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The Impact of Information Technology on the Accountancy Profession in Nigeria

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The Impact Of InformatiOn Technology On The Accountancy prOfessiOn In Nigeria
THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION IN NIGERIA

By: Idongesit Efiong Utah

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on assessing the impact of information technology on the Nigerian Accounting profession by examining four areas: Impact on the public and private sector, the challenges and reaction to the challenges posed by information technological innovation and information technologies enhancing effect on the Accounting profession.

INTRODUCTION

It is evident that we are in information driven age where information technology is a driving tool in the public and private sectors. The replacement of mainframe computers with personal computers which were affordable to most users has ushered us into an era of proliferation of information, speed of assess to and ability to disseminate information. The information technology revolution has brought about a drastic change in the business environment, its structure and the business process. Information technology has become a strategic tool that drives the strategic initiatives of organizations and businesses. Manual processes have been replaced with automated processes, routine bookkeeping and recording of financial information is being done electronically, and the ease and speed of transacting business has greatly increases. The accountant as a major player in the public and private sectors cannot afford to be left out. To function properly and competently the accountant must take the changes brought about by information technology in stride, the accounting professional must be proficient in the use of modern information technology tools in order to remain relevant , solve business problems and provide value added services to his clients in the public and private sectors.

In this paper we seek to assess

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