research topic on management accounting

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• Published: 27 November 2021

Strategic management accounting and performance implications: a literature review and research agenda

• Jafar Ojra 1 ,
• Abdullah Promise Opute   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6221-1856 2 , 3 &
• Mohammad Mobarak Alsolmi 4  

Future Business Journal volume  7 , Article number:  64 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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The important role that management accounting plays in driving organisational performance has been reiterated in the literature. In line with that importance, the call for more effort to enhance knowledge on strategic management accounting has increased over the years. Responding to that call, this study utilised a qualitative approach that involved a systematic review to synthesise existing literature towards understanding the strategic management accounting foundation, contingency factors, and organisational performance impact. Based on the evidence in reviewed literature, we flag key directions for advancing this theoretical premise towards providing further insights that would enable practitioners strategically align their strategic management accounting practices for optimal organisational performance. The limitations of this study have been acknowledged.

Introduction

Successful managerial decisions enable organisational profitability and accounting aids effective managerial decisions [ 75 ]. Aimed at optimising the decision-enabling substance of accounting, management was criticised in 1980s as being too focused on internal operational issues that offer little to management from the point of strategy formulation and sustaining competitive advantage (CIMA Report Footnote 1 ). Recognising the importance for a broader impact of accounting on managerial decision-making, Simmonds [ 82 , p. 26] introduced and defined strategic management accounting (SMA) as “the provision and analysis of management accounting data about a business and its competitors, for use in developing and monitoring business strategy” .

Subsequently there has been increasing efforts that stress the importance for organisations to embrace strategic management accounting theory towards boosting strategic decision-making and organisational performance (e.g. [ 4 , 8 , 9 , 17 , 23 , 53 , 58 , 86 , 90 , 48 ], amongst others). As rightly noted by Turner et al. [ 86 ], organisations that aim to enhance their competitiveness and performance, must not only develop but also “implement internal policies and procedures such as strategic management accounting that are consistent with their business strategies and account for changing competitive demands” (p. 33). Doing that will enable the strategic management accounting tool to be effectively used to drive corporate success. This is the underlying argument in this study.

The task of profitably satisfying customers is becoming more challenging [ 61 , 65 , 67 ]. Meeting that challenge requires that organisations recognise the importance for effective decision-making. Accountants play a significant role in enabling effective decision-making in organisations (e.g. [ 21 , 23 , 27 ]). Accounting information enables the organisation determine the going concern [ 6 , 36 ]. Accounting provides the management with relevant information for ensuring and sustaining growth and profitability. The strategic management accounting foundation emphasises that in order to fully fulfil its management decision-making enabling function, accounting practices must not only focus on the internal but also on the external components relating to the organisation's operations. In other words, accounting should embrace a much broader and market-oriented approach and focus on costing (e.g. [ 8 , 17 , 58 , 78 ]); planning, control and performance measurement (e.g. [ 17 , 58 ]), strategic decision-making (e.g. [ 8 , 58 ]), customer accounting (e.g. [ 58 , 86 ]) and competitor accounting (e.g. [ 17 , 58 , 86 ]).

Given the importance of strategic management accounting to effective management decision-making and corporate success, there remains a growing interest in understanding the topic. Little wonder therefore that the advocacy for more research towards a better understanding of what strategic management accounting practices organisations adopt and what motivates their preference for one technique over the other (e.g. [ 4 , 53 , 58 , 86 , 90 ]) remains current. While embracing strategic management accounting is a critical path for enabling effective managerial decision-making and boosting organisational performance (e.g. [ 3 , 9 , 58 ]), the enablement outcome of strategic management accounting practice would hinge on the effectiveness of the organisation in tailoring its strategic management accounting practices to its strategy and environment [ 9 , 11 , 58 ].

Following that contingency logic, this research is a response to the aforementioned call and the aim in this study is to contribute to strategic management accounting discourse by critically analysing the body of knowledge towards enhancing the understanding of how knowledge has evolved in this theoretical domain and also to contribute to knowledge by flagging directions for further knowledge development. To achieve the aim of this study, the theoretical focus in this study is premised along three questions:

What strategic management accounting techniques can organisations use towards driving organisational performance?

What factors would influence strategic management accounting techniques usage and performance association? and

What future research gaps exist based on the explored literature?

Literature review

This study follows the theoretical foundation that strategic management accounting would aid effective management decision-making, and ultimately boost organisational performance. In line with the aim of this study, relevant literature is reviewed to explain the theoretical premise of this study. The literature review is organised along three core themes in strategic management accounting discourse, namely, strategic management accounting techniques, contingency factors of strategic management accounting usage, and the impact of strategic management accounting on organisational performance.

Strategic management accounting: definition and techniques

Management accounting is noted to involve the “generation, communication, and use of financial and non-financial information for managerial decision-making and control activities” ([ 28 ] p. 3). One major criticism of accounting in the 1980s relates to the fact that accountants have hardly taken a proactive role in the strategic management process [ 7 , 8 ]. According to Nixon and Burns [ 55 , p. 229], although strategic management has been variously defined, there is “broad consensus that the key activities are (1) development of a grand strategy, purpose or sense of direction, (2) formulation of strategic goals and plans to achieve them, (3) implementation of plans, and (4) monitoring, evaluation and corrective action”. The role of management accounting is to enable effective decision-making, and it involves typically information gathering and analysis, identifying options, implementation, monitoring and evaluation [ 16 ]. Thus, the focus in strategic management accounting, rephrased also as accounting for strategic positioning [ 73 , 74 ], is to embrace a broader approach that incorporates a strategic management focus into its dynamics towards effectively enabling management decision-making and organisational performance [ 8 , 80 ]).

Since the first attempt by Simmonds [ 82 , p. 26] who defined strategic management accounting as “the provision and analysis of management accounting data about a business and its competitors, for use in developing and monitoring business strategy” , there have been numerous attempts to enhance that definition and identify core techniques of strategic management accounting. For example, CIMA [ 16 ] describes strategic management accounting as a management accounting form that emphasises focusing on information relating to external factor of the entity and also on non-financial information as well as information that is generated internally. In a much earlier contribution, Bromwich [ 7 , p. 28] offers a description of strategic management accounting as involving “the provision and analysis of financial information on the organisation’s product markets and competitors’ costs and cost structures and the monitoring of the organisation’s strategies and those of its competitors in the market over a number of periods” (Cited in [ 56 , p. 14]).

In their 2008 study, Cadez and Guilding asked the question “what is strategic management accounting?” (p. 838). In that same study, they conclude, based on evidence from reviewed literature, that there are two perspectives of strategic management accounting. While one perspective focuses on strategically oriented accounting techniques, the other focuses on the actual involvement of accountants in the strategic decision-making process. Following the former perspective (e.g. [ 8 , 9 , 17 , 58 ]), existing literature distils sixteen (16) strategic management accounting techniques that are categorised under five SMA themes (e.g. [ 9 , 11 , 58 ]):

Strategic costing;

Strategic planning, control and performance measurement;

Strategic decision-making;

Competitor accounting; and

Customer accounting.

Strategic costing

According to literature (e.g. [ 8 , 11 , 23 ]), strategic and marketing information-based cost data can be leveraged by organisations to ensure effective strategies for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Thus, organisations must recognise the importance of integrating cost strategies and undertake multiple strategic cost analyses. Literature distils five key costing techniques: attribute costing (e.g. Roslender and Hart 2003), life-cycle costing (e.g. [ 8 , 17 ]), quality costing (e.g. [ 17 ]), target costing (e.g. [ 8 , 17 ]) and value chain costing (e.g. [ 8 ]).

Strategic planning, control and performance measurement

Literature has also underlined the need for organisations to give due attention to planning, control and performance measurement features of the strategic management accounting, as doing that is important in the pro-active market orientation approach for competing effectively in the marketplace (e.g. [ 8 , 58 ], Chenhall 2005). Core components under the strategic planning, control and performance measurement tool includes benchmarking (e.g. [ 8 , 17 ]) and integrated performance management (Balanced Scorecard) (e.g. [ 8 , 17 ]).

Strategic decision-making

As a strategic management accounting tool, strategic decision-making is a critical tool for supporting strategic choice [ 11 ]. Core strategic decision-making options include strategic costing (e.g. [ 58 ]), strategic pricing (e.g. [ 11 , 58 ]) and brand valuation (e.g. [ 11 , 58 ]).

The importance of addressing strategic costing as a key strategic decision-making element has been emphasised in the literature (e.g. [ 58 , 78 , 79 ]). In this discourse, it is underlined that effectively driving competitive advantage requires cost analysis that explicitly considers strategic issues. In line with that viewpoint, Cadez and Guilding [ 8 ] note that strategic costing involves “the use of cost data based on strategic and marketing information to develop and identify superior strategies that will produce a sustainable competitive advantage” (p. 27).

In the literature too, strategic pricing is underlined as another core element the strategic decision-making typology of strategic management accounting (e.g. [ 8 , 58 ], Simmonds 1982). According to scholars, understanding market competition level, which as noted by Guilding et al. [ 29 , p. 120] entails the appraisal of the following factors: “competitor price reaction, price elasticity; projected market growth; and economies of scale and experience”, is important (e.g. [ 8 , 11 , 58 ]).

Within the strategic management accounting literature, brand valuation is the third element of the strategic decision-making technique. The brand valuation component “involves combining projected brand earnings (an accounting-orientated measure) with a multiple derived from the brand’s strength on strategic factors such as the nature of the brand’s market, its position in that market and its level of marketing support” [ 29 , p. 118]. In the view of Cescon et al. [ 11 ], brand valuation enables organisations to understand market reputation trends over time and potential implications for marketing executives and strategic accounting. Cescon et al. [ 11 ] contend that organisations would achieve a variable brand valuation that would provide a potential measure of marketing achievement when perceived quality and branded products are considered, while Guilding et al. [ 29 ] remind that achievable impact of brand valuation would hinge, amongst others, on the valuation method used.

Competitor accounting

According to Porter [ 72 ], strategy involves developing appropriate tools that enable a firm to analyse and determine its position in a competitive market. Thus, a firm selects suitable strategies that enables it compete more effectively over its rivals. To effectively do that, a firm needs to collect competitor accounting information. The importance of giving due attention to competitor accounting has been underlined in the literature (e.g. [ 11 , 17 , 58 ]). Three forms of competitor accounting tools are described in the literature, namely, competitor cost assessment (e.g. [ 11 , 17 , 58 ]), competitor position monitoring (e.g. [ 11 , 58 ]) and competitor performance appraisal (e.g. [ 11 , 17 , 58 ]).

Customer accounting

The fifth cluster of strategic management accounting techniques described in the literature relates to customer accounting (e.g. [ 49 , 58 ]). Customer accounting concerns practices aimed at appraising profit, sales or costs related to customers or customer segments [ 58 ]. Core customer accounting techniques include customer profitability analysis (e.g. [ 30 , 58 ]), lifetime customer profitability analysis (e.g. [ 58 ]) and valuation of customers as assets (e.g. [ 30 , 58 ]).

The contingency factors of strategic management accounting

According to management accounting discourse, when organisations carefully embrace appropriate strategic management accounting practices, they would ensure successful managerial decisions that would ultimately lead to optimising organisational performance (e.g. [ 48 , 53 , 56 , 58 ]). Thus, the extent of improved performance that an organisation would achieve would depend on its careful utilisation of appropriate strategic management techniques. As noted by Roslender and Hart (2003), p. 4 and further supported by subsequent literature (e.g. [ 34 , 58 ]), “the adoption of strategically oriented management accounting techniques and accountants’ participation in strategic management processes”, is a core research premise. In line with the carefulness notion mentioned above, the contingency perspective has been widely utilised in the effort to understand strategic management accounting practices and performance impact (e.g. [ 8 , 12 , 30 , 34 , 58 ]). The underlying foundation in the contingency perspective is based on the notion “that an organisation maximises its efficiency by matching between structure and environment” [ 22 , p. 49]. According to Otley [ 68 ]:

The contingency approach to management is based on the premise that there is no universally appropriate accounting system that applies equally to all organisations in all circumstances. Rather, it is suggested that particular features of an appropriate accounting system will depend on the specific circumstances in which an organisation finds itself. Thus, a contingency theory must identify specific aspects of an accounting system which are associated with certain defined circumstances and demonstrate an appropriate matching (p. 413).

Thus, the central foundation in the contingency perspective is that no one single accounting system is universally fit for all organisation in all circumstances (e.g. [ 41 ]). No one accounting control system can be seen as “best” for all situations; rather, the appropriateness of any control system would depend on the organisation's ability to adapt effectively to the environment surrounding its operations [ 41 , 58 , 86 ].

From reviewed literature, numerous researchers have flagged key contingency factors that should be considered in relation to strategic management accounting practice. Four factors were identified as critical contingency factors in the strategic management accounting systems design in Cadez and Guilding's [ 8 ] study, namely: business strategy, strategy formulation pattern, market orientation and firm size. On their part, Islam and Hu [ 41 ] identify core organisational effectiveness factors to include technology, environmental volatility, organisational structure, information system and size of the organisation.

Analysed together, the conceptualisation in the aforementioned studies [ 8 , 41 ] reflect perspectives that have been recognised in the 1980s. For example, Merchant [ 50 ] describe contingency factors to include firm size, product diversity, extent of decentralisation and budgetary information use. In their study of accounting information systems, Gordon and Narayanan [ 26 ] classify three core contingency factors to include perceived environmental uncertainty, information characteristics and organisational structure. Based on a study that examined the extent to which accountants were involved in the strategic management process, CIMA Footnote 2 reports three key contingency factors: “organisational influences, accountant led influences and practicalities” (p. 12). Exploring strategic management accounting practices in the Palestinian context, Ojra [ 58 ] conceptualised a comprehensive contingency perspective that considered (1) organisational structure (involving formalisation and decentralisation), (2) organisational size, (3) technology and (4) organisational strategy. In more recent literature, Pavlatos [ 70 ] suggests seven factors that affect strategic management accounting usage in the hospitality industry (hotels) in Greece, namely, “perceived environmental uncertainty, structure, quality of information systems, organisational life cycle stage, historical performance, strategy and size” (p. 756).

The contingency framing in this study draws from the theoretical guideline which suggests that both the internal and external environments of organisations should be considered in the effort to advance strategic management accounting literature (e.g. [ 58 , 70 ]). The conceptual framing in this study includes two external (perceived environmental uncertainty—competitive intensity, and market turbulence) and three internal (organisational structure—formalisation, and decentralisation, and organisational strategy) factors.

Perceived environmental uncertainty and strategic management accounting usage

From the perceptual lens, the environment could be viewed as certain or uncertain only to the extent that decision makers perceive it to be (e.g. [ 1 , 11 ]). Perceived environmental uncertainty is described as the absence of information relating to organisations, activities and happenings in the environment [ 20 ]. According to Cescon et al. [ 11 ], organisations must give due attention to their operational environment because engaging with environmental uncertainty factors would enable them identify key change drivers.

Prior literature has documented that perceived uncertainty significantly influences the extent to which firms would embrace strategic management accounting practices (e.g. [ 49 , 58 , 70 ]). According to that foundation, how firms respond from the point of strategic management accounting practices that they would endorse would depend on the nature of environmental uncertainties that surround their operational activities.

Studying the hotel property setting, Pavlatos [ 70 ] documents a positive correlation between the degree of environmental uncertainty and the use of strategic management accounting tools. In other words, the higher the perceived environmental uncertainty, the higher the need for use of strategic management accounting tools. Intensified use of strategic management accounting tools is essential because that will enable the hotels to manage the uncertainties, and be more effective in managerial decision-making, and ultimately improves organisational performance [ 70 ]. The notion of a significant influence of environmental uncertainty on strategic management accounting practices is supported by prior literature (e.g. [ 15 ]). According to them, managers who operate in highly uncertain environments would require information that is timely, current and frequent. Other scholars have also argued that environmental uncertainty would be associated with more pro-active and externally focused accounting systems (e.g. [ 32 , 38 ]).

In their study of Italian manufacturing companies, Cescon et al. [ 11 ] found a positive association of perceived environmental uncertainty and strategic pricing usage as a feature of the strategic decision-making SMA technique. In other words, the more the perceived environmental uncertainty, the higher the usage of the strategic pricing feature of the strategic decision-making SMA component.

