(IJACSA) International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications,

Vol. 15, No. 12, 2024

Cloud Computing: Enhancing or Compromising

Accounting Data Reliability and Credibility
Mohammed Shaban Thaher
Computer and Information Sciences Department-Applied College, Taibah University, KSA

Abstract—Business development is intrinsically tied to the breaches. Together, these components ensure that cloud-based
evolution of accounting systems, and in today’s digital economy, accounting systems remain reliable, scalable, and efficient in
automation has become indispensable despite increasing setup and diverse organizational contexts.
maintenance costs. Cloud computing emerges as a promising
solution, offering cost reduction and greater flexibility in Despite these advantages, cloud computing presents unique
accounting processes. This paper investigates the influence of challenges, particularly regarding the security and credibility of
cloud technology on accounting practices, emphasizing how IT financial data. Many organizations face significant risks such as
advancements automate document preparation, streamline data unauthorized access, cybersecurity threats, and challenges with
entry, and create new opportunities through cloud services and regulatory compliance [7]. These risks are heightened in
online platforms. However, cloud adoption is not without its dynamic regulatory environments like Saudi Arabia, where
challenges, particularly in the areas of information security and evolving legal frameworks further complicate the adoption of
implementation. This study delves into the benefits of cloud-based cloud-based systems [8]. Such challenges underscore the need
accounting, with a focus on ensuring data reliability and integrity, for a strategic approach to adopting cloud computing in
while providing practical guidance for secure adoption. By accounting systems [9].
transitioning to cloud systems, organizations can standardize and
optimize IT resources. Lastly, the paper outlines strategies to This study addresses the critical problem of ensuring the
ensure the secure and efficient operation of cloud-based reliability and credibility of accounting data in the context of
accounting systems within organizations. cloud computing adoption. While cloud technologies offer
immense benefits, their integration often raises concerns about
Keywords—Cloud computing; information security; data security, compliance, and operational transparency [10].
infrastructure as a service; platform as a service; software as a These challenges call for a deeper understanding of how
service organizations can harness the benefits of cloud computing while
mitigating its risks.
I. INTRODUCTION
The evolution of business practices has always been closely The research seeks to answer the following key questions:
linked to advancements in accounting systems, significantly 1) How does cloud computing impact the reliability and
influencing how organizations operate and manage their credibility of accounting data?
financial data. In today's digital economy, automation and
2) What are the primary security and compliance challenges
digitization are revolutionizing every aspect of business,
including accounting processes, by enhancing efficiency and associated with cloud-based accounting systems?
minimizing the risk of human error [1]. Modern technologies 3) What measures can organizations implement to mitigate
enable businesses to reduce costs, streamline internal processes, the risks associated with cloud computing in accounting?
and improve data accuracy, thereby transforming traditional To address these questions, the study aims to evaluate the
operational frameworks [2]. advantages and challenges of cloud computing in accounting
Among these innovations, cloud computing has emerged as systems, analyze security and compliance risks, and provide
a pivotal tool that enhances flexibility, accessibility, and cost- actionable recommendations for improving data reliability and
effectiveness within accounting systems [3]. By offering hosted credibility in cloud environments [11].
services such as data storage, servers, and software, cloud This research is significant as it contributes to both academic
computing enables organizations to remotely store and manage and practical understanding of how cloud computing affects
data via the internet [4]. These services are categorized into accounting practices, particularly in dynamic regulatory
Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software environments. By offering a comprehensive analysis of cloud-
as a Service, each deployable through public, private, or hybrid based systems in the context of Nahdi Medical Company, this
cloud models [5]. Cloud architecture typically comprises two study provides valuable insights for organizations seeking to
layers: the front end for user interaction and the back end for adopt these technologies while maintaining secure and credible
secure data management and middleware connectivity, ensuring accounting operations [12]. Furthermore, it highlights the
continuous operation and integrity [6]. The front-end interface balance between leveraging advanced technological tools and
simplifies user interaction, providing seamless access to adhering to stringent compliance requirements, ensuring
financial tools and resources through a browser or application. operational effectiveness without compromising data integrity.
Meanwhile, the back end leverages advanced encryption and The findings also serve as a guideline for policymakers and IT
redundancy measures to safeguard data and prevent potential

