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CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS

4.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the results in reference to objectives in chapter one. Age of respondents, Education level of respondents, Range of years worked at Britania Allied Industries by respondents, the various ICT applications used in the accounting, the reasons for applying ICT in accounting process and to examine the effect of ICT application on accounting processes at Britannia Allied Industries.

4.1 Findings on general information

4.1.1 Findings on the Gender of respondents

Depending on the sample of respondents that was taken, below is the table showing the gender distribution.

Shows the findings on the gender of the respondents

Source: primary data

Table above shows that 60% of respondents were male and 40% were female. This means that the biggest percentage of respondents and employees in the organization that were sampled were male. These results also indicates that the researcher got information from all the gender and therefore the information was got from all the genders and this also shows that research was not based.

4.1.3 Findings on the age of respondents.

The age groups of the respondents were represented as shown below;

Table 4.1.3: Shows findings on age of the respondents age

Source: primary data

Figure 1: Pie Chart Showing Age Category of Respondents

The table and pie-chart above shows that 33% of the respondents are in the age group of 18-29 while 50% of the respondents are in the ages of 30-39 while the remaining respondents of 17% are in the ages of above 40 years. This showed that respondents between the age 30-39 dominated all therefore are still in an active range therefore can give sound and clear responses in relation to the questions which gives accuracy in data collected. The results also further indicates that the researcher was able to get information from mature respondents who could understand the questions asked.

4.1.3 Findings on the education level of respondents.

The education levels of the respondents were as shown in the table below;

Table 4.1.4: Shows findings on education level of respondents

Source: Primary Data

From the findings above the table this implies that the degree holders are able to give reliable information about the topic since they have enough knowledge and qualifications.

4.1.5 Findings on the number of years respondents have worked at Britania Allied Industries.

The number of years respondents have worked with Britania Allied Industries is as shown in the table below;

Showing the number of years respondents have worked at Britania Allied Industries.

Source: Primary Data

The table shows that majority of the respondents have worked for the time period of 6-10 years and therefore have much knowledge about the organization thus can give adequate information.

Bar Graph Showing Number of Years the Respondents have Worked at Britania Allied Industries

The bar graph above shows that majority of the respondents have worked between  the range of 6-10 years this shows that  the majority of the respondents have enough knowledge on the operations of Britania Allied Industries and therefore they were able to give detailed information regarding the topic.

Then the least of respondents have worked there for 10 years and above however those that have worked between 3-5 years are more than them.

4.2 various ICT applications used in the accounting at Britannia at Britania Allied Industries.

The Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes at Britania Allied Industries are summarized in the table below;

Table 4.2.1: Shows the Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes.

Source: Primary Data

The results in the study indicates that majority 40% of the respondents hold the view that  Microsoft excel is used in accounting tasks, 26.7% agreed and only 6% strongly disagreed. From this finding the respondents therefore indicate that Microsoft excels is used in solving accounting tasks at Britania Allied Industries.

The results in the study further indicates that majority 40% agreed and only 13% disagreed that Electronic point of sale can be used in accounting. These results shows that most of the respondents hold the view that electronic point of sales can be used in accounting.

The result indicates that majority of the respondents hold the view that Microsoft power point is essential in accounting since 50% strongly agreed and only 17% strongly disagreed. These findings in the study further demonstrate that Microsoft power point is used at Britania in accounting.

The findings in the study further demonstrates that 60% of the respondents hold the view that the use of Electronic data interchange is essential in accounting and only 13% of the respondents disagreed. This result also further indicates that EDI is essential in accounting practices at Britannia Allied Industries.

The findings in the study further indicates that majority 60% of the respondents hold the view that Tally can be used for accounting . This results further shows that Britania Allied industries uses Tally in accounting practices.

The findings in the study further shows that 50% of the respondents hold the view that Quick books is used to help in accounting only 6.7% of the respondents strongly disagreed. This results further shows that most of the respondents aware of the use of Quick books in accounting.