In the perceived environmental uncertainty literature, two core dimensions have been distilled, namely competitive intensity and market turbulence (e.g. [ 30 , 58 ]). Market turbulence—a subset of environmental turbulence [ 47 ], is defined by Calantone et al. [ 10 ] as characterised by continuous changes in customers’ preference/demands, in price/cost structures and in the composition of competitors. In settings where there is high market turbulence, organizations would need to modify their products and approaches to the market more frequently [ 44 ]. On the other hand, the notion of competitive intensity relates to the logic that organisations compete for numerous resources, such as raw materials, selling and distribution channels, as well as quality, variety and price of products [ 26 , 46 ]. Achieving organisation-environment alignment in highly competitive environments requires that organisations have the capacity to effectively detect environmental signals and timely communicate environmental information (e.g. [ 88 ]).

Exploring Australian hospitality industry, McManus [ 49 ] examined the association of competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty on customer accounting techniques usage. The study suggests that competition intensity positively associates with customer accounting practices but also found that higher perceived environmental uncertainty would not lead to greater usage of customer accounting techniques in the explored hotels. In a much similar conceptualisation, Cescon et al. [ 11 ] examined the association of environmental uncertainty and competitive forces on strategic management accounting techniques usage in large Italian manufacturing firms. Empirically, that study found that external factors (environmental uncertainty and competitive forces) positively associate with SMA usage (strategic pricing, balanced scorecard, risk analysis, target costing, life-cycle costing). Based on the two-dimensional conceptualisation, Ojra [ 58 ] examined the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and SMA usage in Palestinian firms. Ojra [ 58 ] hypothesised a positive correlation of perceived environmental uncertainty (conceptualised to include competition intensity and market turbulence) but found no support. To the contrary, Ojra [ 58 ] documents a potential for negative influence of perceived environmental uncertainty on strategic management accounting techniques usage, however only significant for the market turbulence dimension. In other words, Ojra [ 58 ] suggests that market turbulence associates negatively with strategic management accounting techniques usage in medium Palestine firms.

Organisational structure (formalisation) and strategic management accounting usage

Across the various streams of management, formalisation has been mentioned as a key contingency factor in understanding the operational dynamics of organisations (e.g. [ 58 , 63 , 64 ]). With regard to strategic management accounting discourse, this notion has been numerously supported (e.g. [ 26 , 58 , 85 ]).

Studying the influence of formalisation in the functional relationship between the accounting and marketing departments, Opute et al. [ 64 ] suggest a positive association. In other words, they argue that the more formalised the processes in the firm, the higher the achieved integration between both functional areas. However, Opute et al. [ 64 ] note that whether this positive association is achieved would depend on the integration component (information sharing, unified effort and involvement) considered.

In the strategic management accounting domain, there is mixed evidence of the association of organisational structure on strategic management accounting usage. For example, Ojra [ 58 ] hypothesised that less formalised organisational structure would lead to higher use of strategic management accounting techniques in Palestinian firms but found no support for that hypothesis. In that study, no support was found for the notion that less formalised structures would lead to higher use of strategic management accounting techniques, both for total SMA as well as for all the dimensions of SMA. Thus, that study concludes that formalisation has no significant influence on strategic management accounting techniques usage in Palestinian firms. That conclusion supports the findings in Gordon and Narayanan [ 26 ], but contrast the view in Tuan Mat’s [ 85 ] exploration of management accounting practices.

Organisational structure (decentralisation) and strategic management accounting usage

Similar to formalisation, management scholars have noted decentralisation as a core organisational structure factor that should be given due attention in the drive to enhance the understanding of contingency theory (e.g. [ 58 , 62 , 63 ]). Organisational structure has been noted to influence the strategic management accounting practices of a firm (e.g. [ 58 , 70 ]). Within that foundation, decentralisation (or its opposite) has been flagged as a major factor. A contention that has been underlined numerously in the discourse is that strategic management accounting usage would be higher in organisations that embrace decentralised structure. Following that foundation, Pavlatos [ 70 ] hypothesised that SMA usage is higher in decentralised hotels than in centralised hotels in Greece. The results support the hypothesis: there is higher need for strategic management accounting practices in decentralised firms, as lower-level managers require more information to aid decision-making.

The above conclusion supports as well as contrasts prior literature, namely Chenhall [ 14 ] and Verbeeten [ 87 ], respectively. According to Chenhall [ 14 , p. 525], “strategic management accounting has characteristics related to aspects of horizontal organisation as they aim to connect strategy to the value chain and link activities across the organisation…”. Chenhall [ 14 ] adds that a typical approach in horizontal organisation is identifying customer-oriented strategic priorities and then exploiting process efficiency, continuous improvements, flattened structures and team empowerment, to initiate change, a conclusion that suggests that higher use of strategic management accounting practices would seem ideal in such decentralised organisational structure. The reason for that outcome is that in decentralised structure, lower-level managers can adapt their MACS as necessary to meet requirements [ 52 ], a logic that finds support in McManus [ 49 ] who found that customer accounting usage is higher in Australian hotels that are decentralised than those that are centralised. In contrast to that logic, Verbeeten [ 87 ] found decentralisation to associate negatively with major changes in the decision-influencing components of MACS.

Insight about the less developed context, namely about Palestinian firms lend support to, as well as contrast past literature. According to Ojra [ 58 ], decentralisation has a tendency to associate negatively with strategic management accounting usage. Therefore, although statistically insignificant, the results indicate that explored Palestinian firms that endorse decentralised decision-making process would seemingly have lesser need for strategic management accounting practices. On the evidence that decentralisation may have a negative influence on strategic management accounting usage, Ojra [ 58 ] supports Verbeeten [ 87 ] but contrasts Pavlatos [ 70 ].

Organisational strategy and strategic management accounting usage

An internal organisational factor that has been considered important in the understanding of contingency perspective of management accounting relates to organisational strategy (e.g. [ 8 , 17 , 58 ]). Hambrick [ 33 ] defined strategy as:

A pattern of important decisions that guides the organisation in its relationship with its environment; affects the internal structure and processes of the organisation; and centrally affects the organisation’s performance (p.567).

In the strategic management accounting discourse, organisational strategy has been mentioned as one of the key factors that would condition strategic management accounting practices of a firm (e.g. [ 9 , 58 , 70 , 86 ]). For example, Turner et al. [ 86 ] note that in hotel property setting, strategic management accounting use would hinge on the market orientation business strategy of the firm. Given the notion that strategic management accounting would aid management decision-making and lead ultimately to improved organisational performance, there is some legitimacy in expecting that organisations that align their strategic management accounting practices to the strategic orientation of the firm would achieve a higher organisational performance.

Following Miles and Snow’s [ 51 ] strategy typology (prospector, defender, analyser, and reactor), efforts to understand the association of strategy to strategic management accounting tools usage have also tried to understand how the various strategy typologies play out in this association. For example, Cadez and Guilding [ 9 ] considered the prospector, defender and analyser typologies in the Slovenian context, while Ojra [ 58 ] considered the prospector and defender typologies in the Palestinian contexts.

Cadez and Guilding [ 9 ] report that companies that endorse the analyser strategy, which is a deliberate strategy formulation approach, are not highly market oriented, but tend to show high usage of SMA techniques, except for competitor accounting technique. Further, they report that prospector strategy-oriented companies also pursue a deliberate strategy formulation approach, but are highly market oriented, and SMA techniques usage is fairly high (for competitor accounting) and averagely high (for strategic costing). For very high prospector-oriented companies, they are highly market oriented, have a strong strategy drive and a very high SMA techniques usage. For the defender strategy-type companies, they suggest that such companies are not only average in their market orientation, but also in their usage of SMA techniques.

In the study of Palestinian companies, Ojra [ 58 ] offers insights that resonate relatively with the findings in Cadez and Guilding [ 9 ]. Ojra [ 58 ] suggests that prospector companies have a higher usage of SMA techniques than defender-type companies. So, SMA technique usage is positively associated to prospector strategy (see also [ 8 ]. Elaborating the findings, Ojra [ 58 ] reports that prospector-type companies focused more on four SMA techniques (mean values reported), namely SMAU-Planning, Control and Performance Measurement (4.601), SMAU-Strategic Decision Making (4.712), SMAU-Competitor Accounting (4.689) and SMAU-Customer Accounting (4.734), statistical results that are significantly higher than the results for 'defender'-type companies. Cinquini and Tenucci [ 17 ] lend support to Ojra [ 58 ]: 'defender'-type companies give more attention to the Costing dimension of SMA.

Without emphasising the strategy typologies, Pavlakos (2015) comments that organisational strategy affects SMA usage in the Greek hotel industry.

Strategic management accounting and organisational performance

A central tenet in the strategic management accounting foundation is that management accounting would significantly aid organisations to achieve sustained competitiveness [ 7 , 82 ]. Implicitly, these scholars argue that in order to stay competitive in the marketplace, organisations should not only focus on cost-volume-profit issues, but rather embrace a broad externally focused management accounting approach that is strategically driven and provides financial information that enables management to effectively formulate and monitor the organisation's strategy. Thus, management accounting should also focus on competitor information as that will enable management effectively organise the firm's strategic structure.

Over the years, there is growing recognition of the importance of strategic management accounting to organisations, leading therefore to increasing research attention. One area that has received attention in the strategic management accounting discourse relates to the organisational performance enhancement notion (e.g. [ 23 , 56 , 58 , 77 , 86 ]).

Insights from Malaysia also add to the discourse on the impact of strategic management accounting usage on organisational performance. In their study of Malaysian electrical and electronic firms, Noordin et al. [ 56 ] examined the extent of usage of strategic management accounting and influence on the performance of the participating firms. The study found that in explored Malaysian companies, the extent of strategic management accounting usage was significantly related to organisation’s performance. That conclusion supports Cadez and Guilding [ 8 ] who contend that there is a positive association between strategic management accounting usage and organisational performance.

In a performance perspective that considers the ISO 9000 Quality Management System (QMS) aspect, Sedevich-Fons [ 77 ] examined the connection between strategic management accounting and quality management systems performance. The findings show that strategic management accounting and quality management are complementary and their effective implementation would enhance overall performance. Sedevich-Fons [ 77 ] notes further that when both are used in conjunction that would spread SMA techniques and enable full exploitation of Quality Management Systems.

Insights from the less developed economy context also associate organisational performance to the implementation of strategic management accounting practices (e.g. [ 3 , 57 , 58 ]). In a conceptual approach that aimed to address one major gap in previous literature, Ojra [ 58 ] examined both the financial and non-financial dimensions of organisational performance. According to Ojra [ 58 ], strategic management accounting usage does not impact the financial dimension of organisational performance but exerts significant positive impact on non-financial performance. That finding resonates with Perera et al. [ 71 ] conclusion that various forms of management accounting associate positively with the use of non-financial measures.

On their part, Oboh and Ajibolade [ 57 ], in their investigation of the association between strategic management accounting practices and strategic decision-making in Nigerian banks, found that explored Nigerian banks “practice SMA not as a concept, but as a principle of operation, and that SMA contributes significantly to strategic decision-making in the area of competitive advantage and increased market share” (p.119).

Alabdullah [ 3 ] offers evidence that adds support to the insights in the aforementioned studies [ 57 , 58 ]. In a study that explored the Jordanian service sector, Alabdullah [ 3 ] found that strategic management accounting enables performance in the service sector in Jordan. If strategic management accounting is effectively implemented, that will enable optimal strategic decision-making and ultimately improve organisational performance.

Research methodology

Research design.

Qualitative research method [ 18 , 76 ] is used in this study to achieve the objectives of this research. Following the methodological approach, as well as responding to the research call, in a past study on the contingency perspective of strategic management accounting [ 41 ], a study which was literature review-based, literature review-based qualitative research approach was deemed fit in this study.

A systematic review approach (e.g. [ 5 , 39 , 81 ]) is used in this research on the topic of strategic management accounting. Using the systematic review approach in this study is appropriate because it enables a systematic and transparent approach in identifying, selecting, and evaluating relevant published literature on a specific topic or question [ 42 , 83 ]. Furthermore, systematic review approach was deemed appropriate for this study as it has been documented to aid core research gaps identification and steering future research (e.g. [ 40 , 59 , 66 ]).

Alves et al. [ 5 ] forward a two-stage guideline for systematic review of literature: planning the review and conducting the review and analysis. As they noted, researchers should describe how the systematic approach was planned (in the former) and also describe the phases of the review and selection of literature (in the latter). In this research, effort was made to combine the best evidence: careful planning was used to determine literatures for inclusion or exclusion (e.g. [ 5 , 65 , 67 ]). The planning was focused at identifying relevant publications in various academic journals on the topic of strategic management accounting. First, the theoretical themes to be considered in the conceptual premise of this study were confirmed and academic resource for tracking relevant publications determined [ 5 , 66 , 83 ].

In the preliminary stage of the literature review, electronic search was carried out to identify relevant literature relating to strategic management accounting. Three steps were taken in the systematic review: we searched the literature, analysed and synthesised the literature, and wrote the review. Several databases were scanned using key search terms to capture relevant literature [ 81 ]. Core search terms were used, such as strategic management accounting, historical aspects of strategic management accounting, contingencies of strategic management accounting practices, strategic management accounting and organisational strategy, strategic management accounting and organisational performance, amongst others. Relevant publications were also found using data extraction tools such as Google Scholar, Emerald Insight and Research Gate.

Using the aforementioned methodological approach, a collection of relevant articles published in academic journals was identified. Identifying the relevant literature in this study followed methodological guideline [ 69 ]: criteria of language, relevance and type of research to identify relevant studies were embraced, and articles that contained non-English contents and also articles that did not fit closely to the thematic premise of this study were excluded. It is important to emphasise here that this study recognises that not all publications relating to the topic of strategic management accounting may have been considered in this research. However, for the scope of this piece of research, the body of literature covered in this study was deemed adequate for the conceptual framing.

Table 1 shows a sample of selected literature covered in this piece of research, pinpointing clearly the focus, context of the studies and findings from the studies.

The analysis

The interpretive approach of analysis was followed in processing the qualitative data to achieve reliable meaning in this study (e.g. [ 59 , 65 , 67 , 84 ]). Following that precedence, an iterative approach that involved reading reviewed literature back and forth, was used in this study. Using that approach, a synthesis of literature was undertaken to capture the core threads, debates and themes in the literature (e.g. [ 65 , 67 ]). Guided also by that methodological approach, relevant directions for future research have been flagged towards enhancing the knowledge about strategic management accounting and performance association.

Subjectivity is a major concern in qualitative researches (e.g. [ 18 , 76 ]). To address that concern, steps taken in this research to validate the articles incorporated into this research include rigor of conduct and strength of evidence by cross-referencing, as well as undertaking a duplicate check (e.g. [ 76 , 81 ]).

The findings

Prompted by the central threads that emerged from the analysis of the selected literature, the findings from this study are organised along three core themes: strategic management accounting techniques, contingencies of strategic management accounting techniques usage and the organisational performance implications of strategic management accounting usage.

The importance of management accounting, and in particular the strategic management accounting element as a tool for enabling top management to make effective decisions that enable organisation compete effectively in the marketplace, is gaining increasing mention in management discourse. In that discourse, five core categorisations of SMA techniques: strategic costing; strategic planning, control and performance measurement; strategic decision-making; competitor accounting; and customer accounting. While literature distils numerous forms of strategic management accounting techniques that organisations may embrace towards enabling effective management decision-making and organisational performance, evidence was found in reviewed literature that in some organisations, practitioners do not believe that strategic management accounting as a separate concept is a notion they subscribe to (e.g. CIMA Footnote 3 ; [ 48 , 55 ]). For example, CIMA Footnote 4 documents that participants unanimously do not subscribe to the notion, a conclusion which lends support to prior literature [ 48 , 55 ] that notes that strategic management accounting as a term, did not exist in the lexicon of accounting practitioners.

Grounded on the substance that effective use of the SMA techniques would improve organisational performance, immense research effort has focused on how organisations can effectively align the SMA usage towards achieving desired performance improvement. Premised in that theoretical domain, this study examined existing literature on the contingency factors of competitive intensity, market turbulence, formalisation, decentralisation and organisational strategy and SMA usage. Cumulative evidence obtained from the review of literature reinforces the need for organisations to pay particular attention to their operational environment in their use of SMA techniques. Reinforcing the fit principle, the cummulative evidence underlines that optimising the benefits of the strategic management accounting techniques in enabling effective customer orientation and boosting organisational performance is dependent on the organisation's ability to effectively align strategic management accounting practices to its operational environment. In other words, what works for an organisation would depend on the organisational dynamics, internal, as well as external. For example, formalisation may work for some but not for some, as decentralisation could work for some but not for some. Similarly, the utility of SMA techniques would hinge on the competitive intensity and market turbulence features of an organisation. Thus, aligning SMA practices to the internal and external features of an organisation is essential to enable them adapt effectively to their circumstances, make rational decisions and optimise their performance. So, alignment is critical because there is no one-size fits all approach for achieving customer orientation and organisational performance goals.

