Changes of Accounting Profession in the Digital World: The Cases of Small and Medium Enterprises in Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

In recent decades, accounting profession has significantly changed thanks to the impacts of information technology. Those changes come from the advent of countless accounting software and the development of internet and cloud computing. Apply comparison analysis methods, with the evidence collected from the survey of 150 small and medium enterprises (SME) in Hanoi capital-Vietnam, this research aims to prove that technologies have changed accounting profession in SMEs in many aspects, from the nature to the products of accounting works; enhancing the capacity of financial system in controlling frauds and errors; and eventually changes the position of accountant in a company. In a word, digital technology will break out the border of traditional accounting systems, in term of both literal and figurative meaning. Considering those changes, there are some implications should be taken into account, including from policy to business management practicing and training in accounting as well.