The study results also indicates that 60% of the respondents indicates that most of the respondents strongly agreed that Enterprise resource planning is essential for use in accounting only 13% disagreed. This results indicates that ERP is used in accounting practices at Britannia Allied industries.

The results in the study indicated that majority 50% of the respondents hold the view that image processing technology is used in accounting. The results further demonstrates that none of the respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The findings in the study further shows that 100% of the respondents hold the view that AREN register is used accounting. This results further for shows that all the respondents agreed that AREN register is used in accounting practices.

The findings in the study further indicates that 73.3% of the respondents hold the view that AREN pay roll is essential in accounting. This results also further indicates that most of the respondents hold the view that AREN register is essential in accounting practices.

4.3 Reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia at Britannia.

Table 4.3.1: Shows Reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia at Britania Allied Industries.

Source: Primary Data

The results in the study shows that 46.7% indicates that ICT enables accounting departments to network and only 6.7% disagreed these therefore shows that through the use of ICT accounting departments are able to network.

The results also further shows that 60% of the respondents hold the view that organizations can easily calculate their inventory levels. The results also further shows that through the use of ICT organizations can easily calculate their inventory levels.

The findings from the table above shows that 50% of the respondents hold the view that communication between departments in the organization is easy with the use of ICT. The results further shows that through the use of ICT in the organization communication between departments was easy.

The study also further shows that 66.7% of the respondents hold the view that ICT facilitates data entry in accounting. The results also further indicates that through the use of ICT data in the organization is easy.

The study also further showed that 66.7% of the respondents hold the view that Data analysis is possible through the use of ICT in accounting. The results in the study further shows that with the use of ICT facilities data analysis is easy for the organization.

The results from the study further shows that 60% of the respondents hold the view that through the use of Tax evaluation can be achieved. The study also further showed that the use of ICT facilities is essential in Tax evaluation.

The results also further indicates that 60% of the respondents hold the view that reporting of organization performance is possible through the use of ICT. This result also indicates that through the use of ICT facilities the Britannia Allied Industries is able to report on organizational performance.

4.4 The Effects of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes.

Table 4.4.1: Shows the Effects of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes.

Source: Primary Data

The results in the study indicates that majority 60% of the respondents assert that ICT reduces operational costs in accounting. None of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed.

The findings in the study further show that 66.7% of the respondents hold the view that the use of ICT reduces time for completion of accounting tasks. This findings further shows that the use of ICT helps in the reduction of time for completion of accounting tasks.

The findings in the study shows that 50% of the respondents hold the view that the use of ICT facilities helps in the improvement organizational accuracy. This results also further shows that the use of ICT facilities helps in the improvement of organizational accuracy.

The findings from the study also further shows that 60% of the respondents hold the view that the use of ICT facilities in Britannia allied industries helps in the Flexibility in accounting operations can be achieved.

The findings in the study further shows that majority 50% of the respondents  that Speed is highly increased in the accounting process at Britannia Allied industries with the adoption of ICT facilities in the organization.

The findings in the study further shows that majority of the respondents hold the view that the use of ICT facilities in the organization it’s able to facilitate better reporting of accounting information.

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND AREAS OF FURTHER STUDY

5.0 Introductions

This chapter presented the discussion, conclusion, recommendations and areas of further study.

5.1 Discussions

This section presented the discussion of the study in line with study objectives of the study.

5.1.1 Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes

The findings in the study indicates that Microsoft excel is used in accounting tasks , this is also in line with Boyle, (2014) who asserts that Microsoft excel is the technique which helps the accountant in all types of calculations like additions, subtractions, multiplication and ratio analysis this saves the accountant time and enable better organizational performance because using this technology the accountant is able to determine the sales records for the day and also can balance very fats unlike other systems.

The results from the study further shows that the respondents agreed that Electronic point of sale can be used in accounting this view is also shared by Hidalgo & Albors, (2010) who indicates that Electronic Point Of Sale (E-POS) A POS, or point of sale, system can help reduce your paperwork, track inventory and market to your customers through one easy-to-use process, making more time for you to manage your business rather than staying bogged down in details. Many POS systems are geared toward small businesses, and some are industry-specific; for example, a POS system may help a florist track whether a flower arrangement is still in the shop, out on the truck for delivery or already delivered without having to track down your delivery driver.