The third focal point of this study relates to the association of SMA techniques usage to organisational performance. Reviewed literature shows that organisations are achieving higher performance through the use of SMA techniques. In other words, effective use of SMA techniques would improve organisational performance. The plausibility in that performance outcome lies in the fact that organisations are able to utilise appropriate SMA measures to ensure effective, customer, competitor, strategic decision-making, costing, and planning and control orientation in their operational activities. Further on the performance point, literature also suggests that management control systems (MCS)–performance relationship is mediated by business strategy (e.g. [ 2 ]). Also, that study documents that the impacts (both indirect and total) of MCS on performance are stronger for family businesses than non-family businesses.

Conclusions

Conclusions and implications.

One of the major challenges that organisations are facing in today's dynamic marketplace is to steer their organisations in a way that they can stay competitive. In the contemporary world, where globalisation and technological evolution have expanded the options that customers have (e.g. [ 31 , 61 , 65 , 67 ]), organisations must strive hard to win the loyalty of customers. For organisations wishing to achieve that, strategic management accounting practices offer a strategic pathway. Organisations must embrace strategic management accounting practices that would enable them understand the market, their competitors, and the customers and leverage the intelligence from that knowledge to organise their operations towards profitably satisfying the customer. To effectively do that, organisations must avoid the mistake of focusing only on the internal issues; rather, their effort must be tailored towards embracing strategic management accounting practices that would enable them to be fully informed of the market trends, customer dynamics and competitor trends. Thus, organisations must ensure that good costing, planning, control and performance measurement; strategic decision-making, customer accounting and competitor accounting measures are embraced to enable them compete effectively.

Furthermore, in that drive to compete effectively in the market and profitably satisfy customers, organisations would not only need to embrace appropriate strategic management accounting techniques but also do that bearing in mind the environments that surround the operational activities. In other words, organisations must give due attention to the contingencies of their operational setting. Organisations must ensure a good blend of critical factors that would enable their optimal operation. Due attention must be given to organisational structure (centralisation or decentralisation of decision-making process), external environment (dynamism and turbulence), technological development, strategic approach, size of the organisation, amongst others. Doing that is critical for corporate success because there is no one size fits all approach—the outcome achieved would depend significantly on the dynamics surrounding the operational activities of the firm.

Thirty-three months on after Covid 19 was documented, Footnote 5 the pandemic is still ever present and has remained a daunting global challenge. Competing effectively in the dynamic marketplace is a major challenge for organisations, and with the Corona pandemic exerting unprecedent effects on organisations globally, most organisations are facing a more daunting challenge to survive (e.g. [ 65 , 67 ]). Organisations must strive to strategically orientate their management accounting practices to enable them find ways to effectively navigate the daunting challenges they face in this Corona era.

Implications of this study

The implications of this study are organised along managerial and theoretical implications.

Managerial Implications —Managers are reminded that optimal use of strategic management accounting techniques would boost organisational performance. Achieving high levels of organisational performance would however hinge on an organisation's ability to effectively align its SMA techniques usage to its internal and external dynamics. In other words, managers must bear in mind that there is no one-size fits all approach; therefore, they should endorse SMA techniques usage that fits their operational dynamics.

Theoretical Implications —In line with the central objective of this paper to sensitise the need for enhancing the understanding of the contingency perspective of strategic management accounting, the theoretical implications of this study are tailored towards specifying core gaps in the reviewed literature.

Overall, evidence from reviewed literature underlines the criticality of SMA techniques usage to organisational performance. Thus, if organisations strategically align SMA techniques usage to their operational setting, this would positively impact organisational performance. Within the goal of enhancing the literature on how to optimise the performance impact, much gaps still exist from the point off illuminating how differences in marketing and national culture differentiate SMA acceptance, usage, contingencies and performance impact.

Finally, on the point of performance, reviewed literature documents an obvious gap in the literature from the point of illuminating SMA techniques usage impact along the performance dimensions. As noted by Ojra [ 58 ], for some societies (especially ones that are Islamic cultured), non-financial performance is of central importance. Theoretical development from the point of SMA techniques usage, contingencies and non-financial performance impact is scanty.

Limitations of the study

Based on systematic review approach, this study aimed to drive further knowledge development on the contingency perspective of strategic management accounting, drawing on the evidence from reviewed literature to understand the core debates in the literature and pinpoint directions for future research. Two core limitations of this research relate to the conceptual framework and volume of literature reviewed.

The conceptual framing of this study embraced only three themes in the SMA discourse, namely perceived environmental uncertainty, organisational structure and organisational strategy. Elaborated, the contingency premise considered in this study relates to perceived environmental uncertainty (competitive intensity, and market turbulence), organisational structure (formalisation and decentralisation), and organisational strategy. This study recognises that there are other contingencies of strategic management accounting practices that have not been included in the conceptual framing of this study.

To capture the central debates in the SMA discourse, extant literature was reviewed. It is however important to acknowledge that this study may have ignored some literature relevant to the conceptual premise of this study. Finally, although efforts were made by the researchers to ensure validity in this research by adopting an analytical approach that involved thorough reading of literature to ensure valid meaning in the interpretation, it must be reminded that subjectivity is a concern in every qualitative research.

Future research directions

In explaining the theoretical implications of this study, core gaps in the literature were underlined (Section “ Implications of this study ”), while the limitations of this study were acknowledged in Section “ Limitations of the study ”. Building on these, this Section “ Future research directions ” extends the contribution of this study by specifying core directions for further knowledge development on the contingency perspective of strategic management accounting.

No doubt, this study has limitations, amongst which are the conceptual framework and the literature review scope. In their study, Naranjo-Gil et al. [ 54 , p. 688] note that “future research is needed to examine other factors to add a more comprehensive view of management accounting”. Given the conceptual limitation of this study, this study reinforces the research call by Naranjo-Gil et al. [ 54 ]. Future research could expand the work done in this research and knowledge development by incorporating contingency factors that have not been considered in the conceptual framing of this study. More research is required in that regard, both from the point of a systematic literature review approach, as well as from the point of empirical investigations that seek to illuminate the contextual (industrial sectors and geographical settings) differentiators to the contingency impacts on the use of strategic management accounting techniques.

Furthermore, more research effort is required from the point of gaining deeper understanding of the various strategic management accounting techniques. Marketing dynamics (e.g. [ 62 ]) and national culture [ 35 , 60 ] differ from one setting to another, therefore exploring the nature of strategic management accounting techniques that organisations endorse and why are core premises for research.

As flagged in the findings, there is a growing support of the notion that accounting practitioners do not subscribe to the use of the term strategic management accounting (e.g. CIMA Footnote 6 ; [ 48 , 55 ]). Further research could help to shed more light not only on why practitioners may not subscribe to the use of the term strategic management accounting, but also on the understanding of how practitioners would prefer to describe the management accounting practices that they embrace, and also why the specific practices are prioritised.

Furthermore, on the point of the content of strategic management accounting, researchers have also noted that not much effort is given to highlighting clearly the accounting information that organisations should give much attention to towards boosting organisational performance (e.g. [ 53 , 89 ]). Future research should aim to fill this gap. Doing that is critical to fully optimising the performance benefits of strategic management accounting [ 56 ].

Reviewed literature has documented that the extent to which strategic management accounting practices would aid management decision-making and organisational performance would depend on the contingency dynamics of the organisation (e.g. [ 11 , 58 ]). Understanding the contingency premise of strategic management accounting utility in driving effective management decision-making and organisational performance is a critical research premise, and future research should aim to shed more light on that. No one size fits all approach that works for all organisations in all contexts. Therefore, future research should seek to enhance the 'fit' foundation of strategic management accounting relevance and performance outcome. In that regard, future research should seek to illuminate further how perceived environmental uncertainty, decentralisation, formalisation, strategy and other contingency factors not considered in this study, would influence strategic management accounting techniques usage and organisational performance impact. In the particular case of perceived environmental uncertainty, more research is not only required from the point of understanding the influence of the construct, but also clarifying the competitive intensity and market turbulence associations.

An insight that emerged from the reviewed literature relates to the fact that majority of efforts to improve strategic management accounting discourse have considered mainly financial aspects of organisational performance (e.g. [ 58 , 86 ]). Focusing only on financial performance is inadequate as the customer perspective of performance is neglected [ 45 , 58 ]. The importance of focusing on customer performance has been re-echoed in further literature: organisational-level customer satisfaction associates positively to financial performance (e.g. [ 24 , 86 ]), and customer performance enables business strategy and an organisation's ability to deliver value to its shareholders as well as customers [ 25 ]. Supporting prior research (e.g. [ 49 , 58 , 86 ]), this study underlines the need for more studies that illuminate non-financial performance aspects and strategic management accounting association.

Finally, the Corona pandemic, which remains a global crisis, has exerted unprecedent global economic damage. Organisations are facing daunting challenges as a result of the Corona pandemic and are still seeking ways to successfully navigate these challenges. Future research should illuminate what strategic management accounting practices organisations are endorsing in the effort to effectively navigate the Corona-crisis-induced challenges.

Availability of data and materials

This study is based on the review of literature.

Management Accounting in support of the strategic management process. https://www.cimaglobal.com/Documents/Thought_leadership_docs/Management%20and%20financial%20accounting/Academic-Research-Report-Strategic-Management-Process.pdf .

January 9—WHO Announces Mysterious Coronavirus-Related Pneumonia in Wuhan, China.

Abbreviations

• Strategic management accounting

Strategic management accounting usage

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Management accounting and control system

Management control systems

Quality management system

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Ojra, J., Opute, A.P. & Alsolmi, M.M. Strategic management accounting and performance implications: a literature review and research agenda. Futur Bus J 7 , 64 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-021-00109-1

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Contemporary Issues in Management Accounting

The following reports are based on academic research into innovative and topical areas of management accounting practice commissioned by CIMA. They highlight the key findings from the research and their relevance to the accounting and finance community.

Our latest published reports

United or divided governance mechanisms for integrating esg into business practice.

This study by a researcher from the Competence Centre for Economic, Ecological, and Social Sustainability at the Free University of Bolzano delves into the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations within business practices and corporate reporting. The subject of this in-depth case study is a EU-based state-owned sustainable green tech company. The company exemplifies best practices by incorporating ESG factors into its business operations, including the establishment of compensation funds specifically earmarked for environmental expenses. Read more >

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This report, by a group of researchers from the University of Roehampton, UCL School of Management, Luiss Business School and Kingston Business School, outlines the experience and commitment of ABN AMRO in the area of sustainability and ESG and explores channels through which the bank’s ESG proposition fosters value creation. While all organisations influence society, banks have a greater impact and play a vital role in driving the transition to a sustainable economy. This case-study focused on the banking sector is a deeper-dive into the banks role in achieving a sustainable economy and provides valuable recommendations on best practices. Read more >

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The research found that for CEBM’s, management accounting serves as an important tool for management control and support, stewardship, performance measurement and decision-making but there is also a need to develop additional accounting tools to support CEBM implementation.

The report also sets out the implications for various stakeholder groups, including practitioners, policymakers and regulators, and recommendations for each group to consider and implement. Read more >

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The research, conducted by a group of scholars from Alliance Manchester Business School, Manchester University and SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, proposes a new Sustainable Value Table (SVT) to reconcile the financial and non-financial dimensions (specifically the Sustainable Development Goals) of business performance and corporate reporting. Read more >

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This report summarizes changes in pricing theory and the impact of those changes on the role of the management accountant and is based on research undertaken by Professor David Dugdale from Bristol University in the writing of his textbook Strategic Pricing and Management Accounting. It particularly focusses on value-based pricing and highlights a number of opportunities for management accountants to work as business partners with marketing managers. Read more >

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This project, led by a University of Roehampton scholar, seeks to investigate the effect of the pandemic on businesses awareness of organisational resilience. The study is highly relevant at a time businesses are faced with emerging, novel risks and disruptions, such as climate change and associated events. It aims to help management accountants to prepare for forthcoming threats, whether anticipated or unforeseen. Read more >

Management Accounting for Climate-related Financial Disclosures

In 2017, the Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) released recommendations to address the need for reliable corporate disclosure of climate-related information. This research, from RMIT and University of Tasmania, explores how management accountants can contribute to the development of appropriate climate-related scenarios and to better integrate their management accounting expertise into organisational climate change strategy. Read more >

The effect of dynamic capabilities on performance and digital business strategy

This research, conducted by a team from Maastricht University, investigated the effect of dynamic capabilities (the ability to adapt internal and external competencies in response to rapidly changing environments) on the implementation of an organisation's digital business strategy and on business unit performance within a large German automotive manufacturing company. Read more >

Seven steps to technological innovation: The case of the Australian and Italian wine industry.

This research, conducted by scholars from the university of South Australia, investigates the drivers, barriers and benefits of technological innovation (including block-chain, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and Industry 4.0 applications) and the role of management accountants in managing innovation projects within the Australian and Italian wine industry Read more >

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This research undertaken by a team from Essec Business School investigates the work, challenges and roles of French and German management accountants in the digital age. It found that management accountants are strongly engaged in the digitisation of their companies and play an important role in the digital transformation through their involvement in data quality and IT system harmonization. Read more >

Employee Trust: determinants and consequences of employee perceptions of organisational trustworthiness .

Inspiring trust has been long acknowledged as the key to successful management but relatively little is known about how employees form trust perceptions. A study, by researchers at Maastricht and Tulane Universities and conducted within privately owned North American pharmacy by reveals that perceptions of the organisation’s benevolence, integrity and ability influence trust perceptions. Read more >

The impact of predictive forecasting on corporate control.

Forecasting is essential for managers to steer businesses in dynamic environments and to manage relations with external stakeholders. A study of two large multi-national companies conducted by a team from Monash University explored to how predictive analytics-based forecasts were used at a corporate level and how they contribute to managing organisations . Read more >

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Integrated Thinking Aligning purpose and the business model to market opportunities and sustainable performance

Finance business partnering: Design principles to orchestrate value

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Local government financial resilience (Germany, Italy and UK compared)

Is the Stewardship Code fit for purpose?

Proxy Advisory Firms: Information intermediaries or standard setters?

How target setting can unleash and enhance creativity

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I mpact assessment in a non-government organisation

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Ethical Implications of Management Accounting and Control: A Systematic Review of the Contributions from the Journal of Business Ethics

• Original Paper
• Published: 10 October 2018
• Volume 163 , pages 309–328, ( 2020 )

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• Christoph Endenich 1 &
• Rouven Trapp 2  

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Management accounting and control seeks to provide information that substantiates decision-making at all firm levels and thus may also foster ethical decision-making. Against this background, this article presents a systematic literature review of research on management accounting and control and business ethics that has been published in the Journal of Business Ethics . Through this review, we intend to bring to the forefront a research topic that has been widely neglected in broader literature reviews on accounting ethics research and that has been covered by a small number of articles published by traditional leading accounting journals only. Our systematic literature review is guided by a theoretical framework that integrates the decision-facilitating and decision-influencing roles of management accounting and control information and the stages of the ethical decision-making process. Through this theoretical lens, we analyze 64 management accounting and control articles published in the Journal of Business Ethics over more than three decades. Synthesizing and structuring this research, we discuss prior accomplishments and elaborate on avenues for future research.

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Stakeholder Theory, Accounting, and Business Legitimacy

Managing Conflict of Interests in Professional Accounting Firms: A Research Synthesis

Accounting can be divided into the major sub-disciplines of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation (Endenich and Trapp 2018 ). Note that in this review, we considered articles that cover MAC issues in the audit sector (i.e., those management accounting articles with a specific industry focus on the audit sector) but excluded all other audit-related articles.