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professionals to develop frameworks that facilitate secure cloud particularly in resource-constrained environments. Similarly,
adoption in accounting systems [13]. Gupta et al. [25] emphasize the critical role of advanced
analytics in enabling predictive decision-making, streamlining
This paper is structured as follows: Section II presents a workflows, and reducing human error. Building on this, Gartner
comprehensive review of the relevant literature, offering an in- [21] identifies key trends such as the rise of multi-cloud
depth analysis of cloud computing, automation, and security strategies, sustainability-focused initiatives, and AI integration,
within accounting systems. Section III explores the case study which are driving the evolution of cloud computing and its
of Nahdi Medical Company. Section IV discusses the results and capacity to enhance organizational efficiency. Gupta and Malik
recommendations, emphasizing the impact of cloud computing [22] further illustrate how AI-driven cloud solutions automate
on Nahdi Medical Company’s accounting systems and repetitive accounting tasks, strengthen fraud detection
addressing the related challenges. Finally, Section V concludes capabilities, and support more informed decision-making
with a summary of the key findings. processes. These findings align with earlier research by Choe
II. LITERATURE REVIEW and Lee [17], which underscore the importance of governance
and organizational learning in successfully navigating the
The integration of information technology (IT) within the adoption of advanced technologies in accounting practices.
accounting discipline has catalyzed a transformative shift in Collectively, these studies emphasize the necessity of
practices, driven by advancements in knowledge management integrating emerging technologies with robust frameworks to
and digital innovation. A seminal study by Dahmash [14] ensure sustained improvements in data reliability, transparency,
underscores the interplay between IT and accounting and process optimization.
qualifications, demonstrating how computerized systems have
revolutionized traditional accounting and business processes. The global cloud computing market was valued at $371.4
This study highlights the importance of knowledge management billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $832.1 billion by 2025,
as a foundation for efficient business systems, emphasizing its driven by its scalability and adaptability to remote work
role in fostering innovation, improving decision-making, and environments, particularly during crises like the COVID-19
addressing the complexities of modern accounting pandemic [28]. Cloud computing has proven especially
environments. Dahmash’s findings position IT as a crucial beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
driver for total quality management and knowledge exchange, enabling them to adopt advanced financial systems without
enabling accountants to adapt and excel in a rapidly evolving significant upfront investments in infrastructure [29]. The
digital economy. accessibility and flexibility of cloud-based accounting systems
are key drivers of this trend.
Building on these foundational concepts, Al-Sharif [15]