The results in the study further shows that Microsoft power point is essential in accounting this view is also in line with Lysons, (2013) who indicates that this is the systems that can be used for data presentation; through this system the organization is able to clearly explain to the audience their accounting tasks for a specific period of time. For example an organization uses power point to explain to the potential investors on the future of the organization.

This findings further shows that Electronic data interchange is essential in accounting this view is also shared by Balocco et al. (2010) who indicates that EDI helps to enable an organization be able to have an effective accounting technique which is completely electronic, using this technique the organization keeps its accounting data online.

The study results indicated that Tally can be used for accounting this is also supported by Pokharel, (2015) who indicates that Tally accounting software helps organizations prepare accurate financial reports. Accounting applications help organizations implement adequate record-keeping and data-reporting procedures. Indian software maker Tally markets its suite of accounting products to small and mid-sized companies, allowing clients to accurately record operating data and prepare financial statements in accordance with industry practices, corporate policies and government regulations

The results further shows that through the use of Quick Books accounting tasks are made easy this view is also in line with lysons, (2016) who states that Quick Books is an accounting soft ware that is used by organization to keep track of the sales in order to enable the accounting department to be to keep records and enable efficient accounting systems.

The results in the study indicates that Enterprise resource planning is essential for use in accounting , this view is also in line with Slagmulder, (2017) who indicates that accounting deals with summarizing, analyzing and reporting the financial data and information about a business. Accounting software records and processes the accounting transactions of a business within its functional modules. Financial statements consisting of the balance sheet, profit and loss account, and statement of changes in financial position can be easily prepared with accounting software.

The results in the study indicates that image processing technology is used in accounting this results is also in line with Somuyiwa, (2013) who indicates that this technology uses fax and optical scanning technology to transmit accounting information to the accountant, using this technology the organization is able to obtain the price of the good which is in a different location and then keep its records without the good physically being present in a company’s store.

The results shows that AREN register is used accounting this view is also supported by Sohn .K. (2011) who indicates that the system helps you keep track of annual leave days earned and taken by employees. You are also able to record all absence from work. Annual reports on leave and absence are available. As with Aren Payroll, two editions of Aren Register are available. The Standard edition caters for monthly workers only, while the Premier edition handles biweekly, weekly and irregular pay periods as well. Organization and then assign employees to these posts. As new employees join they are assigned to the posts you specify. The system helps you keep track of annual leave days earned and taken by employees. You are also able to record all absence from work

The results in the study indicates that AREN pay roll is essential in accounting this view is also in line with Sohn (2011) who indicates that  Aren Payroll is a user-friendly payroll program that runs on PCs with Windows XP or later. It enables you to set up a database containing pay details of the employees in your organization and then use this data to print payroll reports. Data entry is interactive with income tax, loan payments, pension fund balances and other calculated amounts updated and displayed as you work. Numerous reports are provided including pay slips, payroll summary, payroll control account, cash and cheque lists as well as monthly and annual tax returns.

5.1.2 Reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia.

The results in the study shows that ICT enables accounting departments to network this is also in line with Kwok Hung Lau & Haibo Huang (2012) who indicated that the use of ICT in accounting has been one of the greatest achievements of the current generation and this has led to the greatest improvement in accounting standards in the current century. Some of the ICT facilities used to improve accounting practices include; mobile and wireless technology, telecommunications, software development, security.

The findings in the study further indicates that through the use of ICT organizations can easily calculate their inventory levels this is also in line with Sarkis, et al, (2014) who indicates that organization use ICT to enable in Networking of organization’s key departments like procurement with accounting departments. Net working of organization has been possible because of the use of ICT this has promoted efficiency in accounting operations of the organizations globally. Because of the use of ICT accounting departments is able to coordinate with other departmenst6 like sales in order to get information faster and easily.