This approach can be further rationalized by Bampton and Cowton ( 2013 ) who identified fewer than five accounting ethics articles published in The Accounting Review , which is widely perceived to be a leading scholarly accounting journal (e.g., Bonner et al. 2006 ), over the two decades that their analysis covered. Against this background, we used EBSCO Business Source Complete to analyze whether significantly more articles on MAC and business ethics have been published in recent years. Our search referred to the three leading mainstream accounting journals (in alphabetical order: Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Accounting Research , and The Accounting Review ) as well as to the three leading journals that primarily publish interpretative and critical research ( Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal; Accounting, Organizations and Society ; and Critical Perspectives on Accounting ) between 2013 and 2018. We identified three articles related to MAC and business ethics in these journals during this period. These articles refer to topics that are covered by the papers published in the JBE and discussed in this review. Against this background and given our objective of identifying the major topics, methods, and theories in research on MAC and business ethics, it seems reasonable to focus our review on publications from the JBE . Because ethical considerations may play a role in accounting education, we also searched in Issues in Accounting Education and the Journal of Accounting Education for potentially relevant papers but only identified teaching cases that include questions related to ethical decision-making in a management accounting context. However, in light of our focus on research related to MAC and business ethics, these papers are beyond the scope of our review. Moreover, by focusing on publications from the JBE , we intend to ensure comparability between the articles analyzed and a focused and condensed analysis. Future research may complement our analysis by focusing on a broader set of journals.

Ethical decisions can be defined as “both legal and acceptable to the larger community” (Jones 1991 , p. 367).

Prior research frequently emphasizes reward systems as an important organizational factor (James 2000 ; Tenbrunsel and Smith-Crowe 2008 ; Treviño et al. 2006 ). These systems are part of the information systems provided by management accountants. However, our review suggests that other MAC information systems affect ethical decision-making as well.

In the following paragraphs, we highlight the interconnections between the different stages of the ethical decision-making process and the decision-facilitating and -influencing role of MAC information using illustrative examples. These examples are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of these interconnections.

We considered all articles that were assigned to an issue or published “Online First” as of October 9, 2017, the day on which we conducted final checks of the completeness of our database.

Note that our review does not consider articles in the area of executive compensation. Although some aspects of executive compensation—such as target setting for compensation formulas—are related to MAC, executive compensation is a very broad area that also touches, e.g., on market and corporate finance, corporate governance and law. To ensure a clear focus of our article, we limited our analysis to MAC used in internal delegation relationships, i.e., between managers and employees but not between top managers and firm owners.

These terms are (in alphabetical order) balanced scorecard, budget*, controller, costing, management account*, managerial account*, management control, performance measurement, pricing, and transfer price. Note that an asterisk can be used in search engines as a substitute for any other letter(s). E.g., the search term management account* will return results for both management accounting and management accountant.

For Step 1 and Step 2, we searched for the aforementioned MAC-related terms in the title of the article, while the term ethic* was searched for in the overall text. To identify additional potentially relevant articles, we broadened the queries in Steps 3 and 4 by searching for both the MAC-related term as well as the term ethic* in the overall text. These queries naturally returned a large number of results (sometimes several dozen or even more than one hundred articles) that were subsequently manually checked for relevant articles by one of the authors.

These 64 articles are marked with an asterisk in the reference list. Note that we considered non-empirical articles on MAC and business ethics published in the JBE in the quantitative-descriptive analysis of this section and for our overall argumentation, but we focus on empirical articles in subsequent sections. The non-empirical articles of our sample comprise the following (in chronological order): Woelfel ( 1986 ), Brooks ( 1989 ), Loeb and Cory ( 1989 ), Ottensmeyer and Heroux ( 1991 ), Hansen et al. ( 1992 ), Alder ( 1998 ), Maguire ( 1999 ), Mehafdi ( 2000 ), Keeble et al. ( 2003 ), Kerssens-van-Drongelen and Fisscher ( 2003 ), Martin and Freeman ( 2003 ), van den Brink and van der Woerd ( 2004 ), van Marrewijk ( 2004 ), Rosanas and Velilla ( 2005 ), Barsky ( 2008 ), Searcy ( 2012 ), Rodgers et al. ( 2015 ), Hansen and Schaltegger ( 2016 ), Cugueró-Escofet and Rosanas ( 2017 ), Pryshlakivsky and Searcy ( 2017 ), Hahn and Figge ( 2018 ), Hansen and Schaltegger ( 2018 ) and Murthy and Rooney ( 2018 ).

Formerly known as the National Association of Cost Accountants and the National Association of Accountants. For the sake of clarity, we refer consistently to IMA ® in this paper.

IMA ® members are required to comply with these standards; failure “to comply may result in disciplinary action” (IMA ® 2017 , p. 2). IMA ® ’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice also includes a guideline for “Resolving Ethical Issues” that recommends using established company guidelines, discussion with an immediate or next-level supervisor, requesting advice from IMA ® ’s helpline, consulting one’s own legal attorney, and disassociating from the company (IMA ® 2017 ).

In the 1983 version, IMA ® mentions legal requirements and the opportunity to inform a person “engaged” by the company—likely to be the company’s external auditor—on the ethical issue (Loeb and Cory 1989 ).

Loeb and Cory ( 1989 ) distinguish between internal and external whistleblowing. Internal whistleblowing comprises “taking an issue to a level […] that is above an employee’s direct superior” (Loeb and Cory 1989 , p. 903) and external whistleblowing “discussing the issue outside the employer organization” (ibid.).

Because MCSs are concerned with aligning the behavior of employees with the interests of their organizations, budgeting and performance measurement are crucial elements of MCSs (Lindsay et al. 1996 ; Rosanas and Velilla 2005 ). Given this distinctive role and the significant body of research that evolved in these two areas, we discuss budgeting and performance measurement in separate sections.

Similarly, Sweeney et al. ( 2010 ) (see below) show significantly higher ethical evaluations of four audit-related cases describing unethical behavior by female when compared to male respondents. Roxas and Stoneback ( 2004 ), building on data from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, report that for their aggregated dataset, males’ answers to an ethical dilemma faced by a management accountant were significantly less ethical than females’ answers. Nevertheless, at the disaggregated level, results become insignificant for most countries.

An unethical tone at the top is defined in a manner consistent with Douglas et al. ( 2001 , p. 107) as the “ethical environment within the firm created through management practices and espoused values.”

The controllability principle states that managers should only be evaluated based on measures they can influence to maintain motivation (Burkert et al. 2011 ; Merchant 2006 ).

Related extensions of the BSC with social, environmental, and ethical aspects have been named sustainability scorecard and responsive business scorecard (van Marrewijk 2004 ; Hansen and Schaltegger 2016 ).

The 64 articles that comprise the database of our literature review have been marked with an asterisk

Ahrens, T., & Chapman, C. S. (2004). Accounting for flexibility and efficiency: A field study of management control systems in a restaurant chain. Contemporary Accounting Research, 21 (2), 271–301.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Steven Dellaportas (Section Editor) and four anonymous reviewers for insightful comments and helpful suggestions on earlier versions of the manuscript.

Christoph Endenich has received financial support from the ESSEC Business School Research Center. Rouven Trapp has not received any funding for this research.

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Endenich, C., Trapp, R. Ethical Implications of Management Accounting and Control: A Systematic Review of the Contributions from the Journal of Business Ethics . J Bus Ethics 163 , 309–328 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-4034-8

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Received : 19 December 2017

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• The evolving landscape of securities regulations and its impact on corporate finance.

7. Corporate Governance Thesis Topics

• The impact of governance structures on corporate sustainability and responsibility.
• Board diversity and its effect on corporate decision-making processes.
• Corporate governance mechanisms to combat corruption and enhance transparency.
• The role of stakeholder engagement in shaping governance practices.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate governance codes across different jurisdictions.
• The influence of technology on corporate governance practices.
• Governance challenges in family-owned businesses.
• The impact of corporate governance on firm performance during economic crises.
• Shareholder rights and their enforcement in emerging market economies.
• The future of corporate governance in the digital economy.
• The role of ethics in corporate governance.
• Corporate governance and risk management: interlinkages and impacts.
• The effects of regulatory changes on corporate governance standards.
• ESG integration in corporate governance.
• The role of internal audits in strengthening corporate governance.
• Corporate governance in non-profit organizations.
• The influence of activist investors on corporate governance reforms.
• The effectiveness of whistleblower policies in corporate governance.
• Cybersecurity governance in large corporations.
• Succession planning and governance in large enterprises.
• The impact of international governance standards on local practices.
• The role of governance in preventing financial fraud.
• Corporate governance in the fintech industry.
• The relationship between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.
• The impact of global economic policies on corporate governance.
• Data privacy and security: Governance challenges in the information era.
• The role of governance in managing corporate crises.
• The impact of leadership styles on corporate governance effectiveness.
• Corporate governance and its role in enhancing business competitiveness.
• The evolving role of board committees in strategic decision-making.

8. Finance Thesis Topics

• Financial implications of global climate change initiatives.
• The future of financial markets in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.
• The impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in developing countries.
• Cryptocurrency: emerging financial technology and its regulatory challenges.
• The role of financial institutions in fostering economic resilience.
• Innovations in financial products for an aging global population.
• The impact of digital wallets on traditional banking systems.
• Financial literacy and its role in promoting socio-economic equality.
• The effect of fintech on the global remittance landscape.
• Risk management strategies in finance post-global financial crisis.
• The influence of behavioral finance on investment strategies.
• The evolving role of central banks in digital currency markets.
• Financing sustainable urban development.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on personal finance management.
• Peer-to-peer lending and its effect on traditional credit markets.
• The role of finance in facilitating international trade and development.
• The implications of Brexit on European financial markets.
• Financial derivatives and their role in modern economies.
• The effects of sanctions on financial transactions and economic stability.
• The future of investment banking in a technology-driven world.
• Financial models for predicting economic downturns.
• The impact of financial education on consumer behavior.
• Securitization of assets: benefits and risks.
• The role of financial services in disaster recovery and resilience.
• Emerging trends in global investment patterns.
• Financial strategies for managing corporate mergers and acquisitions.
• The influence of cultural factors on financial systems and practices.
• The effectiveness of financial sanctions as a geopolitical tool.
• The future of financial privacy in an interconnected world.
• The role of finance in promoting renewable energy investments.

9. Financial Economics Thesis Topics

• The economic impact of quantitative easing in developed versus emerging markets.
• The implications of negative interest rates for global economies.
• Economic predictors of financial market behavior in crisis periods.
• The relationship between government debt and economic growth.
• Economic consequences of income inequality on national financial stability.
• The effects of consumer confidence on economic recovery.
• The role of economic policy in shaping housing market dynamics.
• The impact of global trade wars on financial economics.
• The influence of demographic shifts on economic policy and financial markets.
• Macroeconomic factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption.
• The role of economic theory in developing financial regulation.
• The impact of tourism economics on national financial health.
• Economic strategies for combating hyperinflation.
• The role of sovereign wealth funds in global economic stability.
• Economic analyses of environmental and resource economics.
• The implications of fintech on traditional economic models.
• Economic impacts of global pandemic responses by governments.
• The future of labor markets in a digitally transforming economy.
• Economic considerations in renewable energy finance.
• The economics of privacy and data security in financial transactions.
• The role of international economic organizations in financial regulation.
• Economic effects of technological innovation on traditional industries.
• The impact of economic sanctions on international relations and finance.
• The role of consumer spending in economic recovery phases.
• Economic policies for addressing wealth gaps.
• The economic impact of climate change on financial sectors.
• The role of economic research in crafting sustainable development goals.
• The economics of health and its impact on national economies.
• Global economic trends and their implications for financial forecasting.
• The relationship between educational economics and workforce development.

10. Financial Management Thesis Topics

• The strategic role of financial management in corporate sustainability.
• Impact of global financial regulations on corporate financial management.
• Financial management techniques for optimizing supply chain operations.
• The role of financial management in crisis recovery and resilience.
• Emerging technologies in financial management systems.
• The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial management strategies.
• Financial planning for long-term business growth in volatile markets.
• The influence of global economic conditions on financial management practices.
• Financial management challenges in the nonprofit sector.
• The role of financial management in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of digital currencies on corporate financial management.
• Financial risk management strategies in an era of global uncertainty.
• The role of financial management in enhancing operational efficiency.
• Financial management best practices in the tech industry.
• The impact of consumer behavior trends on financial management.
• Financial management in the healthcare sector: Challenges and strategies.
• The influence of artificial intelligence on financial decision-making processes.
• Financial management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• The role of financial management in international expansion.
• Ethical considerations in financial management practices.
• Financial management in the energy sector: challenges and innovations.
• Financial strategies for managing environmental risks.
• The role of financial management in startup success and sustainability.
• The impact of financial transparency on corporate governance.
• Financial management and investor relations: integrating strategic communication.
• The role of financial management in educational institutions.
• Managing financial instability in emerging markets.
• Financial management practices in the gig economy.
• The role of financial managers in driving business model innovations.
• Financial management tools for effective capital allocation.

11. Fintech Thesis Topics

• The impact of blockchain on global payment systems.
• Regulation challenges for fintech innovations: A cross-country analysis.
• The role of fintech in democratizing access to financial services.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in predictive financial modeling.
• The evolution of peer-to-peer lending platforms and their impact on traditional banking.
• Cryptocurrency adoption: consumer behavior and market dynamics.
• The future of robo-advisors in personal finance management.
• The impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion in developing countries.
• Fintech solutions for microfinance: scalability and sustainability issues.
• Data privacy and security challenges in fintech applications.
• The role of fintech in enhancing cybersecurity in financial transactions.
• The impact of fintech on traditional banking employment.
• Regulatory technology (RegTech) for compliance management: trends and challenges.
• Fintech and its role in combating financial crime and money laundering.
• The influence of fintech on the insurance industry: insurtech innovations.
• Fintech investments: market trends and future prospects.
• The role of big data analytics in fintech.
• Digital wallets and the future of consumer spending behavior.
• Impact of fintech on wealth management and investment strategies.
• Challenges and opportunities of implementing distributed ledger technology in financial services.
• Consumer trust and fintech: building relationships in a digital age.
• The evolution of payment gateways: fintech at the forefront.
• Fintech’s impact on cross-border payments and remittances.
• The role of fintech in the development of smart contracts.
• The influence of fintech on financial market transparency.
• Fintech as a driver for financial sector innovation in emerging markets.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on risk assessment in fintech.
• Fintech and financial stability: an analysis of systemic risks.
• The role of fintech in streamlining government and public sector finance.
• Ethical considerations in fintech: balancing innovation with consumer protection.

12. Insurance Thesis Topics

• The future of insurance in the age of climate change.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on underwriting and risk management.
• Cyber risk insurance: emerging challenges and opportunities.
• The role of insurance in managing public health crises.
• Innovations in health insurance: technology-driven approaches to coverage.
• The evolution of automotive insurance in the era of autonomous vehicles.
• Insurance fraud detection using big data analytics.
• Regulatory challenges in the global insurance market.
• The influence of behavioral economics on insurance product design.
• The role of reinsurance in stabilizing insurance markets.
• Insurance and financial inclusion: strategies for reaching underserved communities.
• The impact of technological advancements on insurance pricing models.
• The role of insurance in disaster risk reduction and management.
• Customer data management in the insurance industry: privacy versus personalization.
• The future of life insurance: adapting to demographic shifts.
• The integration of IoT devices in home insurance policies.
• Blockchain applications in the insurance industry.
• The impact of social media on insurance marketing and customer engagement.
• Insurance as a tool for sustainable business practices.
• The role of insurance companies in promoting corporate social responsibility.
• The challenges of health insurance in a post-pandemic world.
• Emerging risks and insurance: addressing the needs of the gig economy.
• The role of insurance in mitigating financial risks associated with sports and entertainment.
• Ethical challenges in insurance: discrimination in risk assessment.
• The impact of global political instability on the insurance sector.
• Insurance products tailored for the elderly: opportunities and challenges.
• The role of insurance in fostering innovation in the construction industry.
• Insurance and climate resilience: protecting vulnerable communities.
• The evolving landscape of travel insurance amid global uncertainties.
• The role of insurance in the transition to renewable energy sources.