explores the risks associated with electronic accounting However, significant concerns regarding security and
information systems (EAIS) in Palestinian banks, offering a compliance persist. Recent research by Kshetri and Voas [26]
more applied perspective. The research identifies significant explores vulnerabilities in cloud environments, including risks
challenges, including a pronounced shortage of IT professionals associated with unauthorized access and service disruptions.
and heavy reliance on individual expertise in Gaza's banking The study highlights the need for proactive measures such as
sector. This over-reliance creates systemic vulnerabilities, end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and
particularly in regions with constrained resources. Al-Sharif compliance with internationally recognized standards such as
advocates robust management practices and security protocols, ISO 27001. Complementing this, Zhou et al. [19] emphasizes
emphasizing that addressing these risks is essential for ensuring the importance of robust virtualization and data governance
data authenticity, reliability, and overall institutional integrity. practices to mitigate risks related to shared server environments.
The study highlights the critical need for enhanced IT Ahmed and Singh [23] further advocate for dynamic risk
infrastructure and professional development to mitigate assessment models that address emerging threats in cloud
operational risks. computing ecosystems.
Qaoud [16] extends this inquiry by evaluating the quality of The resilience of cloud systems is also a critical
EAIS in Palestinian joint-stock companies, focusing on their consideration. Downtime caused by distributed denial-of-
adherence to quality specifications and responsiveness to user service (DDoS) attacks or network failures, as highlighted by
needs. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and comprehensive Grobauer et al. [18], underscores the importance of hybrid and
literature review, Qaoud introduces a framework for assessing multi-cloud strategies. Zhang et al. [24] propose integrating
system adaptability to technological advancements. The edge computing with cloud systems to enhance real-time data
findings reveal notable discrepancies in system quality across access and minimize latency, providing a potential pathway for
organizations, underscoring the limitations of current addressing these vulnerabilities.
implementations in meeting user expectations. This study The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cloud-
emphasizes the need for rigorous updates, standardization, and based accounting systems represents another significant
alignment with global best practices to ensure these systems advancement. AI-powered tools enhance data analytics,
remain effective in dynamic environments. automate routine tasks, and enable predictive forecasting,
Recent studies highlight the transformative potential of thereby improving operational efficiency and accuracy. Recent
cloud computing in enhancing financial reporting quality and work by Brynjolfsson and McAfee [27] emphasizes the strategic
operational efficiency. Latif et al. [20], for instance, demonstrate advantages of AI in accounting, including improved fraud
how real-time data access improves transparency and accuracy, detection and compliance monitoring. Their findings suggest

