Computerised_Accounting_Study_Guide
Computerised_Accounting_Study_Guide
- What are the five key components ('pillars') of a Computerised Accounting System (CAS)?
- Why is the grouping and codification of accounts essential in a CAS environment?
- Differentiate between one-time and recurring activities when using CAS software. Give an example
of each.
- Explain the role of the PMT function in Excel and its parameters.
- What is the purpose of an Accounting Information System (AIS) and how does CAS facilitate its
implementation?
- Describe three limitations of Computerised Accounting System (CAS) software.
- Give examples of the three main methods of account codification.
- Explain the difference between data and information.
- Explain what a doughnut chart is used for.
- Describe the purpose of using multiple-line graphs.
- The five key components of a CAS are procedure, data, people (users), hardware (computers,
peripherals and network), and software (system and application).
- Grouping and codification are crucial for managing increasing transaction volumes in a CAS
environment.
- One-time activities in CAS involve initial setup like creating organisation details and defining ledger
types. Recurring activities include ongoing transaction entry and generating reports.
- The PMT function in Excel calculates loan payments based on interest rate, number of periods,
and present value.
- An AIS integrates financial data processing and CAS facilitates this by automating data
management and generating reports.
- Limitations of CAS include technology obsolescence, data loss risk, and security vulnerabilities.
- Account codification methods: Sequential (e.g., CL001), Block (e.g., 100-199 for specific
categories), Mnemonic (e.g., SJ for Sales Journal).
- Data is raw facts, whereas information is processed and meaningful data.
- A doughnut chart is similar to a pie chart but can contain multiple data series.
- Multiple-line graphs display trends over time for multiple data series, aiding in comparisons.
III. Essay Questions
- Discuss the benefits and limitations of implementing a Computerised Accounting System (CAS) in
a business environment.
- Explain the importance of grouping and codification of accounts in a CAS with examples.
- Describe various sub-systems within an AIS and explain how CAS facilitates their integration.
- Evaluate the use of spreadsheet applications in payroll accounting, asset accounting, and loan
repayment scheduling.
- Discuss the advantages of using graphs and charts in Excel for data representation.
- AIS (Accounting Information System): A system that collects and processes financial data.
- Asset Accounting: Managing fixed assets including acquisition and depreciation.
- CAS (Computerised Accounting System): Automates financial transaction processing.
- Data: Raw, unprocessed facts.
- Depreciation: Allocation of asset cost over its useful life.
- Doughnut Chart: A circular chart showing parts-to-whole relationships.
- MIS (Management Information System): Provides customized managerial reports.
- PMT: Excel function for calculating loan payments.