13. International Finance Thesis Topics

• The impact of currency fluctuations on international trade.
• Strategies for managing foreign exchange risk in multinational corporations.
• The effects of global economic sanctions on financial markets.
• The role of international financial institutions in economic development.
• Cross-border mergers and acquisitions: challenges and opportunities.
• The influence of geopolitical tensions on global financial stability.
• International tax planning and its implications for global investment.
• The future of international financial regulation in a post-Brexit Europe.
• The impact of emerging markets on global finance.
• Foreign direct investment trends and their economic impacts.
• The role of sovereign wealth funds in international finance.
• The challenges of implementing international accounting standards.
• The impact of international remittances on developing economies.
• The role of digital currencies in reshaping international finance.
• The effects of protectionist trade policies on global finance.
• International financial market trends and their implications for investors.
• The role of expatriate remittances in national economic stability.
• The impact of international trade agreements on financial services.
• Global risk management strategies in the finance sector.
• The role of green finance in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of international environmental policies on financial strategies.
• The future of global banking in the context of rising nationalism.
• The role of international finance in disaster recovery and resilience.
• The influence of international finance on poverty reduction strategies.
• Strategies for financing international healthcare initiatives.
• The evolving role of Islamic finance in the global market.
• The impact of fintech on international banking and finance.
• Challenges in financing international infrastructure projects.
• The role of international finance in climate change mitigation.
• Ethical considerations in international finance: fostering global financial integrity.

14. Investment Thesis Topics

• The role of ESG criteria in investment decision-making.
• The impact of technological innovation on investment strategies.
• Market reaction to unexpected global events and its effect on investment portfolios.
• Behavioral biases in investment: a study of market anomalies.
• The future of real estate investment in a fluctuating economic landscape.
• The role of quantitative analysis in portfolio management.
• The impact of demographic changes on investment trends.
• Strategies for sustainable and responsible investing.
• The influence of regulatory changes on investment strategies.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing investment decisions.
• Cryptocurrency investment: risks and opportunities.
• The impact of global trade tensions on investment strategies.
• Investment strategies for low interest rate environments.
• The role of crowdfunding in the investment landscape.
• The impact of social media on investor sentiment and stock prices.
• The effectiveness of passive versus active investment strategies.
• The role of venture capital in driving technological innovation.
• The future of bond markets in a changing economic context.
• The role of international investments in diversifying portfolios.
• Impact of inflation expectations on investment decisions.
• The evolving landscape of commodity investments.
• Investment opportunities in emerging markets.
• The impact of fiscal policy changes on investment strategies.
• The role of hedge funds in the current financial market.
• The influence of central bank policies on investment strategies.
• The role of pension funds in the global investment market.
• Ethical investing: balancing profit and principles.
• The future of investments in renewable energy.
• The impact of political stability on foreign investments.
• The role of technology in asset management and valuation.

15. Management Accounting Thesis Topics

• The role of management accounting in strategic decision-making.
• Cost management strategies in the era of global supply chain disruptions.
• The impact of digital transformation on management accounting practices.
• The role of management accounting in environmental sustainability.
• Performance measurement and management in diverse organizational settings.
• Risk management strategies in management accounting.
• The evolving role of management accountants in corporate governance.
• The impact of regulatory changes on management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in healthcare cost containment.
• The influence of management accounting on operational efficiency.
• Management accounting practices in nonprofit organizations.
• The role of cost analysis in pricing strategies.
• The impact of technological advancements on budgeting and forecasting.
• The effectiveness of management accounting tools in project management.
• The role of management accounting in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of cultural differences on management accounting systems.
• The role of management accounting in enhancing business resilience.
• The influence of management accounting on business model innovation.
• Management accounting in the digital economy: challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic cost management for competitive advantage.
• The role of management accounting in supply chain optimization.
• The future of management accounting in the context of AI and automation.
• The impact of financial technology on management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in crisis management and recovery.
• Performance metrics and their impact on organizational success.
• The role of management accounting in supporting sustainable practices.
• The impact of global economic conditions on management accounting.
• The role of predictive analytics in management accounting.
• The effectiveness of internal controls in management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in international business expansion.

16. Personal Finance Thesis Topics

• The impact of financial technology on personal savings strategies.
• Behavioral insights into personal debt management.
• The role of personal finance education in shaping financial literacy.
• The influence of economic downturns on personal investment choices.
• Retirement planning: trends and strategies in the current economic climate.
• The effectiveness of digital tools in personal budgeting and financial planning.
• Analyzing the gender gap in personal finance management.
• The impact of cultural factors on personal saving and spending habits.
• Personal finance challenges for the gig economy workers.
• The role of personal finance in achieving long-term financial security.
• Cryptocurrency as a personal investment: risks and rewards.
• The impact of peer-to-peer lending platforms on personal finance.
• The influence of social media on personal financial decisions.
• Ethical considerations in personal financial advice.
• The evolution of consumer credit markets and its impact on personal finance.
• Strategies for managing personal financial risk.
• The role of emergency funds in personal financial planning.
• The impact of student loans on financial planning for millennials.
• Personal finance strategies for different life stages.
• The effect of inflation on personal savings and investment strategies.
• The future of personal finance in the age of AI and automation.
• The role of insurance in personal financial planning.
• The impact of tax laws changes on personal finance strategies.
• The psychology of spending: understanding consumer behavior.
• Personal financial planning for expatriates: strategies and challenges.
• The role of estate planning in personal finance.
• Impact of healthcare costs on personal financial stability.
• The role of financial advisors in the era of self-directed financial planning.
• Financial planning for sustainable living: integrating environmental considerations.
• The challenges and opportunities in personal wealth building.

17. Public Finance Thesis Topics

• The role of public finance in addressing income inequality.
• Fiscal policies for sustainable economic growth.
• The impact of taxation on small businesses.
• Public finance management in times of economic crisis.
• The role of government spending in stimulating economic development.
• Strategies for managing national debt.
• The effectiveness of public welfare programs.
• The challenges of healthcare financing in public sectors.
• The impact of international aid on public finance.
• Public finance strategies for environmental conservation.
• The role of public finance in urban development.
• Tax evasion and its implications for public finance.
• The impact of public finance on education quality and access.
• Financing public infrastructure: challenges and solutions.
• The role of public finance in disaster management.
• The effectiveness of fiscal decentralization.
• Public finance reforms and their impact on service delivery.
• The challenges of pension financing in the public sector.
• The impact of political stability on public financial management.
• Public-private partnerships: financial implications and models.
• The role of transparency in public finance.
• The impact of corruption on public financial management.
• Financing renewable energy projects through public funds.
• The role of public finance in health care reform.
• The effectiveness of government subsidies in promoting economic sectors.
• The challenges of financing sustainable transportation systems.
• The impact of demographic changes on public finance.
• The role of digital technologies in improving public finance management.
• The global trends in public finance and their implications for domestic policy.
• The impact of climate change on public financial strategies.

18. Quantitative Finance Thesis Topics

• The application of machine learning algorithms in predicting stock market trends.
• The role of quantitative methods in risk management.
• Developing advanced models for credit risk assessment.
• The impact of high-frequency trading on market stability.
• The use of big data analytics in portfolio management.
• Quantitative approaches to asset pricing in volatile markets.
• The effectiveness of quantitative strategies in hedge funds.
• The role of algorithmic trading in enhancing market efficiency.
• Quantitative models for predicting bond market movements.
• The impact of quantitative finance on regulatory compliance.
• The application of blockchain technology in quantitative finance.
• The challenges of quantitative finance in cryptocurrency markets.
• The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in quantitative analysis.
• The role of quantitative finance in private equity valuations.
• Developing quantitative approaches for derivatives pricing.
• The impact of quantitative finance techniques on financial advising.
• Quantitative methods for assessing market liquidity.
• The role of sentiment analysis in quantitative finance.
• Quantitative trading strategies for commodities markets.
• The application of game theory in financial strategy.
• Quantitative finance and its role in insurance underwriting.
• The impact of geopolitical events on quantitative financial models.
• The use of quantitative finance in forecasting economic downturns.
• Machine learning models for real estate investment analysis.
• Quantitative finance techniques in sports betting markets.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on financial market predictions.
• Quantitative methods for managing currency exchange risks.
• The role of quantitative finance in managing pension fund assets.
• The effectiveness of quantitative models in emerging financial markets.
• The future of quantitative finance in a globally interconnected economy.

19. Risk Management Thesis Topics

• The role of risk management in enhancing corporate resilience.
• Cybersecurity risks in financial institutions: management strategies.
• The impact of climate change on risk management in insurance.
• Risk management techniques in the fintech sector.
• The effectiveness of enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.
• Risk management in global supply chains.
• The role of risk management in sustainable business practices.
• Financial risks associated with political instability.
• The challenges of operational risk management in complex organizations.
• Risk management strategies for digital transformation projects.
• The impact of regulatory changes on risk management practices.
• Risk assessment techniques for investment in volatile markets.
• The role of data analytics in risk identification and mitigation.
• Risk management considerations in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of reputation risk on corporate strategy.
• Risk management in the healthcare industry.
• The challenges of risk management in the energy sector.
• The role of risk management in nonprofit organizations.
• Implementing risk management in public sector entities.
• The future of risk management in the context of AI advancements.
• Credit risk management in banking post-global financial crisis.
• Risk management strategies for emerging technologies.
• The role of psychological factors in risk management decision-making.
• Legal risks in international business operations.
• The impact of cultural differences on risk management strategies.
• Environmental risk management and corporate responsibility.
• Risk management techniques for protecting intellectual property.
• The role of insurance in comprehensive risk management.
• The challenges of liquidity risk management in financial markets.
• The future of risk management education and training.

20. Taxation Thesis Topics

• The impact of digital economy on global taxation frameworks.
• Tax policy as a tool for economic recovery post-pandemic.
• The effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy investments.
• The role of taxation in addressing wealth inequality.
• International tax competition and its implications for global economic stability.
• The challenges of implementing value-added tax (VAT) in developing countries.
• Tax evasion and its impact on national economies.
• The role of tax policy in encouraging corporate social responsibility.
• The impact of tax reforms on small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Comparative analysis of progressive versus flat tax systems.
• The effectiveness of digital services taxes in the global economy.
• The role of taxation in sustainable development goals.
• Taxation strategies for digital currencies and blockchain transactions.
• The impact of tax policies on consumer behavior.
• The role of taxation in healthcare financing.
• Tax compliance challenges in the gig economy.
• The implications of tax havens on international relations.
• The role of automated systems in improving tax collection efficiency.
• Taxation and its impact on foreign direct investment flows.
• The future of estate taxes and their role in wealth distribution.
• Taxation of e-commerce transactions.
• The impact of international tax treaties on cross-border investments.
• The role of taxation in the informal economy.
• The challenges of carbon taxes in combating climate change.
• The role of tax audits in enhancing fiscal transparency.
• The impact of tax policies on retirement planning.
• Taxation challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.
• The role of taxation in funding public education.
• The impact of taxation on agricultural development.
• The future of consumption taxes in an increasingly digital world.

This comprehensive list of accounting and finance thesis topics has been curated to reflect the latest challenges and emerging trends within the field. Whether you are exploring traditional areas like taxation and corporate finance or delving into the evolving realms of fintech and international finance, these topics are designed to provide a robust foundation for your thesis research. Each category is intended to spark innovative thinking and encourage a deep exploration of issues that are pivotal to the current and future landscape of accounting and finance. By selecting a topic from this extensive collection, students can ensure their research is relevant, timely, and contributes meaningfully to their academic and professional growth in the field of accounting and finance.

The Range of Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Accounting and finance stand as critical pillars in the modern economic and corporate world, guiding everything from daily business operations to global financial strategies. The study of these disciplines is not just about learning to balance books or manage corporate assets; it’s about understanding the forces that drive economic activities and shape financial landscapes. Research in accounting and finance is paramount as it provides the empirical evidence needed to develop robust financial models, innovative management practices, and effective regulatory policies. The relevance of accounting and finance thesis topics is thus foundational to nurturing informed, adept professionals capable of navigating the complexities of financial markets and addressing the challenges of economic flux.

Current Issues in Accounting and Finance

• Globalization and Regulatory Complexity : As businesses operate across borders, the complexity of regulatory compliance increases. Researchers are tasked with exploring the implications of global regulatory frameworks and their synchronization, or lack thereof, which affects multinational corporations and global financial stability.
• Technological Disruptions : The rapid integration of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning in financial operations presents both opportunities and challenges. Studies focus on their impacts on financial privacy, security, and new types of financial crime, as well as their potential to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Ethical and Sustainability Challenges : With rising concerns over corporate responsibility and sustainable development, research is increasingly focusing on how financial practices can be aligned with ethical standards and sustainability goals. This includes studies on green financing, ethical investing, and the financial implications of corporate sustainability initiatives.

Recent Trends in Accounting and Finance

• Automation and Data Analytics : The adoption of advanced data analytics and automation tools is transforming traditional accounting tasks. Research topics explore the impact of these technologies on workflow efficiencies, data accuracy, and strategic decision-making within financial departments.
• Sustainable Finance : As the demand for environmentally and socially responsible investment options grows, there is an increasing focus on how financial markets can support ESG principles. Researchers examine the integration of sustainability into financial analysis and decision-making processes.
• Fintech Innovations : The emergence of fintech and its components like mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, and cryptocurrencies are reshaping the financial services industry. Theses may focus on the regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and consumer behavior influenced by these innovations.

Future Directions in Accounting and Finance

• Digital Transformation : Future research will likely delve deeper into the consequences and potentials of continued digital transformation in finance, such as the widespread adoption of internet of things (IoT) technologies and further advancements in AI for automated trading and personal finance management.
• Predictive Finance and AI : With AI’s increasing capability to predict financial outcomes, future topics could include the development of AI-driven models for credit scoring, risk management, and investment strategies, emphasizing their accuracy, ethical considerations, and regulatory needs.
• Sustainability and Finance : An emerging research frontier is the intersection of finance with global sustainability challenges. Potential topics include the financing of climate change initiatives, the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable practices, and the creation of innovative financial products that support sustainable economic growth.

The breadth of accounting and finance thesis topics is indicative of the field’s extensive scope and its significant impact on societal and economic frameworks. Continued research is essential for advancing theoretical foundations and developing practical applications that address both current challenges and future opportunities. This ongoing academic inquiry is crucial for fostering a financial landscape that is not only robust and dynamic but also ethical and sustainable, ensuring that the field of accounting and finance remains at the forefront of economic innovation and societal advancement.

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Spotlight on 130+ Accounting Research Topics: Bridging Theory and Practice

• Post author By admin
• August 12, 2023

Explore diverse Accounting Research Topics, from AI’s influence to sustainability and blockchain’s impact. Stay updated with the latest trends and insights

Hello, fellow explorers of financial knowledge! Ready to dive into the intriguing world of Accounting Research Topics? Whether you’re a numbers aficionado or just curious about finance, you’re in for a treat.

Uncover the mysteries behind financial statements, explore auditing intricacies, and venture into evolving taxation strategies.

Imagine numbers as gateways to unraveling business secrets and economic insights. We’re not just skimming the surface; we’re diving deep into the heart of accounting research, revealing captivating stories beneath jargon and formulas.

Ever wondered how auditors ensure financial compliance? How technology transforms accounting practices? Or the ethical compass guiding finance?

No stone unturned, all questions answered. But that’s not all. We’ll delve into intersections of accounting with sustainability, blockchain, and the art of valuing businesses.

Join us, whether you’re a student, professional, or someone curious about finance. Together, we’ll explore accounting research topics, shedding light on concepts, trends, and insights that make you part of the financial conversations shaping our world.

Grab your virtual passport, and let’s journey into the fascinating universe of Accounting Research Topics!

Table of Contents

What are Accounting Research Topics?

Accounting research topics refer to specific subjects or areas within the field of accounting that scholars, researchers, and students focus on for in-depth investigation, analysis, and exploration. These topics aim to contribute new knowledge, insights, and understanding to the accounting discipline.

Accounting research topics can cover a wide range of areas, including financial reporting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, ethics, technology, and more.

Researchers in accounting delve into these topics to address questions, challenges, and gaps in knowledge within the accounting profession and its various subfields.

The goal of accounting research is to advance the understanding of accounting principles, practices, regulations, and their impact on businesses, economies, and society as a whole.

Accounting Research Topics

Check out some of the most interesting accounting research topics to work on.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Comparative Analysis of Financial Statements.
• Earnings Management and Manipulation.
• Financial Ratios and Performance Evaluation.
• Predictive Analytics in Financial Forecasting.
• The Impact of Fair Value Accounting on Financial Statements.
• Revenue Recognition Practices Across Industries.
• Financial Statement Fraud Detection Techniques.
• Volatility in Earnings and Stock Prices.
• Implications of IFRS Adoption on Financial Reporting.
• Market Reaction to Earnings Announcements.

