THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTING IN SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT (IN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT) (#3358)

1.0INTRODUCTION
This project is aimed at looking into the accounting profession in details and examining its role in societal development. A study of the evolution of accounting suggests that accounting processes are reactive because they have developed primarily in response to business needs.  Also the development of accounting process has been related to economic progress and societal development of a country. 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. It is also being used for analytical purposes such as forecasting, cost benefit, analysis, etc.  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.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Title pageiCertification DedicationiiiAcknowledgementivApproval ii
CHAPTER ONE1.0Introduction1.1Objective of Study1.2Significance of the study1.3Statement of Problem1.4Hypothesis1.5Scope and Limitation of the study1.6Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO2.0Review of Related Literature2.1Definitions of Accounting2.2Historical development of Accounting2.3Purpose of Accounting2.4Users of Accounting Information2.5Presentation of Accounting Information2.6Accountings Activities and Accounting Officers2.7Probity and Accountability – a Necessity for Societal Development2.8The Role of Accounting in Societal Development
CHAPTER THREE1.0Research Design and Methodology1.1Research Design1.2Area of Study1.3Types of Data used1.4Location of Data 1.5Method of Data collection1.6Determination sample size, population size and sample fraction.
CHAPTER FOUR4.0Data Presentation and Analysis4.1Presentation of Data4.2Method of Data Analysis and the Analysis itself4.3Tools for Data Analysis4.4Analysis of Data4.5Conversion of Data collected into figures4.6Test of Hypothesis4.7Statement of hypothesis one4.8Statement of Hypothesis two4.9Statement of Hypothesis three4.10Statement of Hypothesis four
CHAPTER FIVE5.0Summary, Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation5.1Summary of the Findings5.2Conclusions5.3RecommendationReferences