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that AI-driven systems can significantly enhance the reliability technology introduced concerns regarding the security and
and credibility of financial data, provided organizations credibility of financial data, which are crucial to the company’s
implement proper governance and oversight mechanisms. operational and decision-making strategies.
Additionally, AI's ability to adapt and learn from large datasets
enables continuous improvement in accounting processes, In response to its growing transaction volume, Nahdi
reducing human errors over time. As a result, the adoption of AI integrated cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
in cloud-based systems is becoming a cornerstone for building systems, financial software, and data storage services. These
more resilient and innovative accounting frameworks. solutions oversee critical financial processes such as
transactions, payroll, reporting, and inventory management. A
Despite these advantages, governance challenges remain a significant advantage of this integration is the centralization of
key concern. Parent and Reich [30] underscore the necessity of data management, which enables efficient storage and access to
aligning technological adoption with organizational objectives accounting information across multiple branches. This
to maximize benefits while mitigating associated risks. Their centralization not only streamlines reporting and auditing but
findings echo those of Gupta and Malik [31], who argue that also enhances scalability, allowing Nahdi to expand without
well-defined accountability structures and strategic planning are incurring substantial infrastructure costs. Furthermore, cloud
critical for the successful implementation of AI and cloud computing ensures real-time updates to financial data,
technologies in accounting practices. facilitating accurate and timely decision-making.
The reviewed studies collectively highlight the opportunities While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, Nahdi
and challenges inherent in technological advancements in faces challenges in addressing data security, privacy, and
accounting. Dahmash [14] and Qaoud [16] emphasize the regulatory compliance, particularly regarding sensitive
foundational role of knowledge management and system accounting information. Cloud computing promises increased
quality, while Al-Sharif [15] and Latif et al. [20] explore the reliability and credibility of accounting data through several key
operational benefits and risks associated with technological mechanisms. For instance, the automation of accounting tasks
adoption. The emergence of cloud computing and AI reduces human error by streamlining activities such as data entry
underscores the need for strategic adaptation, stringent security and reconciliation. Real-time updates further mitigate the risks
measures, and continuous education to meet the evolving of outdated or incorrect data affecting decision-making.
demands of the accounting profession. Additionally, cloud systems enhance accessibility and
collaboration, enabling financial teams at both central and
III. CASE STUDY: CLOUD COMPUTING AT NAHDI MEDICAL branch locations to access accounting data more easily, thereby
COMPANY IN KSA improving oversight and expediting decision-making. Cloud-
Nahdi Medical Company, a major player in Saudi Arabia's based data backups also safeguard against data loss due to
retail pharmacy sector, has integrated cloud computing to refine system failures or cyber-attacks, ensuring the recovery of crucial
its operations and enhance its accounting practices. Leveraging financial information.
its vast network of branches across the country, the company has Despite these advantages, the adoption of cloud computing
utilized technology to support its rapid growth and improve in accounting is hindered by several key challenges. The
service offerings. Cloud computing, as a transformative transition from legacy systems to cloud-based solutions has
technology, has been adopted to optimize various business improved operational processes such as accuracy and real-time
functions, particularly accounting. However, this transition has data access, but data security and service reliability remain
raised concerns regarding data security, reliability, and the pressing concerns. These challenges include:
credibility of financial information, especially given the
sensitivity of the data involved. The primary research question  Data Security and Privacy Risks: The reliance on third-
guiding this study is whether cloud computing has enhanced or p5 gttarty cloud providers to safeguard sensitive
compromised the reliability and credibility of accounting data at financial data raises concerns about data breaches,
Nahdi Medical Company. unauthorized access, and cyber-attacks, all of which can
have severe financial, reputational, and legal
In addition to its role as a retail pharmacy, Nahdi Medical consequences.
Company has established itself as a community pharmacy,
focusing on health education and preventive campaigns aimed  Service Interruptions: Cloud computing’s dependence on
at improving public awareness across Saudi Arabia. The internet connectivity poses a risk of service disruptions,
company’s deep understanding of local market dynamics, which can impact business operations and productivity.
combined with its investment in technology, has facilitated its Major outages by cloud providers such as Amazon Web
expansion and contribution to the broader development of Saudi Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure have highlighted
society. The integration of advanced technology with local this vulnerability.
insights has been a key driver of Nahdi’s success.
 Vendor Lock-In: Over-reliance on a single cloud
To enhance its accounting and business processes, Nahdi provider can create difficulties and high costs when
implemented cloud computing solutions to ensure the transitioning to alternative solutions, which may stifle
accessibility, security, and manageability of financial data innovation and drive-up operational expenses.
across its extensive branch network. By adopting cloud-based
systems, Nahdi sought to improve efficiency, scalability, and  Regulatory Compliance: The variability of data
data accuracy. However, this increased reliance on cloud protection regulations across different jurisdictions adds