Auditing and Assurance

• Auditor Independence and Ethics.
• Audit Quality and Auditor Rotation.
• Fraud Detection and Forensic Accounting.
• Internal Control Evaluation and Audit Risk.
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Auditing.
• Audit Committee Effectiveness and Financial Reporting.
• Materiality and Audit Planning.
• Auditor Liability and Legal Implications.
• Auditor Communication and Financial Statement Users.
• Comparative Study of Audit Regulations in Different Countries.

Taxation and Tax Planning

• Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion.
• Transfer Pricing and International Taxation.
• Taxation of Digital Transactions.
• Tax Incentives and Economic Development.
• Environmental Taxation and Sustainability.
• Tax Implications of Mergers and Acquisitions.
• Tax Planning Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals.
• Tax Policy and Income Inequality.
• Tax Compliance Behavior of Small Businesses.
• The Role of Tax Advisers in Tax Planning.

Corporate Governance and Ethics

• Board Composition and Financial Reporting Quality.
• Executive Compensation and Corporate Performance.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting.
• Whistleblowing and Ethical Decision-Making.
• The Impact of Corporate Governance on Financial Fraud.
• Shareholder Activism and Corporate Governance.
• Dual-Class Share Structures and Corporate Governance.
• Ethical Leadership and Organizational Culture.
• Corporate Governance Reforms and Regulatory Changes.
• Diversity and Gender Representation in Corporate Boards.

Management Accounting and Costing

• Activity-Based Costing and Resource Allocation.
• Budgeting and Variance Analysis.
• Just-in-Time Inventory Management.
• Target Costing and Pricing Strategies.
• Performance Measurement in Nonprofit Organizations.
• Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis and Break-Even Point.
• Costing Methods in Service Industries.
• Lean Accounting and Waste Reduction.
• Transfer Pricing in Multinational Corporations.
• Balanced Scorecard and Performance Measurement.

International Accounting and Reporting

• Convergence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Cross-Cultural Differences in Financial Reporting.
• Accounting for Foreign Exchange Transactions.
• Harmonization of Accounting Standards in Global Markets.
• Implications of Brexit on Financial Reporting in the EU.
• International Transfer Pricing Regulations.
• Cultural Influence on Financial Disclosure Practices.
• Comparative Analysis of Accounting Regulations in Different Countries.
• Challenges of Adopting IFRS in Developing Economies.
• Multinational Corporations’ Reporting of Tax Liabilities.

Emerging Technologies and Innovations

• Blockchain Technology in Accounting and Auditing.
• Cloud-Based Accounting Systems and Data Security.
• Robotic Process Automation in Financial Reporting.
• Artificial Intelligence in Fraud Detection.
• Big Data Analytics for Decision-Making.
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in Accounting.
• Digital Currencies and Cryptocurrency Accounting.
• Role of Chatbots in Financial Customer Service.
• Automation of Tax Compliance and Reporting.
• Machine Learning in Credit Risk Assessment.

Sustainability and Environmental Accounting

• Carbon Accounting and Emissions Reporting.
• Social and Environmental Performance Reporting.
• Green Financing and Sustainability Reporting.
• Integrated Reporting and Triple Bottom Line.
• The Role of Accounting in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
• Environmental Disclosures and Investor Decisions.
• Sustainability Performance Metrics and Benchmarks.
• Valuation of Natural Resources in Financial Statements.
• Sustainability Assurance and External Auditing.
• Impact of Climate Change on Corporate Financial Reporting.

Behavioral Aspects in Accounting

• Behavioral Biases in Financial Decision-Making.
• Role of Cognitive Psychology in Auditing.
• Ethical Behavior and Moral Dilemmas in Accounting.
• Psychological Factors Affecting Investor Behavior.
• Nudging Techniques for Promoting Financial Literacy.
• Overconfidence and its Effects on Financial Decision-Makers.
• Herd Behavior in Financial Markets.
• The Influence of Framing on Investment Choices.
• Prospect Theory and Risk Perception in Accounting.
• Biases in Financial Reporting and Disclosure.

Financial Markets and Investments

• Portfolio Management and Risk Diversification.
• Capital Market Efficiency and Information Asymmetry.
• Behavioral Finance and Investor Sentiment.
• Market Microstructure and High-Frequency Trading.
• Financial Derivatives and Hedging Strategies.
• Impact of Market Regulations on Investor Behavior.
• Volatility Spillover Across Global Financial Markets.
• Investment Strategies in Bull and Bear Markets.
• Cryptocurrency Investment and Volatility.
• Algorithmic Trading and Market Liquidity

Advanced Accounting Research Topics

Have a close look at some of the advanced accounting research topics in details.

The Role of Sustainability Accounting in Corporate Decision-Making

Investigate how integrating environmental and social factors into financial reporting influences strategic decisions and performance metrics in businesses.

Auditor Judgment and Decision-Making in Complex Financial Environments

Explore how auditors make judgments and decisions when faced with intricate financial transactions and complex reporting issues.

Financial Reporting Quality and Market Valuation

Analyze the relationship between the quality of financial reporting and the market valuation of firms, considering factors like transparency, accuracy, and consistency.

Tax Avoidance Strategies of Multinational Corporations

Examine the methods multinational corporations employ to minimize their tax liabilities across different jurisdictions and the implications for governments and stakeholders.

Corporate Governance and Earnings Management

Investigate the impact of different corporate governance mechanisms on earnings management practices, including the role of board structures, executive compensation, and ownership concentration.

Behavioral Biases in Investment Decision-Making

Study how cognitive biases and behavioral factors influence investment decisions made by individuals and institutional investors in financial markets.

Digital Transformation and Accounting Information Systems

Analyze the integration of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing in accounting information systems and their effects on efficiency, accuracy, and security.

Financial Distress Prediction Models for Firms

Develop and validate predictive models that use financial and non-financial indicators to anticipate the likelihood of a company facing financial distress or bankruptcy.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Frameworks

Evaluate the effectiveness and comparability of various ESG reporting frameworks in promoting sustainable business practices and attracting socially responsible investments.

Regulatory Changes in the Post-Global Financial Crisis Era

Investigate the impact of post-financial crisis regulations (e.g., Dodd-Frank Act, Basel III) on financial institutions’ risk management practices, capital requirements, and reporting obligations.

Impact of IFRS Adoption on Financial Reporting Quality

Assess how the transition from local GAAP to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) influences the quality and comparability of financial statements across countries.

Blockchain Technology in Auditing and Assurance

Examine the potential of blockchain to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of auditing processes, including real-time transaction verification and fraud detection.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosures and Stakeholder Perception

Analyze the relationship between a firm’s CSR disclosures and stakeholders’ perceptions of the company’s ethical practices, reputation, and long-term value.

Mergers and Acquisitions Accounting Challenges

Investigate the complexities of accounting for business combinations, including issues related to goodwill impairment, fair value measurement, and post-merger integration.

Behavioral Ethics in Accounting Professionals

Study how psychological biases and ethical reasoning impact the ethical decision-making of accounting professionals, examining factors that influence ethical behavior.

These topics delve into advanced areas of accounting research that can contribute valuable insights to the field and your postgraduate studies.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and the resources available for your research.

What are current research topics in accounting?

Here are some current research topics in accounting

Smart Computers Changing Accounting

Imagine computers that think like humans! People are studying how super-smart computers, known as Artificial Intelligence (AI), are transforming accounting tasks.

They’re finding ways AI can make accounting quicker and more accurate, like spotting errors and helping with money reports.

Numbers for a Better Earth

Did you know accounting can help save the planet? Researchers are figuring out how to use numbers to track how well companies take care of nature, society, and fairness.

They’re making new rules and plans so companies can show off how they’re reducing pollution, treating everyone fairly, and being good citizens.

Super Safe Money Records

Have you heard about the magical ledger called Blockchain? It’s like a special book that everyone can see but can’t change.

People are studying how this cool thing can make accounting super secure. It helps keep track of money, things people own, and makes sure money stories are true.

Numbers that Tell Stories

Nowadays, businesses make tons of information. Researchers are finding ways to make sense of this big data to help accounting be even better.

They’re making new tricks to understand money stories, predict risks, and decide what’s best for companies. But, they’re also thinking about being fair and good while using these tricks.

School for Future Accountants

How can we teach future number wizards the right skills? The accounting world is changing fast, and experts are thinking about what students should learn.

They want to teach not just numbers, but also thinking smart, solving problems, and using data to make great choices.

Remember, these are just a few exciting things happening in accounting research. As accounting grows, there will be even more cool things to explore!

What are good topics for a project in accounting?

Here are some good topics for a project in accounting

Smart Computers and Money

Ever wondered how smart computers are changing how we deal with money? You can dive into the world of AI and see how it’s making accounting faster and less mistake-prone. Think of it like a computer buddy that helps accountants do their job even better!

Numbers for a Greener World

Want to explore how numbers can help our planet? Check out how businesses are using accounting to be more eco-friendly.

You’ll find out how they measure stuff like pollution and fairness, and how this helps them be better citizens of the Earth.

Magic Books for Money

Imagine a magical book that makes sure no one can trick it. That’s what blockchain is like! You can dig into how this cool tech is shaking up the way we keep track of money and stuff people own. It’s like a super-secure money diary for everyone to see.

Spying Secrets in Numbers

Big data, big secrets! Find out how big companies are using special tricks to understand their huge piles of info.

You’ll learn how they use data to tell financial stories, predict problems, and make smart choices. But remember, using these tricks the right way is super important!

School for Future Money Wizards

Want to know how future accountants will learn their tricks? The accounting world is changing faster than a speeding bullet.

You can explore what skills accounting students need to be super successful, like solving problems, thinking smart, and using data like a superhero.

These are just a few exciting project ideas for your accounting assignment. Pick the one that tickles your curiosity the most, and get ready to dive into the world of numbers and secrets!

How to select Best Accounting Research Topics?

Selecting the best accounting research topic is crucial for a successful and meaningful study. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the ideal topic:

Define Your Interests

Start by identifying areas of accounting that genuinely interest you. Consider whether you’re drawn to financial reporting, auditing, taxation, sustainability, technology, or any other subfield. A topic that aligns with your passion will keep you motivated throughout your research.

Research Current Trends

Stay updated on the latest trends and emerging issues in the accounting field. Browse academic journals, news articles, and industry reports to identify topics that are relevant, timely, and in demand.

Assess Available Resources

Evaluate the resources available for your research. Do you have access to relevant data, literature, or experts in the chosen topic? Adequate resources will ensure you can conduct thorough research and analysis.

Consider Your Audience

Think about your target audience. Are you writing for academics, professionals, policymakers, or the general public? Tailor your topic to address the interests and needs of your intended audience.

Narrow Down Your Focus

Accounting is a vast field, so narrow down your focus. For instance, if you’re interested in financial reporting, you could narrow it down to a specific aspect like revenue recognition or fair value measurement.

Identify Research Gaps

Look for gaps in existing literature. Is there a question that hasn’t been adequately answered or an area that lacks comprehensive research? Addressing research gaps adds value to your study.

Consider Practical Relevance

Consider the practical implications of your chosen topic. How does it relate to real-world accounting practices, challenges, or opportunities? A topic with practical relevance is more likely to have an impact.

Consult with Advisors or Experts

Discuss your ideas with mentors, advisors, or experts in the field. They can offer valuable insights, help you refine your topic, and provide guidance on feasibility.

Evaluate Feasibility

Assess the feasibility of your chosen topic. Do you have the skills, time, and resources to carry out the research effectively? Avoid topics that are too ambitious or beyond your capabilities.

Personal Significance

Consider the personal significance of the topic. Does it resonate with your long-term goals, career aspirations, or values? A topic that holds personal meaning is likely to drive your dedication.

Test Your Hypothesis

If you have a specific research question or hypothesis in mind, test it by conducting preliminary research. This will help you gauge the availability of data and whether your hypothesis is worth investigating.

Flexibility for Adaptation

Choose a topic that allows some flexibility for adaptation. As you delve deeper into research, you might uncover new angles or perspectives that could enhance your study.

Balance Challenge and Interest

Strive for a balance between a topic that challenges you intellectually and one that keeps you engaged due to your interest. An overly complex topic might lead to frustration, while a too-easy topic might not be fulfilling.

Remember that selecting a research topic is a significant decision, and it’s perfectly normal to spend time exploring different possibilities before settling on the best fit.

Take your time, conduct thorough research, and choose a topic that you’re genuinely excited to explore

Exploring the multifaceted realm of accounting research topics presents a treasure trove of insights, equipping individuals, professionals, and entities with the wisdom to make astute financial choices.

From deciphering intricate financial statements to embracing the strides of technological progress, the landscape of accounting research remains a cornerstone of shaping the finance landscape of tomorrow.

As you embark on this journey of exploration, bear in mind that keeping abreast of the freshest trends and revelations is pivotal in this perpetually evolving domain.

If you want to suggest us any other accounting research topics then comment down below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key areas of accounting research.

Accounting research spans various areas, including financial statement analysis, auditing, taxation, sustainability accounting, and more. Each area contributes to enhancing financial transparency and decision-making.

How Does Technology Influence Accounting Research?

Technology has revolutionized accounting research by enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting. Advanced tools like data analytics and AI enhance accuracy and provide deeper insights.

Why Is Ethical Consideration Important in Accounting Research?

Ethical considerations ensure the integrity of research findings and the accounting profession as a whole. Upholding ethical standards is vital to maintain credibility and trust.

What Is the Significance of International Accounting Standards?

International accounting standards, such as IFRS and GAAP, provide a common framework for financial reporting across borders. They enhance comparability and transparency in global financial markets.

How Does Sustainability Accounting Drive Business Decision-making?

Sustainability accounting integrates ESG factors into financial reporting, influencing business decisions by highlighting the environmental and social impacts of choices.

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, sustainability/csr research in management accounting: a review of the literature.

Advances in Management Accounting

ISBN : 978-1-78714-530-6 , eISBN : 978-1-78714-529-0

Publication date: 3 July 2017

The paper complements the research framework proposed by Kim and Matsumura (2017) through a broad survey of the management accounting research in sustainability.

Methodology / approach

The paper reviews recent management accounting research in the area of corporate responsibility/sustainability; focusing on articles published in seven widely recognized accounting journals and the Journal of Business Ethics .

Our survey of the recent literature indicates: (1) a major focus has been on integration of sustainability in management control systems; (2) the primary research methods used are case studies and surveys, with few large sample, archival studies (primarily on compensation); and (3) a significant amount of literature has been published outside of the traditional accounting literature.

Originality/value

The paper complements existing literature reviews in the area by focusing on the set of most widely recognized journals. By focusing on these journals, we highlight opportunities for future research that are likely to reach a broader accounting readership.

• Sustainability
• Corporate social responsibility
• Management accounting

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgment.

We thank Lourdes White for helpful comments that greatly improved the paper.

Soderstrom, K.M. , Soderstrom, N.S. and Stewart, C.R. (2017), "Sustainability/CSR Research in Management Accounting: A Review of the Literature", Advances in Management Accounting ( Advances in Management Accounting, Vol. 28 ), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1474-787120170000028003

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150 Original Accounting Research Paper Topics

Our academic experts understand how hard it can be to come up with original accounting research paper topics for assignments. Students are often dealing with multiple responsibilities and trying to balance numerous deadlines. Searching the web or class notes takes up a lot of time. Therefore, we have put together our list of 150 accounting research topics that students can choose from or gather inspiration from.

Managerial Accounting Topics for College Students

This area of study has tremendous upside as more businesses rely on managerial accountants to bring innovative changes to their organizations. Here is a list of topics for research paper in this area:

• Differences between financial accounting and managerial accounting.
• Managerial accounting in the 21 st century.
• The impact of managerial accounting in big businesses.
• The major components of activity-based costing.
• How managerial accounting affects international finance.
• The impact managerial accounting has on human resources.
• The major components of capital budgeting.
• How managerial accounting affects internal business decisions.
• Effective ways of adopting managerial accounting into small businesses.
• Differences between variable costing and absorption costing.

Accounting Blog Topics for Today’s Generation

The following collection can be considered accounting hot topics because they deal with the issues that are most important to today’s generation of accountants that utilize advanced software to keep businesses successful:

• Cost of manufacturing goods overseas.
• The cost of instituting anti-harassment programs.
• Inventory and cost of products sold in the U.S.
• Reinventing accounts payable processes.
• Using best practices to boost the bottom line.
• The cost of keeping human resources on staff.
• Simplifying procedures in accounts payable.
• The cost of updating internal systems with technology.
• The cost-effectiveness of employee training.
• Working capital increasing in large companies.

