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. 

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: 

 Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all 

sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your 

professor for any additional instructions. 

 Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s 

name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in 

the required assignment page length. 

 

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: 

 Identify and explain the fundamental concepts and principles in accounting, the components of 

the accounting equation, the primary financial accounting equation, and financial statements and 

reports. 

 Use technology and information resources to research issues in financial accounting. 

 Write clearly and concisely about financial accounting using proper writing mechanics.