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complexity to maintaining compliance, which is crucial Robust encryption, backup protocols, and regular security audits
for companies handling sensitive financial information. are essential to address the risks posed by external providers.
Maintaining compliance with local regulations and investing in
 Integration Issues: Integrating cloud-based systems with employee training further strengthens the company’s security
legacy technologies can be challenging and error-prone, posture. Additionally, continuous monitoring and access control
compromising the accuracy of financial data. mechanisms help safeguard intellectual property and prevent
Despite these obstacles, the adoption of cloud computing in unauthorized access. By taking these proactive measures, Nahdi
accounting continues to gain traction, with emerging Medical Company can enhance the credibility and security of its
technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and accounting data while minimizing operational risks.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) helping to mitigate many of Through a comprehensive and strategic approach, Nahdi
these risks. These technologies enhance the efficiency, Medical Company has successfully leveraged cloud computing
reliability, and accuracy of accounting operations. AI-powered to enhance its ac-counting processes, demonstrating the
analytics offer real-time financial insights, enabling predictive potential of cloud technology to improve efficiency and
forecasting and improved decision-making. Blockchain scalability while addressing associated risks. This case study
provides a secure and transparent ledger system, ensuring the illustrates the importance of integrating emerging technologies
accuracy and integrity of financial transactions. RPA automates with strong security protocols to ensure the reliability and
repetitive tasks such as data entry and reconciliation, allowing credibility of financial data in a rapidly evolving digital
accountants to focus on more strategic, high-level landscape.
responsibilities.
By integrating these technologies, Nahdi Medical Company IV. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
has transformed its accounting workflows, improving both the The quantitative analysis presented in this phase rigorously
accuracy and efficiency of its operations. The shift from evaluates the implications of integrating cloud computing
traditional on-premise accounting systems to more expansive, technologies in the reliability and credibility of accounting data
cloud-based solutions has enhanced analytical capabilities and within Nahdi Medical Company. The evaluation employs a
remote access. However, cybersecurity remains a critical comparative approach, systematically analyzing performance
concern throughout this transformation. metrics before and after the implementation of cloud-based
systems, automation technologies, and blockchain mechanisms.
To address the barriers posed by these challenges, Nahdi To ensure methodological rigor, the analysis is based on a
Medical Company has adopted several strategies to ensure the dataset comprising performance data from 25 branches over a
secure and efficient operation of its cloud-based accounting two-year period. Statistical validation was conducted to confirm
systems. These strategies include: the significance of the improvement observed, with p-values and
 Implementing Robust Security Protocols: By applying confidence intervals reported for key metrics.
security measures such as multi-factor authentication The deployment of cloud-based systems demonstrated a
(MFA), data encryption, regular security audits, and profound enhancement in centralized data management
intrusion detection systems, Nahdi has mitigated many capabilities, evidenced by a statistically significant 35%
data security risks. reduction in reporting time (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 30%-40%). This
 Ensuring Service Redundancy: By integrating backup improvement translates directly into expedited decision-making
and disaster recovery plans into its cloud strategy, the processes, facilitated by real-time access to an integrated
company has enhanced its resilience to service financial dataset spanning all organizational branches.
interruptions and ensured continuous access to critical Furthermore, the availability of up-to-date financial information
systems. streamlined audit workflows, resulting in a measurable 20%
reduction in audit preparation time (p < 0.05, 95% CI: 15%-
 Adopting a Hybrid Cloud Model: This model enables 25%). These outcomes highlight the timeliness and accessibility
Nahdi to store sensitive data in private cloud of critical financial datasets for compliance and strategic
environments while leveraging public cloud resources decision-making purposes.
for scalable, less-sensitive tasks, offering both flexibility
and enhanced data security. The incorporation of automation technologies, particularly
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation
 Choosing Open Standards: Implementing open standards (RPA), yielded statistically significant improvements in error
for cloud services facilitates easier integration with other minimization and data integrity. The analysis revealed a 40%
business applications, supports future scalability, and reduction in manual data entry errors (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 35%-
reduces the risk of vendor lock-in. 45%), addressing a primary source of inaccuracies inherent in
traditional accounting practices. Additionally, AI-driven error
 Investing in Training and Change Management:
detection algorithms increased detection rates by 50% (p < 0.01,
Targeted employee training and change management
95% CI: 45%-55%), substantially enhancing the accuracy and
initiatives have helped Nahdi effectively transition to
compliance of financial reporting in alignment with established
cloud-based systems, reducing integration challenges
accounting standards.
and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Scalability and processing efficiency, two critical
While cloud computing offers significant advantages, it also
dimensions of operational agility, showed marked improvement
requires careful attention to security to maintain data integrity.

