P Yapa

The field of accounting: Exploring the presence and absence of accounting in Cambodia

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explore the field of accounting as a nexus between the rise of industrial societies, strategies of elites to preserve and reproduce privilege, practices of state control and the external forces of colonisation and globalisation. The authors explore this field in the context of Cambodia which embodies a particularly diverse range of internal and external influences. Design/methodology/approach - – A qualitative research approach is employed. The research methods were an analysis of secondary sources and interviews with key officials former Head of State and academics. An effort was made to interview Khmer Rouge survivors about the nature of the accounting practices, class and state control. Findings - – During the pre-colonial and the period of French colonial influence, there was relatively accounting practice or distinctive professional bodies. Under the Khmer Rouge there was both a clear rejection of individuals with accounting skills while there were some attempts to use of elements of accounting as tools of central control. This use of accounting as a tool of control was further normalised under Vietnamese rule and socialism. Following the restoration of independence there was some French influence on the growth of institutional and practices of accounting. However, these institutions and practices have been modified and refined by recent growth of international accounting firms and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Research limitations/implications - – This paper has significant implications for understanding the nature and development of the accounting in developing countries, recognising both national and internal influences. Practical implications - – This paper has practical implications for understanding the nature and changes associated with the accounting profession in a global context. Originality/value - – This paper adds new literature on accounting which recognises the nexus of interests, practices and institutions associated with the field of accounting.

Public-Sector Accounting and E-Governance in Developing Countries: Case of Sri Lanka

This article analyzes how new public financial management system should address the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector and the emerging accrual basis accounting with e-governance for greater e-transparency on public-sector accounting in Sri Lanka. Despite the setting up of e-framework in 1983, the Sri Lankan public-sector accountancy environment during the last two decades raises concerns about efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the e-framework. The findings provide evidence of the importance of the economy and efficiency in the usage of public funds to provide more convenient access to government accounting information for citizens in Sri Lanka.

Adopting generalized audit software: an Indonesian perspective

Purpose - This paper aims to identify key factors driving auditors’ adoption of Generalized Audit Software (GAS) in a large developing country, Indonesia, through the lens of the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach - Results of this study are based on semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Indonesia with audit firms of varying sizes. Findings - Key study findings included the identification of highly influential adoption factors, especially environmental factors, such as availability of information technology-skilled auditors in the local market, client needs and expectations and client size. This study has also identified factors, not identified in previous research, as being influential including the importance of GAS availability in a range of languages and the necessity of a supportive professional and regulatory environment. Originality/value - This study makes several contributions to the literature including that it identifies new influential factors in the TOE framework. This framework has not been widely applied in auditing research and looks beyond the individual perspective to that of the organization as a whole. Moreover, the present study takes a developing country perspective and examines a range of audit firms. In contrast, most studies to date in the area have taken a Western focus and have concentrated on large audit firms. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth analysis through the use of semi-structured interviews, whereas prior studies have relied on surveys.

The professionalisation of auditing in less developed countries: the case of Sri Lanka

Purpose This paper aims to examine the tensions amongst the audit firms operating in Sri Lanka with the introduction of open economic policies in early 1980s and its impact to the auditing profession. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach, this study consists of in-depth interviews, documentary review and critical interpretation supported by the perspectives of globalisation, digitalisation and neo-liberalism. Findings The findings indicate that the main reasons for the tension between audit firms (local and international) have been the conflict of interests on the market share. While global pressures on International Standards of Auditing created more opportunities for international audit firms to capture a wider market with the support of the state, the local audit firms apparently lost their market and experienced tension created by staff. Evidence shows the negative impact of globalisation on the open economic policies and the local audit market. Research limitations/implications The findings of this research will be useful for policymakers in revising auditing practices to ensure healthy corporate governance. Only 25 interviews were conducted; hence, the results may not be a holistic representation of the audit environment in Sri Lanka. Originality/value This study is significant, as the business capital has surged into Sri Lankan market as a result of the ongoing international agencies-led economic reforms. Such reforms have emphasised the transparency and accountability.

IFRS Adoption in ASEAN Countries: Perceptions of Professional Accountants from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of professional accountants from three countries from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to evaluate their perceived benefits associated with the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in their respective nations as well as the implications of these standards for the accounting and auditing professions in their country of practice. It also explores the extent to which the adoption of IAS/IFRS accounting standards have been supported by the state, media and local professional accounting bodies. Design/methodology/approach - – The study uses survey approach to seek perceptions of professional accountants in these three countries with a view to understanding their perceptions regarding the socio-economic issues related to the adoption of the IFRS and role of social institutions. The study also uses appropriate statistical tests for interpretation of the data. Findings - – The analysis of the data shows that accounting professionals in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia strongly supported IFRS adoption; their opinions did not differ significantly by place of training, experience or professional qualifications. Respondents agreed that their countries benefited economically from harmonisation with global accounting standards. The surveyed accountants believed that pressure from international agencies was instrumental in the adoption of IFRS in the region. The findings also show that governments, the media and professional accounting bodies have supported the adoption, communication and application of IFRS. Originality/value - – This is the first study examining the role of social and professional institutions in the adoption of the IFRS and one which also provides an inter-country comparison of accountant’s perspectives on adoption of the IFRS among three ASEAN countries.

The Business of Professional Accountancy and Imperial Influence: Evidence From a Developing Country in South Asia

This article examines the business of providing accountancy qualifications in South Asia and the extent of British influence on the accountancy market using the perceptions of the professional accountants in Sri Lanka. The analysis show that the British accountancy bodies have contributed to the development of accountancy in Sri Lanka and relatively equal contribution has been made by local body—the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL). Results show evidence that the British influence is still substantial and continue their business as there is high demand for British accountancy qualifications irrespective of the local accounting qualifications of ICASL.