Assignment: The Role of Accounting on Business and Our Society

Accounting increases a student's preparedness to understand complex business concepts and the rationale managers use to make financing decisions. It is a business discipline that allows companies to analyze, record, and retrieve critical financial information that can be used to determine a company's financial status, and provide reports and insights that are needed to make sound financial decisions.

Use the Internet or the Strayer Online database to research relevant accounting information to respond to the questions in the assignment.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Describe the purpose of each financial statement. Determine which one (1) is the most effective in communicating the financial health of an organization. Defend your position.

2. Compare the major functions of an accountant to that of a certified public accountant. Make an argument for and against the importance of accounting and accountants in our society from a U.S. or global perspective.

3. Imagine that you have decided to create your own business venture. Determine whether the company will be a service or merchandising company. Describe the differences between the charts of accounts for both companies.

4. Based on the company that you selected in 3, make an argument for automating the accounting process, and implement at least three (3) types of internal controls to prevent or detect theft or fraud.