following areas.
i. Application and use of computer in financial accounting.
ii. The use of electronic computer in management decision making.
iii. The advantages derived in the use of computer.

1.7.2 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
It is the researcher’s desire to carry out an elaborate research work on the
selected topic for accuracy, reliability and efficiency. Also as an
indispensable data base for interested person or groups of persons. But
the following difficulties brought limitation to be:
I. LACKS OF COOPERATION FROM THE RESPONDENTS: The reluctance
of the officers of the organization involved to attend to the researcher
limited the researcher in getting full details.
ii. FINANCE: Inadequate finance was a core problem for the researcher
and this adversely delayed the progress of the work.
iii. SECRECY: Some information needed by the researcher is tagged
“Confidential” and this limited him from getting the information.
iv. TIME:The time available to complete and submit this research work is
too short; as such the researcher is limited to elaborate research.

1.7.3 DELIMITATION
The research work on the use of computer in recording accounting
information would have cover the importance it has contributed to
individuals, firms and government but, due to time availability, finance,
strenuous academicals, works all these sectors mentioned were not
reached, therefore, the researcher is limited to only business
organization [firms] with a case study of Bendel feeds and flour mill,
Ewu, Benin city.