IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/taf/acceur/v8y2011i2p155-184.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Accounting Competencies and the Changing Role of Accountants in Emerging Economies: The Case of Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Cătălin Albu
  • Nadia Albu
  • Robert Faff
  • Allan Hodgson

Abstract

Over a recent short period, a number of interventions potentially helped move the Romanian accounting system away from being a tool simply used to support a planned economy. They include harmonization with the European Directives, the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and an increased move towards modern information technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. In this study, we directly explore these influences by applying job-offer analysis as a reflection of the current and future demand for accounting competencies. We first document current competencies expected from accountants in Romanian businesses and then assess the intervention impact on financial and management accountants. We hypothesize external influences would move Romanian accountants away from the traditional separate specialized positions towards more hybrid accounting positions, such as that adopted in the UK. Whilst our analysis supports a degree of transition with alignment to recent global trends, it also reveals some intransigence in the sense that management and financial accounting positions still tend to retain attributes associated with the two-cycle accounting system. Our findings have implications for harmonization issues and accounting education in Romania.

Suggested Citation

  • Cătălin Albu & Nadia Albu & Robert Faff & Allan Hodgson, 2011. "Accounting Competencies and the Changing Role of Accountants in Emerging Economies: The Case of Romania," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 155-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acceur:v:8:y:2011:i:2:p:155-184
    DOI: 10.1080/17449480.2011.621395
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/17449480.2011.621395
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1080/17449480.2011.621395?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ion Ionas¸cu & Mihaela Ionas¸cu & Lavinia Olimid & Daniela Artemisa Calu, 2007. "An Empirical Evaluation of the Costs of Harmonizing Romanian Accounting with International Regulations (EU Directives and IAS/IFRS)," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(2), pages 169-206, December.
    2. N. King & A. Beattie & A. -M. Cristescu & P. Weetman, 2001. "Developing accounting and audit in a transition economy: the Romanian experience," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 149-171.
    3. T. Colwyn Jones & Robert Luther, 2005. "Anticipating the Impact of IFRS on the Management of German Manufacturing Companies: Some Observations from a British Perspective," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(1), pages 165-193, January.
    4. Robert Scapens & Mostafa Jazayeri, 2003. "ERP systems and management accounting change: opportunities or impacts? A research note," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 201-233.
    5. Ariela Caglio, 2003. "Enterprise Resource Planning systems and accountants: towards hybridization?," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 123-153.
    6. Moores, Ken & Yuen, Susana, 2001. "Management accounting systems and organizational configuration: a life-cycle perspective," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 26(4-5), pages 351-389.
    7. John Burns & Gudrun Baldvinsdottir, 2005. "An institutional perspective of accountants' new roles - the interplay of contradictions and praxis," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(4), pages 725-757.
    8. Ball, Ray & Robin, Ashok & Wu, Joanna Shuang, 2003. "Incentives versus standards: properties of accounting income in four East Asian countries," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 36(1-3), pages 235-270, December.
    9. Toomas Haldma & Kertu Laats, 2002. "Influencing Contingencies On Management Accounting Practices In Estonian Manufacturing Companies," University of Tartu - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Working Paper Series 13, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu (Estonia).
    10. Traian Dutia, 1995. "The restructuring of the system of accounting in Romania during the period of transition to the market economy," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(4), pages 739-748.
    11. Rudolf Schroll, 1995. "The new accounting system in the Czech Republic," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(4), pages 827-832.
    12. Dechow, Niels & Mouritsen, Jan, 2005. "Enterprise resource planning systems, management control and the quest for integration," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 30(7-8), pages 691-733.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Albu Nadia & Albu Catalin & Garbina Madalina, 2012. "IMPROVING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN EMERGING ECONOMIES -AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLICATIONS ON THE ACCOUNTANTSâ€(tm) ROLES AND COMPETENCIES," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 1(1), pages 846-852, July.
    2. Ergo Ottoson & Monika Nikitina-Kalamae & Natalja Gurvitš, 2016. "The Role of Accountant in the Estonian Enterprise," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2016(2), pages 47-56.
    3. Ioan Pop & Szilveszter Fekete & Dan Dacian Cuzdriorean, 2013. "Relationship Between Accounting And Taxation In Romania: A Behavioral Analysis," Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica, Faculty of Sciences, "1 Decembrie 1918" University, Alba Iulia, vol. 1(15), pages 1-7.
    4. Costel Istrate, 2012. "Les Femmes Dans La Profession Comptable Roumaine Actuelle," Post-Print hal-00690974, HAL.
    5. Carl A. Crittenden II & William F. Crittenden, 2014. "The Accounting Profession’S Role In Corporate Governance In Frontier Markets: A Research Agenda," Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies, Faculty of Economics, Vilnius University, vol. 5(2).
    6. Raluca Valeria RATIU, 2014. "Accounting Regulations For Goodwill In An Emerging Country- The Case Of Romania," SEA - Practical Application of Science, Romanian Foundation for Business Intelligence, Editorial Department, issue 5, pages 549-554, November.
