Situmorang, P.P. (2017) expressed their view that the usage of computerized accounting system has shown a marginal increase in profitability of banks compared with when banks were using manual system of accounting. Ruivo, P., Oliveira, T. and Neto, M. (2012), ERP use and value: Portuguese and Spanish SMEs, Industrial Management and Data Systems, Vol. 9, pp. 1, pp. 4, pp. Wen, Y. The three main parties SMEs, higher educational institutions (HEI) and tax authorities strategize on encompassing the use or adoption of accounting software by accounting professional in SMEs. Ganyam, A.I. Omani students learn theoretical knowledge of basics of accounting. Baporikar (2020), Idota et al. 244, p. 118712. 10,304,095, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC. and Ahmed, E.R. 2 No.
Ahmed, E.R., Alabdullah, T.T.Y., Thottoli, M.M. 1, pp. The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of knowledge and use of accounting software among small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Oman. We still have a vast majority of SMEs in Oman using only books for recording their day-to-day accounting transactions. 2, pp. The primary finding increases the importance of ICT knowledge and use or adoption of accounting software by SMEs for accounting literature. Lee, L., Kerler, W. and Ivancevich, D. (2018), Beyond Excel: software tools and the accounting curriculum, AIS Educator Journal, Vol. 28, pp. 112 No. (2012), Competitive advantages through IT innovation adoption by SMEs, Socialins technologijos/Social Technologies, Vol. Ibrahim, F., Ali, D.N.H. Initially, Ministry of Higher Education in Oman should ensure that the curriculum for graduating students includes proper theoretical as well as practical training on generalized accounting software. Rahman, M.M., Ahammed, M., Uddin, M., Rouf, M. and Uddin, M.M. SMEs face various issues in implementation of ICT, such as inadequate financial resources, availability of inexperienced ICT employees, insufficient knowledge and skilled/experienced employees in the job market. (2020) and Ashrafi and Murtaza (2013), which found that the knowledge of accounting principles and accounting software leads to the adoption of accounting software in SMEs. Arcega, C.K., Datinguinoo, E., Guerra, J., Guno, C., Mayuga, H.J., Villamena, E. and Manongsong, J.L. and Marin-Pantelescu, A. Ibrahim et al. Small business owners think that keeping accounting records are not required and gives less need or important to expose their financial position. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode. 10 No. Further, the paper elucidated the significance of knowledge of accounting software and evaluated the relationship between knowledge and its adoption or use of accounting software among SMEs in Oman. It manages all its accounting in purchases, sales, profits, losses and other related project. This result is consistent with some of the previous studies (Turner et al., 2020; Janvrin et al., 2008; Hostrom and Hunton, 1998). Ibrahim et al. According to interviews and literature review, this research identifies the variables to be analyzed, the knowledge of accounting software and use or adoption of accounting software among SMEs accountants. 4 No. Blankley, A., Kerr, D. and Wiggins, C. (2019), An Examination and analysis of technologies employed by accounting educators, The Accounting Educators' Journal, Vol. 12 No. Imparting knowledge of the accounting software to the employees will be reinforced so that they use computerized accounting. 16, pp. Bakr, S.A. (2020), The Adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Doctoral dissertation, Royal Holloway, University of London. and Esmero, A. Huy, P.Q. (2019), Effect of board size and duality on corporate social responsibility: what has improved in corporate governance in Asia?, Journal of Accounting Science, Vol. 1, pp. 5 No. Dalci, . and Tani, V.N. Negative effects of the usage of accounting software are increased cost, lack of education on the benefits of the usage and lack of knowledgeable personnel. and Ivanov, E.A. (2020) and Amanamah et al. 158-161. 2, pp. In addition, accounting controllers think employing an ERP system leads to modifications in the role of accountants (Chen et al., 2012). The advantages include increased reliable and accurate financial reports and faster access of financial data, and it ensures fairly improved generation of accounting information through financial statements (Gkten and zdoan, 2020; Ghasemi et al., 2011). 