The results also further indicated that through the use of ICT communication between departments in the organization is easy with the use of ICT this is also in line with Dobler & Burt (2011) who indicates that the use of ICT systems in an organization has been adopted because of the complexity of managing organization’s inventory. The use of ICT in accounting enables an organization in calculating inventory management by accounting department. Accounting systems can be used to calculate the stock management systems of the organization.

The results in the study indicates that ICT facilitates data entry in accounting this is also in line with Nair (2006) who indicates that the introduction of information communication technology, communication between the buyers and the suppliers has been eased. Accounting is an old age industry that has been one of the greatest holdouts against the waves of computerization that has swept the world. Until recently, most organizations were still using traditional systems like fax and letter writing among others as a means of communication.

The study also indicates that data analysis is possible through the use of ICT in accounting this is also in line with Govindarajan (2009) who indicates that Information technology (IT) has created significant benefits for accounting departments. IT networks and computer systems have shortened the lead time needed by accountants to prepare and present financial information to management and stakeholders. Not only has IT shortened the lead time required to present financial information, but it also has improved the overall efficiency and accuracy of the information.

5.1.3 The Effects of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes.

The findings in the study indicates that ICT reduces operational costs in accounting this is also in line with Frankwick (2010) who indicates that computerized accounting systems have also improved the functionality of accounting departments by increasing the timeliness of accounting information. By improving the timeliness of financial information, accountants can prepare reports and operations analyses that give management an accurate picture of current operations.

The study results also indicates that ICT reduces time for completion of accounting tasks this is also in line with Cooper, (2004) who indicates that most computerized accounting systems have internal check and balance measures to ensure that all transactions and accounts are properly balanced before financial statements are prepared, Computerized systems will also not allow journal entries to be out of balance when posting, ensuring that individual transactions are properly recorded.

The results in the study ICT facilities helps in the improvement organizational accuracy this is also in line with Rotch  et al., (2006) who indicates that ICT process large amounts of financial information and process it quickly through the accounting system. Quicker processing times for individual transactions has also lessened the amount of time needed to close out each accounting period. Month- or year-end closing periods can be especially taxing on accounting departments, resulting in longer hours and higher labor expense.

The results in the study indicates that the use of ICT enables an organization to ensure Flexibility in accounting operations can be achieved this is also in line with Rotch,et al (2006) who indicates that an accounting department also needs flexible technology that can adapt as business practices change. To be effective, information technology associated with accounting must be flexible to accommodate the changes. Software, for instance, must be able to be updated to offer new processes, such as credit card processing, and the ability to send invoices online.

5.2 Conclusions

The study indicates that Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes at Britania Allied Industries include Microsoft excel, Electronic point of sale, Microsoft power point, Electronic data interchange, Tally can be used for accounting , Quick books, Enterprise resource planning, Image processing technology is used in accounting, AREN register is used accounting and AREN pay roll is essential in accounting.

The results also indicates that the reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia include; ICT enables accounting departments to network, ICT organizations can easily calculate their inventory levels, through the use of ICT in the organization communication between departments was easy, ICT facilitates data entry in accounting, Data analysis is possible through the use of ICT in accounting and The study also further showed that the use of ICT facilities is essential in Tax evaluation.

The results in the study indicates the Effects of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes include; ICT reduces operational costs in accounting, the use of ICT reduces time for completion of accounting tasks, the use of ICT facilities helps in the improvement organizational accuracy, Flexibility in accounting operations can be achieved, Speed is highly increased in the accounting process and the use of ICT facilities in the organization it’s able to facilitate better reporting of accounting information.

5.3 Recommendations of the study

The study recommends that most of the employees acknowledged the importance of various ICT applications in enhancing accounting tasks in an organization like Britannia Allied Industries.

The study also recommends that employees need to be trained in various ICT applications.

The study also recommends that employees in the organization need to be trained on how to use various ICT applications.

5.4 Areas of further study

The study made the following areas of the study.

• Influence of computerized accounting on organizational performance
• The relationship between technology and organizational performance
• The use of Information technology on organizational performance.