Advanced Accounting Topics

As students advance academically, they may want to consider these topics for research paper to earn higher scores in their classes. Here are some suggestions:

• How to run an efficient large accounting department.
• Red flags in outdated accounting processes.
• Identifying unconventional processes in payment processes.
• Utilizing paperless processes in small businesses.
• Applying EDP to accounts payable processes.
• The benefits of automating payables and receivables.
• Outsourcing procurement processes to save money.
• Automation to handle repetitive processes.
• The need for diversifying skills in accounting.
• The ways time affects seasonal cash flow.

Controversial Accounting Topics

Many accounting topics for research papers need to draw a reader’s attention right from the start. This list of topics is controversial and should accomplish just that:

• The impact the Jobs Act will have on large businesses.
• The positive effects tax cuts will have on small business.
• The risks of offshore accounting on U.S. businesses.
• The need to update software each year to avoid accounting problems.
• How small businesses are falling behind in accounting practices.
• The impact bonus depreciation allows businesses.
• Applying to government relief programs.
• Describe the role the internet has on accounting.
• The trustworthiness of online accounting programs.
• The negatives of auditing collusion.

Intermediate Accounting Topics

These accounting paper topics are meant for students that have acquired skills in writing but may not have developed the skills needed to write a top-notch paper quite yet. They should be easy to research given a proper planning period:

• Discuss why companies need to incorporate automated processes.
• The problems with ethics in accounting practices.
• Technology advancements that improve accounting accuracy.
• The problem with accuracy in decade-old software.
• Explain the best way to help accountants work manually.
• Describe the historical prospect of best accounting practices.
• The most effective way to become a certified accountant.
• Compare accounting systems that improve processes.
• The quick flow of data and the value on today’s accountants.
• The negatives that come from relying on accounting software.

Interesting Accounting Topics

Sometimes you need to consider accounting project topics that would be great for numerous situations. You may need to present before a class or write a paper for a discussion panel. These ideas may suit your needs:

• Explain the concept of accounting theory to practice.
• The theories behind normative accounting practices.
• The effect theories in accounting have on businesses.
• Challenges of taking theory to practice.
• The major changes in accounting practices over the last 25 years.
• The impact the internet has had on accounting ethics.
• Accounting practices in the 21 st century.
• The challenges of accounting technologies on fast-growing companies.
• The dangers the internet poses toward ethical accounting.
• Describe the difficulties that come from putting theories into practice.

Accounting Projects Topics for a Short Project

Some cost accounting topics are worthy of an audience but need to be completed within a tight deadline. These project ideas are easy to research and can be completed within one week:

• Use of efficient accounting software in tax season.
• Applicable Professional and Legal Standards.
• The difficulties in using offshore accounting.
• The most effective way of managing earnings.
• The development of cash flow in the United Kingdom.
• The development of cash flow in the United States.
• The best way to manage personal finances.
• The effect financial markets have on personal spending.
• Debt management in large corporations.
• Accounting challenges during the pandemic.

Forensic Accounting Research Topics

This is another area of accounting that has a promising future for small to large businesses. Here are forensic accounting research paper topics you can use if you are interested in this booming segment:

• Methods for identifying instances of money laundering.
• The government’s right to search private accounts.
• The use of tax records to report possible crimes.
• Class action litigation cases in the United States.
• Court use of forensic accounting in criminal cases.
• Forensic accounting to develop better anti-fraud programs.
• A company’s reliance on forensic accounting to prevent theft.
• Establishing controls in emerging international markets.
• Forensic accountants and their role in court proceedings.
• Natural disaster and loss quantification practices.

Accounting Theory Topics for College

Good accounting thesis topics should mirror personally important issues. Essay ideas should reflect the things you want to learn more about and explore in-depth. Here is a list that may pique your interest:

• Impact of accounting research on financial practices.
• Scientific research studies in modern economies.
• Modern accounting concepts and applications.
• The change in accounting practices over the last two decades.
• Describe the components of Positive Theory.
• Marketplace discipline across major industries.
• Major accounting theories and techniques in big businesses.
• The use of technology to reduce accounting costs.
• Technology theory in the use of modern accounting.
• Risk management and the most effective theories.

Accounting Dissertation Topics for Grad Students

The following topic ideas delve into some serious issues in accounting and are much more difficult to handle. These should be approached with the utmost academic determination to earn a master’s or a Ph.D.:

• Compare accounting software versus manual accounting.
• Tax management procedures in the 21 st century.
• The risks of updated technology in small companies.
• The costs associated with broader health care in the workplace.
• The history of accounting in the 20 th century.
• The best method of managing debts without difficulties.
• Accounting problems caused by online transactions.
• Cryptocurrency and its impact on modern accounting practices.
• Forecasting jobs in the field of accounting.
• The danger technology poses to the accounting industry.

Current Accounting Topics for College

If you don’t have enough time to research current topics in accounting, these ideas will help you save time. There are plenty of online resources discussing current issues and you can also find information in the library:

• Compare and contrast different cryptocurrencies.
• The definition of a successful and modern business account.
• Non-profit organizations and tax reductions.
• Sports accounting in today’s world of social media.
• The financial benefits of having a second stream of revenue.
• Financial stock management of overall earnings.
• The relationship between corporate donations and accounting.
• Minimizing risks in big and small-sized businesses.
• The impact that tax deductions have on big businesses.
• Financial strategies to ensure employee retention.

Hot Topics in Accounting for a Graduate Level Course

These are the topics you should be considered for a graduate-level course if you want to make a great impression on the professor. Just be sure to do your due diligence and research your selected topic thoroughly:

• The instances of “cooking books” in the 21 st century.
• The best approach to update accounting systems.
• Fraud cases currently in the United States.
• The importance of forensic accountants in fraud cases.
• The reasons account reports have government regulations.
• The benefits of incorporating computerized accounting.
• The need for companies to make changes to accounting departments.
• Evolving accounting practices that reduce the risk of theft.
• The effects offshore gambling has had on accounting.
• Privacy protocols to keep accounting practices secret.

Financial Accounting Topics Being Discussed Today

Topics in accounting are rooted in financial processes that date back centuries. Yet, there are still many innovative ideas that drive business success. Consider these topics for an essay on issues that are current for today’s world:

• The evolution of accounting practices over the last century.
• The biggest ethical concerns about accounting.
• Minimizing taxes when you are a small company.
• Accounting software that will cut company costs.
• The best way to lower taxes through accounting practices.
• Describe the way managerial accounting is affected by international markets.
• Explain the major factors of management earnings.
• The most accurate way to figure out the estimated tax on a company’s earnings.
• The quickest way to become a certified accountant.
• Describe how culture influences accounting practices.

Accounting Information Systems Research

The next set of topics are great for anyone wanting to combine accounting with technology. We put together this set to generate interest in this area:

• The ways small businesses can benefit from advanced technologies.
• Describe how IT affects financial analysis for reporting.
• Explain how companies use AIS to collect and store data.
• Explain the 10 elements used to understand AIS.
• Rank the best accounting information systems.
• The future of AIS in small business financial practices.
• Explain how AIS eliminates the use of balance sheets.
• AIS technologies save money in large businesses.
• The future of AIS in small to mid-size businesses.
• Describe the role of AIS in modern business.

Accounting Presentation Topics for College

These presentation topics cover a wide range of areas that are perfect for diverse interests. At the college level, students must conduct a lot of academic research to guarantee they have all the most relevant information needed to present on a great topic:

• Describe how forensic accounting can reduce risk to small businesses.
• Describe the challenges value and cost that managers deal with.
• The biggest changes to accounting practices in the 21 st century.
• The benefits of having separate controlling accounts.
• The rapid flow of data and the importance of modern accountants.
• Describe how forensic accountants conduct their investigations.
• The most likely causes of financial instability in small businesses.
• Explain the factors one must consider before investing.
• Describe the differences between financial and management accounting.
• Describe the impact of new taxation policies on managerial accounting.

What do you think of our accounting research topics? These are available for free and can be shared with other students. If you need a custom list of accounting topics, our academic experts can take your assignment details and provide you with original and simple accounting research topics to facilitate your project and help you earn a top grade. We can also provide you with writing, editing, and proofreading services to ensure your assignment is error-free and gets you the highest score possible.

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100 original accounting research topics.

October 29, 2020

The recommended process for coming up with a research topic in any field is straightforward. 1) You should brainstorm several ideas; 2) You should choose a topic that interests you; 3) You should choose a topic that is original, and 4) You should choose a topic you know you can research and write about given any surrounding constraints. It sounds easy enough but unsurprisingly most students around the world struggle to come up with just the right topic to do their research project on.

Choosing best accounting research topics

This list of 100 accounting research topics is a great starting point. Not only is the list curated by our leading academic experts , but it also represents the latest accounting topics in the field. Have a look at our selection and see if you feel inspired to come up with some ideas of your own, or simply select a handful of accounting research topics to help you narrow down your search for the perfect project.

Simple Accounting Research Topics

• How do financial balance sheets help keep accounts in good standing?
• Are the current standards of accounting ideal for today’s world?
• What is the value of live information to accountants?
• Why do companies have such a need for up-to-date accounting software?
• What are the biggest dilemmas in the ethics of accounting?

Great Topics for Accounting Research Papers

• What are some of the reasons accountants lie in their books?
• What are the greatest risks that come with software design?
• Why should financial reporting have government regulations?
• What is the most effective method to update accounting systems?
• What were the reasons that Goldman Sachs was accused of fraud?

Current Accounting Topics for High School

• Is it better to conduct manual accounting or computerized accounting?
• As technology evolves should companies make accounting changes?
• What are the risks one takes in using online accounting?
• Is internet-based accounting software safe for businesses?
• How has offshore gambling changed how we look at accounting?

Hot Topics in Accounting for High School

• Should companies keep their methods of accounting a secret?
• What are the latest developments in software companies should look for?
• How does modern technology help or harm accounting?
• What are the biggest ethical questions in regards to accounting?
• How did best practices for accounting develop over time?

Controversial Accounting Topics for Every Level

• How can large corporations reduce the amount of taxes they pay?
• What are some of the ways companies avoid financial fraud?
• Is offshore accounting safe for small businesses with limited budgets?
• What are the current accounting best practices for small businesses?
• How can small businesses minimize taxes legally through accounting?

Simple Accounting Research Topics for Intro Courses

• Can the right type of software help a business cut costs?
• Is having an accounting department only needed for big companies?
• What advances in accounting software are the most impactful?
• What are the historical prospects that created today’s accounting practices?
• What are the accounting principles of managing long-term debt?

Advanced Accounting Topics for College Students

• Is it important to report finances to gain the confidence of customers?
• What are some of the things companies can do to make their accounts transparent?
• What are the differences between European and Islamic banking practices?
• Why is it necessary to use on-site training to learn accounting software?
• What are the best accounting systems available today?

Managerial Accounting Topics for Research Paper

• Would financial statements look the same without accounting standards?
• What are some of the most popular perspectives of management earnings?
• How do international markets affect managerial accounting?
• What are the most important concepts of earnings management?
• What risks do advanced technologies mean for the field of accounting?

Ph.D. Research Topics in Accounting and Auditing

• How do long-term debts affect small businesses?
• What are some of the easiest ways for accounts to rise in their companies?
• What are the risks of collusion between accounting and an auditor?
• What are the best finance practices for entrepreneurial internet businesses?
• When is the right time for people to hire personal financial experts?

Ph.D. Research Topics in Accounting

• How can accounting software be used to improve a small business’s productivity?
• How are small businesses able to compete financially with large businesses?
• What is the major problem with applying theory to practical accounting?
• What are the best ways of ensuring accounting decisions are sound decisions?
• In what ways can businesses avoid growing debt over the years?

Accounting Research Paper Topics Ideas

• In what ways is financial accounting changing as new technologies arise?
• In what ways does culture affect theories in accounting?
• What does one have to do to become a certified accountant?
• What were the causes of the 2008 global financial crisis?
• How does one figure out the estimated tax on company earnings?

Accounting Thesis Topics for Graduate Students

• What are the negatives of a growing number of accounting graduates around the world?
• What influences do large corporations have on accounting theories?
• What are the best training programs for accounting at the corporate level?
• How safe is mobile accounting technology for personal use?
• What kind of restraints does developing economies have on capital budgeting?

Great Accounting Presentation Topics

• What are the major causes of financial instability among big businesses?
• What are the biggest problems with normative theories in accounting?
• What are the most significant changes in accounting practices in the last 20 years?
• What does the trend of analyzing text in financial statements mean for reporting?
• What is the relationship between CEO qualities and a company’s stock performance?

More Managerial Accounting Research Topics

• Should small to mid-size companies have separate controlling accounts?
• What are the most popular accounting theories used in big business?
• In what ways are IRR, ROI, and payback effect techniques for capital budgeting?
• Why must a manager make the accounting-related decision for planning and organizing projects?
• What are the biggest problems of value and cost managers must face?

Forensic Accounting Research Topics

• Can forensic accounting help reduce risks to small businesses?
• What is the main role of a forensic accountant?
• How is forensic accounting making the auditing process easier?
• What are the essential skills that are necessary to enter forensic accounting?
• How do forensic accountants conduct their investigations?

Managerial Accounting Topics for Grad Students

• What are the fundamental differences between management accounting and financial accounting?
• To what extent should managers play a role in account auditing?
• How have new taxation policies affected managerial accounting?
• Why is the quality of human resource management so important in auditing firms?
• How does double-entry accounting affect the way managers lead organizations?

Simple Accounting Research Topics for a Short Project

• In what ways has Covid-19 impacted the health sector in the U.S.?
• What is meant by the term “asset-liability management”?
• How is the retail sector affected by specialist accounting?
• What is the importance of audits for non-profit organizations?
• How can small businesses utilize specialized accountants to keep finance on track?

Accounting Topics for Research Paper in College

• What factors should you consider if you intend to invest in financial markets?
• What tax reform initiatives would help small businesses in the U.S.?
• How is the rapid flow of data important for modern accountants?
• How much do fraud cases rely on financial ratios?
• How can financial ratios be used to foresee the likelihood of bankruptcy?

Great Accounting Topics for Research Papers

• How is traditional auditing different from risk-based auditing?
• How do fair value measurements present challenges to external audits?
• Can high school courses in accounting lead to better financial management for young adults?
• Will electronic bookkeeping make accountants irrelevant?
• How do small retail businesses in the US maintain their accounts?

Accounting Topics for Research Term Papers

• In what ways are financial disclosures in online finance programs putting users at risk?
• What are the biggest limitations of finding a reliable accounting system for online sales?
• What is the best method for monitoring liquid assets?
• What are the major factors that go into a valuation for mergers and acquisitions?
• What are the most sophisticated aspects of traditional accounting?

What did you think of our accounting research paper topics? We know it can be time-consuming and difficult to brainstorm your ideas, so we encourage you to choose a topic from the list above or check out our business research topics . If you have an assignment that requires you to write on something specific, then we can create a custom list of 5 or 10 ideas in a matter of hours. You know longer have to fret about coming up with the perfect financial accounting topics. Just contact us anytime and we will put you in touch with an academic expert who can create a list for you or help you with other parts of the assignment writing process.

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Top 200+ Accounting Research Topics For Students In 2024

“Research is a formalized interest. It is prying and poking with a goal.” — Zora Neale Hurston.

Is finding out the accounting research topics a tricky task for you? How do you get rid of your accounting assignments? This blog has discussed various accounting research topics that will make your work very straightforward.

Before finding out about the research paper, first, you must know some of the essential things to keep in mind. The following vital things to remember are brainstorming unique ideas, the need for the best topic, collecting enough content, etc. 

For various students, figuring out a research topic that suits the account can get hard, particularly in commerce subjects. To help you overwhelm this load, here is a list of 100+ accounting research paper ideas you can use to get started or draw motivation.

If you want to get Accounting dissertation help service from experts, then contact our professional experts to get top-notch service within the given deadline.

Accounting- A Technical Subject

Table of Contents

Accounting is a technical subject because it involves financial duties and completing accounting duties that need more cutting-edge technical knowledge and skills. As a technical subject, researching accounting topics can be more challenging. 