1-8. Cadez and Guilding, 2008; Jalaludin et al., 2011) are in agreement with the results of the approach analysis; in the third phase of the discussion with interviewees, the participants were requested to comment on the results regarding the effect of knowledge of accounting software on various accountants who work in SMEs in Oman. This research would be useful to SMEs to enhance the knowledge and use of accounting software among accounting professionals, as the study findings indicated that accounting software and ERP significantly affect efficiency and effectiveness in the field of professional accounting. Chen, H.J., Yan Huang, S., Chiu, A.A. and Pai, F.C. (2019c), Examining the impact of informaiton communication technology on auditing professionals: a quantitative study l, Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and Control Systems, Vol. 11 No. 1-9. 581-609. 1-11. With this training, the students should get acquainted with the use and knowledge of organizational customized accounting software which helps them to know automated process of applicable IFRS and Oman's proposed implementation of VAT of 2021. Besides, conducting such study in the field of SMEs gives novelty in the literature between SMEs and developing economies. 83-101. Senft, S., Gallegos, F. and Davis, A. According to Damerji (2020) and Chao and Chandra (2012), the knowledge of accounting software and its adoption are critical, and owner's knowledge of IT was found to be a significant predictor of adoption of traditional IT, as well as IT strategic alignment and Internet know-how, while controlling for differences in organizational attributes (age, size, affiliation industry and strategic attention). SME: Since there is no standard definition for SMEs, this research has taken on the following meanings of SMEs. 21-51. Oduro, S. (2020), Exploring the barriers to SMEs' open innovation adoption in Ghana, International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. (2019a, b, c) found in their study that ICT has a significant impact on the auditing practices. Tychalas, D. and Karatza, H. (2020), A scheduling algorithm for a fog computing system with bag-of-tasks jobs: simulation and performance evaluation, Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, Vol. 2, pp. (2020), The impact of Public Sector Scorecard adoption on the effectiveness of accounting information systems towards the sustainable performance in public sector, Cogent Business and Management, Vol. Further, this study can be extended to categorize SMEs into partnership, LLP and sole proprietorship and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of using accounting software or ERP with traditional method of recording accounting transactions. Most of the accounting software are user-friendly for accountants, which resulted in functioning of accounting tasks on a daily basis, in a timely manner and accurately (Xu, 2020; Fowzia and Nasrin, 2011; Musa and Abu, 2005). Damak-Ayadi et al. 1, 012021. Prior to the 21st century, most organizations preferred traditional method of recording accounting transactions, which, of course, is very time-consuming and involves too much paperwork (Kumar, 2020). This means, the study has established a good professional experience with the interviewees to develop the quality of the interview questions and thus improve the analysis, and considered follow-up questions and explanations where required. Undoubtedly, it is no secret that technology has evolved to the extent that no current business enterprise can operate without it (Huy and Phuc, 2020; Thottoli, 2020; Situmorang, 2020; Ramazani et al., 2012). and Copeland, M.K. 1, pp. Yu, X., Zheng, H., Sun, L. and Shan, Y. Hassan, H. (2020), Factors influencing cloud computing adoption in small medium enterprises, Journal of Information and Communication Technology, Vol. In addition, the researchers can study various other challenges current accounting professionals face in order to invent customized accounting software which can support recording of accounting transactions of SMEs and to generate budget reports and cash flow statements that could manage SMEs financial operations. The professional accountant should have sufficient knowledge of various accounting software (Mustafa, 2020) to identify and post various items in ledgers, which comes under financial statements, and to ensure fairness of financial statement. (2014), Factors affecting the performance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in the post-implementation stage, Behaviour and Information Technology, Vol.