    7. Sándor Rózsa & Ileana Andreica & Gheorghe Poșta & Tincuța-Marta Gocan, 2022. "Sustainability of Agaricus blazei Murrill Mushrooms in Classical and Semi-Mechanized Growing System, through Economic Efficiency, Using Different Culture Substrates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    8. Ștefan Bunea & Flavius-Andrei Guinea, 2023. "Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Vocational Competences Acquired by Students Enrolled in Accounting Master’s Programmes in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-28, April.
    9. Dominika Hadro & Karol Marek Klimczak & Marek Pauka, 2017. "Impression Management in Letters to Shareholders: Evidence from Poland," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 305-330, September.
    10. Assist. Cristina Circa Ph.D. & Assoc. Prof. Alina Almasan Ph.D. & Lect. Romeo Margea Ph.D. & Lect. Camelia Margea Ph.D., 2015. "Erp Systems And Management Accounting – Evolutions And Challenges," Revista Tinerilor Economisti (The Young Economists Journal), University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 1(24), pages 155-166, APRIL.
    11. Apostol, Oana & Pop, Alina, 2019. "‘Paying taxes is losing money’: A qualitative study on institutional logics in the tax consultancy field in Romania," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 1-23.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Cătălin Nicolae Albu & Nadia Albu & Robert Faff & Allan Hodgson, 2008. "The Changing Role Of Accountants In A Transition Economy - Evidence From Romania," Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica, Faculty of Sciences, "1 Decembrie 1918" University, Alba Iulia, vol. 1(10), pages 1-5.
    2. Valentin Florentin Dumitru, 2011. "The Impact of Information Technologies on the Organization and Functioning of the Company," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 13(Special N), pages 754-770, November.
    3. Szukits, Ágnes, 2019. "Controllers’ profession in contemporary organisations – Evidence from Hungary," Journal of East European Management Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 24(1), pages 8-31.
    4. Rikhardsson, Pall & Yigitbasioglu, Ogan, 2018. "Business intelligence & analytics in management accounting research: Status and future focus," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 37-58.
    5. Jack, Lisa & Kholeif, Ahmed, 2008. "Enterprise Resource Planning and a contest to limit the role of management accountants: A strong structuration perspective," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 30-45.
    6. Ivica Pervan & Hana Horak & Marijana Vasilj, 2010. "Financial Reporting Regulation For The Listed Companies: Analysis For Selected Eastern European Transitional Countries In The Process Of Eu Enlargement," Economic Thought and Practice, Department of Economics and Business, University of Dubrovnik, vol. 19(2), pages 277-309, december.
    7. How, Shi-Min & Alawattage, Chandana, 2012. "Accounting decoupled: A case study of accounting regime change in a Malaysian company," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 23(6), pages 403-419.
    8. Francesca Maria Cesaroni & Domenico Consoli, 2015. "ICT e piccole imprese. Il Cubo della Predisposizione Tecnologica Aziendale," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2015(1), pages 73-100.
    9. Lauri Lepistö, 2014. "Taking information technology seriously: on the legitimating discourses of enterprise resource planning system adoption," Mathematical Methods of Operations Research, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research (GOR);Nederlands Genootschap voor Besliskunde (NGB), vol. 25(3), pages 193-219, December.
    10. Robert Rieg, 2018. "Tasks, interaction and role perception of management accountants: evidence from Germany," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 29(2), pages 183-220, August.
    11. Silvia Macchia, 2021. "Are we ready to change? A case study of Management Accounting Change (MAC) in an Italian Co-operative," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2021(suppl. 1), pages 141-164.
    12. Thorsten Knauer & Nicole Nikiforow & Sebastian Wagener, 2020. "Determinants of information system quality and data quality in management accounting," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 97-121, April.
    13. Taipaleenmäki, Jani & Ikäheimo, Seppo, 2013. "On the convergence of management accounting and financial accounting – the role of information technology in accounting change," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 321-348.
    14. Daniela Ruggeri & Carmela Rizza, 2017. "Accounting information system innovation in interfirm relationships," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 28(2), pages 203-225, May.
    15. Knudsen, Dan-Richard, 2020. "Elusive boundaries, power relations, and knowledge production: A systematic review of the literature on digitalization in accounting," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).
    16. Andreas G. Georgantopoulos & Evangelos I. Poutos & Nikolaos Eriotis, 2018. "Recent Developments and Trends in Accounting Information Systems," Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance Research, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 3(1), pages 1-9.
    17. Berry, A.J. & Coad, A.F. & Harris, E.P. & Otley, D.T. & Stringer, C., 2009. "Emerging themes in management control: A review of recent literature," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 2-20.
    18. Sara Trucco, 2016. "Managerial Information and Integrated Accounting Systems. The Perception of Italian Managers," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2016(1), pages 91-104.
    19. Teittinen, Henri & Pellinen, Jukka & Järvenpää, Marko, 2013. "ERP in action — Challenges and benefits for management control in SME context," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 278-296.
    20. Cristiano Busco & Ariela Caglio & Robert Scapens, 2015. "Management and accounting innovations: reflecting on what they are and why they are adopted," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 19(3), pages 495-524, August.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:taf:acceur:v:8:y:2011:i:2:p:155-184. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Chris Longhurst (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.tandfonline.com/RAIE20 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.