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through the adoption of cloud computing. The system’s V. CONCLUSIONS

processing capacity exhibited a 25% annual growth rate (p < This research has explored the dual role of cloud computing
0.01, 95% CI: 20%-30%), effectively accommodating the in influencing the reliability and credibility of accounting data,
increasing transactional volumes and the expansion of the providing valuable insights into its advantages and associated
organization’s branch network. This scalability facilitated the risks. The findings reveal that cloud computing significantly
seamless integration of additional branches while also enhances accounting data management by improving
eliminating the substantial capital expenditures typically accessibility, real-time updates, and operational efficiency.
associated with on-premises infrastructure development, Centralized cloud systems streamline data storage and reporting
thereby fostering cost-effective operational scalability. processes, while automation tools like AI and RPA reduce
The analysis also sheds light on specific threats and human error and increase the accuracy of financial data.
vulnerabilities to cloud-based accounting systems. Security Furthermore, the scalability and flexibility offered by cloud
concerns remain critical, as 12% of major security incidents over services allow organizations to manage growing data volumes
the past year were attributable to vulnerabilities inherent in efficiently without incurring high infrastructure costs.
cloud environments. These incidents, primarily involving However, the study also highlights notable challenges,
unauthorized access and malware attacks, underscore the urgent particularly around data security and compliance. Despite
need for fortified security frameworks, particularly against advanced encryption and security measures by cloud providers,
threats like phishing, ransomware, and distributed denial-of- the potential for cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized
service (DDoS) attacks. Proactively addressing these access remains a concern, exposing sensitive accounting data to
vulnerabilities through end-to-end encryption, multi-factor risks. Additionally, cloud computing's reliance on external
authentication, and systematic security audits is projected to service providers limits an organization's control over its data
reduce the likelihood of data breaches by approximately 20% security and raises questions about compliance with evolving
annually (p < 0.05, 95% CI: 15%-25%). local and international regulations. These risks are especially
Additionally, regulatory compliance presents a significant significant in sectors where financial and data privacy
challenge. In the context of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic regulatory regulations are still catching up with technological
landscape, laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law advancements.
(PDPL) and guidelines by the Saudi Data and Artificial While this study provides important insights, its focus on a
Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) impose stringent requirements single case study of Nahdi Medical Company may influence the
for data security and governance. On an international level, broader applicability of the findings. Contextual factors unique
compliance with standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR to the organization and its operating environment could limit the
further adds complexity to cloud adoption strategies. For generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, the study offers a
organizations like Nahdi Medical Company, adhering to these detailed examination of cloud computing's impact on accounting
regulations necessitates regular compliance audits, robust practices, which can serve as a foundation for further research
contractual agreements with cloud providers, and continuous across diverse industries and regions.
monitoring of legal updates. Addressing these compliance
challenges not only ensures adherence to regulations but also To fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing while
builds stakeholder trust. safeguarding data integrity, organizations must adopt a strategic
approach. This includes implementing robust security protocols,
Quantitative projections highlight the potential benefits of maintaining oversight of automation processes, ensuring
addressing these security and compliance challenges through compliance with regulatory frameworks, and providing
advanced technologies. For instance, blockchain technology continuous employee training. Moreover, adopting technologies
offers transformative potential, with an estimated 30% reduction like blockchain can further enhance the credibility of financial
in fraud risks (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 25%-35%) through its data by ensuring transaction transparency and immutability.
immutable ledger system, which significantly enhances the
transparency and reliability of financial records. In conclusion, cloud computing undeniably offers
transformative potential for accounting practices, improving
In summary, this analysis delineates the dual impact of cloud both operational efficiency and data transparency. However, it
computing on Nahdi Medical Company’s accounting practices. is not without its challenges. A carefully planned and well-
While the adoption of these technologies has substantially managed adoption of cloud technologies, coupled with ongoing
enhanced operational efficiency, scalability, and data integrity, vigilance in securing data and ensuring compliance, is critical to
enduring challenges in security and compliance necessitate enhancing the reliability and credibility of accounting data
continued investment in robust risk mitigation and governance without compromising security or compliance standards.
measures. By addressing these vulnerabilities, incorporating Through such strategic measures, cloud computing can indeed
advanced security strategies, and adhering to regulatory enhance the reliability and credibility of accounting data,
frameworks, the organization can further strengthen the empowering organizations to thrive in a digital-first world.
reliability, credibility, and overall efficacy of its accounting
infrastructure. Strategic partnerships with cloud providers can ACKNOWLEDGMENT
also ensure access to advanced, tailored solutions.
Words cannot fully capture my profound gratitude for the
support and encouragement that have made this research paper
possible. This journey has been both inspiring and rewarding,

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Vol. 15, No. 12, 2024

enriched by the contributions of remarkable individuals and [12] L. Zhao and X. Wang, “Innovations in blockchain integration for secure
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