Ocampo, L., Alarde, R.M.B., Kilongkilong, D.A. (2020), Alabdullah et al. This accounting software or ERP should support majority of local SMEs in Oman. 1, pp. 84-96. Amanamah, R.B., Morrison, A. and Asiedu, K. (2016), Computerized accounting systems usage by small and medium scale enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, Vol. Kumar, P.N. As per the limited knowledge of the researcher, there are no previous qualitative study that used and empirically examined the relationship between knowledge and use of accounting software among accounting professionals of SMEs in Oman. 1-15. Pillay, P. (2016), Barriers to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption and use Amongst SMEs: A Study of the South African Manufacturing Sector, (Doctoral Dissertation). Do not find a program that suits the level of a commercial project. (2017), Adoption of online marketing for service SMEs with multi-criteria decision-making approach, Handbook of Research on Intelligent Techniques and Modeling Applications in Marketing Analytics, IGI Global, pp. 4 No. (2020), Impact of financial inclusion on performance of banks in Nigeria, Fountain University Osogbo Journal of Management, Vol. The reason for such issues is lack of expertise knowledge in basic accounting, lack of knowledge in generally accepted accounting principles and lack of applicable tax regulation. Alternatively, Ibrahim et al. (2020) and Jinga et al. 3, pp. (2020), Technological improvement in accounting system through cloud computing, Our Heritage, Vol. (2020) and Amahalu et al.
22 No. This was one of the barriers of economic growth of China. (2019b), Adoption of audit software by audit firms: a qualitative study, Journal of Information and Computational Science,Vol. Hence, improving the level of accounting policies and other related information of SEMS is essential (Yu et al., 2020; Wen, 2020; Zhou, 2010). There could be different causative factors for adoption of accounting software by SMEs which can be examined in further studies; there is a need for additional analysis to confirm these leads to different contexts. 13 No. SMEs face lack of ICT skilled employees for adopting accounting software for recording accounting transactions. Moreover, it is suggested for future studies to apply quantitative methods such as case studies, specifically moderators, and each of the independent variables to better understand the customized accounting software in SMEs. 1, pp. 1 No. Jimoh et al. Wadesango, O.V. 13 No. 8, pp. 7 No.
3, pp. This study has used qualitative approach. 12 No. 19 No. Ashrafi, R. and Murtaza, M. (2013), ICT adoption in SME in an Arab GCC country: Oman, Small and Medium Enterprises: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, IGI Global, pp. 97-122. (2018), The role of accounting information in the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe: a case of Harare, Journal of Business and Management (DRJ-JBM), Vol. Freshly graduated students must have practical knowledge acquisition about accounting software and its usage. Nikoli, G., Vitenberg, V. and Karanovi, B. Ghasemi, M., Shafeiepour, V., Aslani, M. and Barvayeh, E. (2011), The impact of Information Technology (IT) on modern accounting systems, Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. and Maryanti, E. (2020), Does corporate governance predict firm profitability? Most of the SMEs are not maintaining complete accounting records. Professional accountant should also have adequate practical experience to use generalized accounting software such as Tally, Peachtree and QuickBooks. 1008-1025. As there are no specific studies that examine the knowledge and use of accounting software among SMEs in Oman, there is no clarity regarding the accounting practices that accountants follow in an ICT-enabled or accounting software environment. 28 No. Besides, it is suggested for impending studies to use quantitative methods, for instance, case studies specifically on moderators, and each of the independent variables to better comprehend the adoption of accounting software by SME organizations for recording day-to-day accounting transactions. Knapp, K. (2019), U.S. Patent No. 90-98. The respondents indicated that these determining aspects, which have been stated, have played a very serious role in determining selection and use of accounting software structure for accounting in various SMEs in Oman, thus enhancing the accounting practices. Pulakanam, V. and Suraweera, T. (2010), Implementing accounting software in small business in New Zealand: an exploratory investigation, Accountancy Business and the Public Interest, Vol. Jimoh, A.T., Shittu, A.T. and Attah, J.A. 3, p. 5. (2020), Accounting information systems (AIS) in SMEs: towards an integrated framework, International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management (IJABIM), Vol. 1, pp. (2012) and Ruivo et al.
