THE USE OF COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OVER THE MANUAL ACCOUNTING SYSTEM- A CASE STUDY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES, ASHANTI REGION

Abstract

This research study focuses on the use of computerized accounting systems by SMEs as opposed to manual accounting systems in Ghana. A systematic sampling method was used to select the sample of two hundred SMEs. This survey was restricted to two hundred SMEs in Ashanti Region, out of which seventy-five of them responded. The sampling was done as follows: Small and medium scale enterprises using computerized accounting system and Small and medium scale companies using manual accounting system. This research focuses on areas that are very important in Computerized Accounting System. These areas include; impact of computerized accounting on quality of service, the major benefits derived from using computerized accounting system, how the system help organization in reducing cost of operation, major factors considered by certain SMEs when choosing accounting software packages and performance of the computerized accounting system. The research concluded the impact of computerized accounting on quality of service has enhanced activities which increase productivity, efficiency and overall effectiveness in order to achieve higher performance in the organizations to reduce their cost of operating. Recommendations were that businesses should which do not use the system should adopt the system because of the tremendous impact it has on the businesses. Also businesses which are already using the system should liaise with the government to provide training and workshops to employees in order to upgrade their skills.