THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTING IN SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT (IN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT)

History shows that the higher the level of Civilization or development, this more elaborate and wider the accounting method becomes.

Since Picoli’s days to this present day, accounting has recorded a lot of tremendous changes and growth all over the universe. For instance during the first sixty years of the twentieth century, a major economic and societal force had thrown the accounting profession into new frontiers and responsibilities.  The factors contributing to this growth are the increase in the population of large corporate business in the affairs of business by way of taxation and business regulations, technological advancement especially in the area of computerization – which has rapidly changed the process of data procession.  These factors, to a great extent, have deeply contributed tot he development of the accounting profession over the years.

The role of computer in the accounting profession has facilitated the traditional functions such as payroll, cost accounting and general bookkeeping.

As professionals, accountants are expected to demonstrate a responsibility tot he public services above their commitment to personal economic gains.  Accountants recognize that the special esteem.  They enjoy obligates them to work for the improvement of society. Complimenting their obligation to society, accountants have analytical and evaluative skills needed in the solution of the over-growing problems of the universe.  The special abilities of accountants as well as their independence and ethical standards, permit them to make significant and unique contribution in such areas as protecting the public interest, preserving environment interest and controlling and improving public programmes.

In recent times, the work of accountants increased in scope. 

The reward as added to the accounting profession include installation of accounting system, auditing and investigation management of social activities and host of others.

It is also of importance to note that the increase in the scope of accounting give rise to complex problems, which accountants must encounter.  This is why competent accountants are needed in the various areas (i.e. to ease the accounting problems facing the management of companies and the society in general).

Apart from providing accounting information, the accountant also gives his opinion on a wide range of representations such as sales statistics, lease agreement, etc. or the fact that, accounting is not only for the good of the individual accountants have to be conscious of the society’s benefit.  This is because social responsibility and service tot he public is the major objective of the accounting profession.

Thus, there is the need for the accountants to develop a social attitude towards their profession.  Recall that the accountant is duty bound to exercise his duties with reasonable care, skill and diligence.  He must offer his integrity and reputation to the public, which relies on his judgment and pinion.