33 No. 267-284. Lin, Z.J., Xiong, X. and Liu, M. (2005), Knowledge base and skill development in accounting education: evidence from China, Journal of Accounting Education, Vol. 1 No. Another view of Tychalas and Karatza (2020) and Arcega et al. Shaffer, K.J., Gaumer, C.J. Bashorun et al. 149-169. Journal of Industry - University Collaboration, Article publication date: 2 December 2020. One of the interviewees expressed their concern about the use of accounting software requiring theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting standards or IFRS and accounting software in order to record day-to-day business transactions, Accounting software is a software designed specifically to help an accountant or entrepreneur. 1, pp. (2020), Ibrahim et al. Thus, this improved customized accounting software or ERP in SMEs will definitely improve their proficient way of handling daily recording of business transactions, the approach of accounting practices by SMEs and consequently improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SMEs accountants that will lead to generate automated fair financial statements and other related reports such as cash flow statements and budgetary report. This research consequently has assessed this phenomenon and analyzed literature in an effort to determine the knowledge and use of accounting software and evaluated the relationship between the accounting practices and SMEs in Oman. and Besar, N.S.A. Mustafa, M.R. (2012), Impact of owner's knowledge of information technology (IT) on strategic alignment and IT adoption in US small firms, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. and Ahn, H.J. 112 No. (2020), The effect of system quality and information quality on the satisfaction of user enterprise resource planning-system application and product in data processing (ERP-SAP) with perceived usefulness as a variable moderating in PTPN III (persero) unit of labuhan, International Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Finance, Vol. and Dahiru, G. (2020), Cloud computing and academic libraries in Nigeria, Handbook of Research on Digital Devices for Inclusivity and Engagement in Libraries, IGI Global, pp. 87-103. Most of the respondents (three out of six) agreed that the aspects, namely, theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting software and knowledge of using accounting software such as Tally/ Quick Books/ Peachtree/ ERP/ Generalized accounting software/ Excel/ and so forth among accounting professionals of SMEs in Oman were considered as vital contributors which lead to practical use of accounting software among SMES in Oman. The results have further revealed that the knowledge of customized accounting software or ERP exerts a significant impact on the use or adoption of accounting software in current accounting practices of SMEs. Also, this existing study may help assist the policymakers, especially by Ministry of Oman, tax authorities in Oman, higher educational institutions and government in particular, to set right and consider policies linked to the knowledge of basics of accounting and knowledge of use of accounting software or ERP. The study has brought about a new discussion on the importance of information communication technology (ICT) knowledge and use or adoption of accounting software by SMEs for accounting literature. Kapurubandara, M. and Lawson, R. (2006), Barriers Adopting ICT and E-Commerce with SMEs in Developing Countries: An Exploratory Study in Sri Lanka, 9 December, 2006, CollECTeR '06, Adelaide, available at: http://www.collecter.org/archives/2006_December/07.pdf (accessed 13 March 2008). 4, pp. 4, pp. 7 No. (2005), Critical information and communication technology (ICT) skills for professional accountants, Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 98-124. They suggested that the knowledge of Excel should be included in university accounting programs, since Excel is the most frequently utilized software / tool by majority SMEs. Thus, there is a strong relationship between the knowledge of basic accounting (including knowledge of IFRS) and use or adoption of accounting software to record day-to-day accounting transactions. (2020) and Everaert et al. Mohammed Muneerali Thottoli can be contacted at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JIUC-04-2020-0005, http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode, http://www.FEB.UGent.be/fac/research/WP/Papers/wp_06_403.pdf fromhttp://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=6&did=1194660571&Srch, http://www.collecter.org/archives/2006_December/07.pdf. 4 No. The rationale for selecting the respondents was their experience and basic knowledge in accounting and accounting software and their practical knowledge and its applications within the selected SMEs in Oman. 33 No. Ashrafi and Murtaza (2008) in their study provided that only a very a smaller number of SMEs in Oman are aware of the available accounting software and its adoption. (2020) and Pulakanam and Suraweera (2010) analyzed and found that small businesses, while implementing small business accounting software, face many barriers, such as nonuser-friendly and non-availability of software vendors support and guidance (Bakr, 2020). and Ivungu, J.A. 10, pp. However, SMEs in China face many problems as a result of no implementation of accounting policies. Rudzani, S. and Manda, D.C. (2016), An assessment of the challenges of adopting and implementing IFRS for SMEs in South Africa, Problems and Perspectives in Management, Vol. This method has been applied by selected accountants who work in SMEs in Oman.