Also, it becomes crucial to take care of every minute detail and complete the research paper should be backed up with validated facts and instances.  If you would like to maintain the quality of the accounting research technical topic, you need to perform properly thorough research.

To make the overall accounting research process easy, we have to give students some of the best accounting research topics list. It can make your work right. You can enhance one of the accounting topics to suit your requirements

There are a lot of Phenomenal Ideas Of Research Topics For College Students . You can use these ideas for completing your overall task.

What Are The Accounting Research Topics?

Accounting is one of the best and most interesting subjects. It deals with the systematic way of managing and recording financial accounts pertinent to the business. Generally, the common accounting method contains reporting, analyzing, and summarizing.

A good topic is most required for accomplishing the task of writing an accounting research paper. Whereas selecting the research paper topic is one of the most tricky tasks. But choosing the research topic takes too much time and effort. 

How To Pick The Best Accounting Research Topics

Choosing the right topic is super important when it comes to doing accounting research. Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting help from a writing service , picking the right topic is key.

Picking a topic helps you figure out what you want to talk about and where your research will go. It guides your journey. Here are some tips to help you pick the best topic:

1. Get Enough Info: Make sure you know enough about the topic before you choose it. Picking a topic without knowing much can mess up your whole paper. You might end up with something too big or off-track. Knowing about the topic also helps you stay interested.

2. Pick Something You Like: It’s easier to work on something you’re interested in. Even though research can be tiring, liking your topic can keep you going. Accounting research papers can be long and tough, so it helps if you enjoy the topic. Plus, it’s easier to explain something you understand and care about.

3. Decide How Long: Figure out how long your paper should be before you start looking for a topic. This helps you pick a topic that’s not too big or too small. Knowing your paper’s length helps you stay focused.

4. Cover Your Topic Well: Some accounting topics can be endless if you don’t set limits. Choose a topic you can cover well within your paper’s length. Don’t start if you can’t finish it in time. If you have to, pick a smaller part of the topic and focus on that instead.

Figure out the complete list of accounting research topics below.

Accounting Theory Research Topics

Ultimate financial accounting topics, managerial accounting research topics, tax accounting research topics.

• Online receipt maker

Research Topics on Accounting Thesis

Fund accounting research topics, auditing research topics.

• Bookkeeping Dissertation Topics
• Accounting Project Ideas
• Unique Accounting Research Topics
• Popular Accounting Research Paper Topics

Excellent Topics for Accounting Research Papers

• Advanced Accounting Research Topics
• Latest Accounting Research Topics
• Easy Accounting Research Topics
• Amazing Accounting Research Topics

These are the following accounting research topics for accounting theory, and it is such as;

• Effect of state-of-the-art technologies on the accounting sector.
• Application of accounting software.
• Current expansions in accounting software.
• The trouble of accounting standards.
• The best accounting research topic includes all the historical options for unique accounting interventions.
• Moreover, another topic for research is the significance of instant information for current-day accounts.
• What is the most productive accounting software for accountants?
• Mentoring schedules for corporate accounting.
• Cons discovered in accounting.
• Effect of culture on accounting thesis?
• Mobile accounting.
• The vital steps to make an organization’s finance transparent is also the best research topic of accounting.
• Various steps to becoming a qualified accountant are among the best research topics.
• Accounting practices- critical analysis is best for accounting research.
• Global financial crisis 2008- Reasons and effects are best for accounting research.

Here are the ultimate topics for accounting research are given below.

• Why is the assessment of the financial balance sheets crucial in making business decisions?
• Auditor’s job with the customers and third parties.
• Market research and viewpoints of Cryptocurrencies.
• Due returns in finance and accounting.
• Corporate exposure and management.
• The power of interest rates in accounting and finance.
• The connection between earning management and discretionary accruals.
• The result of digital currency on finance and accounting.
• What are the determinants in the improvement of financial and accounting reporting?
• Check the best techniques of cash flow notifying globally.
• How does time impact the method of cash flow?
• The standard challenges of financial accounting in the hotel industry are the best research topic.

Here are the ultimate topics for managerial accounting research are given below.

• The distinction between financial accounting and managerial accounting.
• What is the role of a manager in account auditing?
• Effect of new taxation systems on managerial accounting.
• Effect of quality HRM ( Human Resource Management ) on auditing organizations.
• Can a double-entry accounting system be good for the administration to operate their business?
• Can strategic administration accounting be utilized in the publishing sector?
• What advantages of the cost accounting view for entrepreneurs to improve their productivity?
• How can a bank control risks? Make use of the HSBC method to manage risks.
• Management accounting and performance administration in the healthcare enterprise.

These are the following accounting research topics for tax, and it is such as;

• Essential research of the impacts of small business budgeting impacts on tertiary organization management.
• Researching the exceptions in the USA’s taxation system.
• Analyzing how income tax impacts start-ups and small corporations.
• Researching how accounting and taxation knowledge among managers can help a country.
• The impact of tax administration on revenue generation
• The effects of revenue generation on tax auditing and investigation in developing economies.
• Analyzing the impacts of intellectual capital on the growth and development of huge enterprises.
• Tax legislation for the freelance market. Discuss the steps and policies to ensure fair taxation for freelancers.
• Analyzing the taxation system concerning the expansion and advancement of underdeveloped countries.
• Confer the different tax evasion standards adopted by CEOs based on gender variety.

Online Accounting Research Paper Topics

• Exploring the significance of audit for large corporate houses.
• Important elements for understanding ratio research.
• The impacts of accounting info on the cost of capital of a company.
• Various methods to monitor liquidity levels using financial accounting tools.
• The part of trendy accounting in the economic growth of appearing economies.
• Components of global accounting.
• Efficient earnings planning methods.
• The impact of tax management on income production.
• Stock control in cost control and its benefits.
• Effect of accounting and public expense.
• Applicability of accounting info for public sector institutions.

These are the following accounting research topics for the fund, and it is such as;

• In-depth analysis and discussion on fund accounting in non-profit associations.
• Checking the various financial research models.
• Distinctions in theory and practice in international fund accounting.
• Exploring the various fund accounting policies.
• Estimate the Non- GAAP indicators.
• Which are Cam’s critical audit matters?
• Which are the non-financial info disclosures by associations?
• The Effect of audit boards and commissions.
• Reasonable deal proportions and auditing accounting estimates.
• Applicability of accounting software.
• Efficient returns are preparation methods.
• Stock control in cost administration and its benefits.
• The impact of tax management on revenue production.
• Applicability of accounting information for public sector association.

Forensic Accounting Topics

• Forensic accounting techniques in detecting financial statement fraud
• Role of forensic accounting in investigating corporate governance failures
• Use of data analytics and technology in forensic accounting investigations
• Forensic accounting in bankruptcies and insolvency cases
• Forensic accounting in divorce and matrimonial disputes
• Forensic accounting in insurance claim investigations
• Forensic accounting in detecting money laundering activities
• Forensic accounting in intellectual property rights cases
• Forensic accounting in environmental crimes and violations
• Ethical challenges and standards in forensic accounting

Accounting Information Systems Topics

• Impact of cloud computing on accounting information systems
• Cybersecurity risks and controls in accounting information systems
• Big data analytics in accounting information systems
• Blockchain technology and its applications in accounting information systems
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning in accounting information systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on accounting information systems
• Mobile accounting and its adoption challenges
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and their integration with accounting systems
• Data governance and privacy concerns in accounting information systems
• Continuous auditing and monitoring in accounting information systems

Accounting Ethics and Corporate Governance Topics

• Ethical decision-making frameworks for accountants
• Role of accountants in promoting corporate social responsibility
• Whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms in accounting
• Diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession
• Accounting for human rights and labor practices
• Accounting for climate change and environmental sustainability
• Accounting for anti-corruption and transparency measures
• Accounting for corporate political activities and lobbying
• Accounting for executive compensation and income inequality
• Ethical considerations in the gig economy and sharing economy

Public Sector and Governmental Accounting Topics

• Accounting for public-private partnerships
• Accounting for government grants and subsidies
• Accounting for public sector pensions and employee benefits
• Accounting for infrastructure projects and public assets
• Accounting for social welfare programs and entitlements
• Accounting for natural resources and public lands
• Accounting for public debt and deficit financing
• Accounting for public sector performance measurement and accountability
• Accounting for public sector risk management
• Accounting for public sector information technology systems

International Accounting Topics

• Harmonization of accounting standards across different countries
• Accounting for foreign currency transactions and translations
• Accounting for multinational corporations and cross-border transactions
• Accounting for foreign direct investment and joint ventures
• Accounting for international transfer pricing and tax planning
• Accounting for international mergers and acquisitions
• Accounting for emerging markets and developing economies
• Accounting for international non-profit organizations and NGOs
• Accounting for international trade and global supply chains
• Accounting for international financial reporting standards (IFRS) convergence

Specialised Accounting Topics

• Accounting for the healthcare industry
• Accounting for the hospitality and tourism industry
• Accounting for the construction industry
• Accounting for the real estate industry
• Accounting for the entertainment and media industry
• Accounting for the transportation and logistics industry
• Accounting for the automotive industry
• Accounting for the oil and gas industry
• Accounting for the agricultural and food industry
• Accounting for the renewable energy and sustainability sector

Emerging Accounting Topics

• Accounting for cryptocurrencies and digital assets
• Accounting for non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
• Accounting for the metaverse and virtual economies
• Accounting for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
• Accounting for the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices
• Accounting for sharing economy platforms (e.g., Uber, Airbnb)
• Accounting for gig economy and freelance work
• Accounting for drones and autonomous vehicles
• Accounting for gene editing and biotechnology
• Accounting for space exploration and commercial space travel

Corporate Reporting and Disclosures Topics

• Integrated reporting and sustainability disclosures
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting
• Reporting on human capital and intellectual capital
• Disclosures on cybersecurity risks and data privacy
• Reporting on climate change risks and mitigation strategies
• Disclosures on corporate tax practices and tax transparency
• Reporting on supply chain sustainability and ethical sourcing
• Disclosures on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Reporting on executive compensation and pay ratios
• Disclosures on political contributions and lobbying activities

Accounting Education and Research Topics

• Integrating emerging technologies in accounting education
• Developing data analytics skills in accounting curricula
• Incorporating ethics and professional responsibility in accounting education
• Teaching methodologies for online and distance learning in accounting
• Experiential learning and case studies in accounting education
• Interdisciplinary approaches in accounting research
• Accounting research methodologies and data collection techniques
• Accounting research in emerging economies and developing countries
• Accounting research on sustainability and environmental issues
• Accounting research on corporate governance and accountability

Accounting for Specialized Transactions and Events

• Accounting for business combinations and acquisitions
• Accounting for divestitures and discontinued operations
• Accounting for restructuring and reorganization activities
• Accounting for stock-based compensation and employee stock options
• Accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
• Accounting for leases and off-balance sheet financing
• Accounting for research and development (R&D) expenditures
• Accounting for pension and employee benefit plans
• Accounting for asset impairments and write-downs
• Accounting for contingencies and provisions

How Calltutors.com is a Place to get Perfect Help in Accounting

At Calltutors.com, students can find great help with their accounting studies. It’s an online platform where expert help students with accounting assignments , homework and research papers. 

The writers are professionals with deep knowledge in accounting, ensuring high-quality help for students without mistakes.

Many students struggle with choosing a good research topic in accounting. If you’re one of them, you can reach out to us.

Our professional experts can provide you with a long list of sensible accounting research paper topics. 

Additionally, you can get assignment help online for accounting subjects. If you can’t write your research paper, our experts can do it for you. 

Getting academic help is okay, so don’t hesitate. Get instant help with your accounting assignments from us without delay.

This helpful guide gives you a big list of more than 200 accounting research ideas covering lots of different topics like how accounting works, taxes, checking financial records, investigating financial crimes, behaving ethically in business, rules for running big companies, accounting around the world, and new areas of study.

Picking the right topic is really important. If you’re struggling with your accounting homework or research, it might be a good idea to get help from experts like CallTutors.com.

This guide is a great starting point for students and researchers who want to dig into interesting and important topics in the constantly changing world of accounting.

Which are the Top 7 Types of Accounting?

Answer:- These are the following seven types of accounting, and it is such as: Managerial Accounting, Government Accounting, Financial Accounting, Tax Accounting, Cost Accounting, Cost Accounting, Forensic Accounting.

What is the #1 rule in accounting?

Ans:  Debit the receiver and credit the giver. 

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William Dresnack

Associate professor.

BS, Long Island University; MS, State University of New York at Binghamton; JD, University of Buffalo

Bill Dresnack is a New York-licensed CPA and attorney, with advanced degrees from Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo. He currently teaches courses in financial accounting and reporting, and has previously taught auditing and individual and corporate tax, among other courses. Prior to returning to a faculty position in 2011 he served as senior associate dean of the Saunders College for three years, and was previously head of the Department of Business and Economics at SUNY Brockport. Before entering academia he was employed by Deloitte, KPMG, and a large savings & loan association. , , Bill has served on several boards, and is currently a member of the New York State Board for Public Accountancy. He has authored 15 research papers on such topics as accounting education, investment accounting, and derivatives policy management. He was also a founding member of the Rochester area chapter of Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession, sponsored by the NY State Society of CPAs. He spends most of his spare time with his family, but also squeezes in time to play guitar, exercise for fun and fitness, play golf, and watch Marx Brothers and 1950's science fiction movies. He is also an avid baseball and rock and roll fan.

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Accounting for Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold Expense

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This technical note provides an overview of accounting for inventory and cost of goods sold expense. It discusses accounting for the purchase and sale of inventory, periodic and perpetual inventory…

• Length: 11 page(s)
• Publication Date: Feb 20, 2024
• Discipline: Accounting
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This technical note provides an overview of accounting for inventory and cost of goods sold expense. It discusses accounting for the purchase and sale of inventory, periodic and perpetual inventory systems, inventory write-downs, and alternative inventory costing methods. It also discusses the use of the LIFO Reserve to adjust financial statements prepared using the LIFO method of inventory valuation to an as-if FIFO basis, illustrating those adjustments with an example.

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Late payroll accounting adjustments will not be processed after July 1

Beginning July 1, 2024, payroll accounting adjustments (PAAs) will no longer be processed for past certification periods. This means that:

• Once certified, effort will be considered final.
• Salary cost transfers must either be processed prior to issuance of effort certification documents or corrected during the certification process. For example, researchers must correct effort for: September-December by the end of January; January-May by the end of June; and June-August by the end of September. If effort for a past period isn’t certified, it is an unallowable cost.

Effort is heavily scrutinized by sponsors and auditors as it makes up the highest percentage of charges to sponsored projects. Retroactive corrections to effort charges after certification is often an indication of poor award management. Penalties for violations or findings of weak institutional controls can be significant.

PAAs submitted after certification and PAAs adjusting effort that occurred before the most recent certification period will be denied and uncertified effort will be billed back to the investigator’s department, consistent with processes for all unallowable expenditures. 

Other effort reporting practices to avoid:

• Overly precise requests, such as changing an appointment by 17.346% for one month in the past.  Such precision is not required since in signing an effort report, the signer is acknowledging that the payroll distribution ‘reasonably’ reflects the activities for which the employee was compensated during the reporting period.
• Moving effort from one sponsored award to another because the second was not yet in place.  Instead, PIs should either request a preliminary project when the effort begins or charge effort to department funds.  Otherwise, there is incorrect billing to the first award for those costs. 

Researchers with questions can talk with their department’s research administrative support or  sponsored program officer . 

Effort Certification Overview

Effort certification is when the responsible individual confirms the effort charges for the certified period are correct and complete. Because faculty and most research staff do not complete time sheets, effort percentages are imprecise. The federal government understands this and generally considers certified levels of effort within +/- 25% of committed to be acceptable. 

There are three annual effort reporting periods: spring semester, summer, and fall semester. At the end of each reporting period, Workday collects all payroll information over the reporting period for each employee. That information is used to compute the percentage of salary charged to each funding source, which in turn is used to generate an effort certification report.

If the report is correct and complete, the certifier approves, verifying that the ‘salary charges to the sponsor are reasonable in relation to the work performed, and the effort provided to each sponsor is at least as great as the effort promised to the sponsor.’ If a report is incorrect, it should not be signed.  and steps should be taken immediately to initiate a correction in Workday through a PAA, and, when ready, the researcher will be alerted that a corrected effort report is available for certification.