How Accounting Has Changed With Computers

Starting from early days of clay tokens to theintroduction of computers and accounting
development of the abacus, accounting can beapplications, the setting of accounting has changed
counted as one of the most important practicessignificantly. Emerging as a replacement for simple
performed in our old civilization. This practicepaper and pencil record, it has entirely redefined
gained its first recognition when commercialthe day-to-day procedure of accounting.
revolution took place and double-entryLooking at the present context, computers and
bookkeeping came into an existence.accounting application has in fact allowed
Approximately hundred years later, Luca Pacioli-accountants to make use of different electronic
one of the famous Franciscan monk, wrote downspreadsheets, which in turn has eliminated the
a mathematics book that highlighted threerequirement of adding machines, pencils, and
essential things required by merchants: adequatecalculators. In fact, today it has became much
cash or credit, an accounting system, and a goodeasier for accountants to maintain the proper
bookkeeper. And, today if we carefully study thetrack of information on a regular interval basis and
present scenario, accounting has emerged as oneeven eliminate mistakes if any in less time.
of the most promising career options. In fact,Ultimately, this has resulted in better accountability
these days many young aspiring students areand efficiency.
opting for accounting courses and thereforeApart from this, the computer is also accountable
joining accounting schools. However, if we talk infor changing the orthodox picture of accounting.
terms of changes that accounting as a practice orEarlier the field that was considered to be very
career has witnessed then technology will onetask oriented has transformed into a career that
essential element that has always played a majoris more different and flexible in working style. The
role.conventional overview of the accounting
Technology in accounting has always played a keyprofession needs a person who generally
part in maintaining proper record of numbers, andperforms all day maintaining of records is now a
solving different mathematical problems.history. These days, the modern accountant is
Inventions like Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Madridmore skilled with various accounting applications
or calculators are few examples that played keyand use computer to perform the daily accounting
part in making the task of accounting easier. Whiletask. This allows the accountant to execute its
there were few delicate transformations in theresponsibilities within minutes that earlier took
field of accounting, starting from its initial daysnumerous hours to complete. No doubt, the
through the 1970s, but finally with the introductioncomputer has changed the accounting career.
of the computer and accounting software, thingsThough there are some who are slightly upset
have drastically changed.that career openings or profiles of the past have
The introduction of computers has alteredbeen swapped by the usage of computers and
accounting in several ways. Previous to thesoftware, others are amazed and appreciating the
introduction of computers accounting was totallyintroduction of computers in accounting.
dependent on records that were maintained onNevertheless, there is still much employment
papers. Adding to this, there was a moderateprospect as there was 30 years ago. All that we
procedure of conducting accounting duties thatneed is to prepare ourselves for every change
generally translated from one department tothat is bound to come our way at regular
another within the company. However, with theintervals.