The Impact of Information Technology in
The Impact of Information Technology in
The Impact of Information Technology in
INTRODUCTION
Before now, business success was built on the ability to move goods and services with
speed and accuracy. Today, information has become the fuel that powers business success. In
edge.
Information technology has been defined as the processing and distribution of data using
Encyclopedia, 2014). Therefore, it is now obvious that the computer component of information
technology can no longer stand alone without the combination of other components. However,
management planning and control responsibilities are also paramount to a successful enterprise,
and they represent a mandatory aspect for an organization to progress and survive in today's
The projected plan of operation must be decisive and dynamic. Timely, intelligent
planning must be predicated on current known facts, thorough analysis, and a realistic approach
to inevitable future probabilities. These key requirements for planning directions will lead to
business profitability and an equitable return on investment, which are the objectives of
successful management.
planning and control objectives are now available, but in many instances, appropriate
management organization, interest, and progression in fully acknowledging their utilization are
In addition, management control systems must not be overlooked. They comprise the
plan of an organization and all of the coordinated methods and measures adopted within a
business to safeguard its assets, check the accuracy and reliability of its accounting data,
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other words, it could be regarded as a whole system of control, financial and otherwise,
established by the management in order to carry on the business of the company or organization
in an orderly manner, safeguard its assets, and secure as far as possible measures the accuracy
and reliability of its records for planning, measurements for performance, and control purposes.
Information technology is the technology used for the study, understanding, planning,
design, construction, testing, distribution, support, and operation of software, computers, and
computer-related systems that exist for the purpose of data, information, and knowledge
processing. Another definition of information technology (IT) is that the industry has evolved to
include the study and science of solutions for all aspects of data, information, and knowledge
business operations, including accounting systems. However, despite the potential benefits,
many organizations struggle to effectively integrate IT into their accounting processes. Unilever
Nigeria PLC, a leading multinational corporation, faces challenges in optimizing its accounting
system through IT adoption. This study seeks to address the key issues hindering the effective
company. A lack of advanced technological tools and software may impede the accurate and
financial reporting. Additionally, the existing IT systems may not be fully compatible with the
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1.3 AIM/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study examines the impact of IT on accounting at Unilever Nigeria PLC, focusing on
4. To identify challenges faced by Unilever Nigeria PLC in the adoption and implementation of
1. How has the adoption of information technology influenced the accuracy and reliability of
3. In what ways has the integration of IT systems improved the internal control processes within
This study explores how IT adoption affects accounting in Unilever Nigeria PLC, testing
1. Hypothesis 1: Advanced IT systems reduce errors, improve data processing, and enhance the
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1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Objective: This research study aims to guide organizations in the manufacturing sector,
and IT professionals can effectively cope with the evolving landscape of information
technology (IT).
Significance:
- The study highlights the critical threats posed by human actions to IT systems, emphasizing
the need for heightened awareness and protective measures. According to Kshetri (2014),
insiders and external threats such as hackers and phone freaks are significant risks to
information systems.
- A comprehensive operating plan is crucial for managing mass data effectively. This plan
supports valid decision-making processes and helps meet management appraisal tasks, ensuring
operational directions and performance measurements are in line with IT system utilization.
2. For Managers:
Alhawari et al. (2018), human-related vulnerabilities, such as insider threats and social
- Managers need to integrate robust data management practices to support their operational
and strategic decisions. This involves leveraging IT to enhance performance measurement and
Implications:
- Operational Efficiency: With the detailed operating plan, managers and accountants will be
better equipped to handle challenges related to IT and data management, ensuring that
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- Fraud Prevention: By understanding the types of human threats and implementing strong
data management strategies, organizations can better protect against fraud and other IT-related
risks.
The scope of this study on the impact of information technology (IT) in accounting
systems, with a focus on Unilever Nigeria PLC, covers several key areas. This study primarily
examines how IT has transformed traditional accounting practices within the organization,
enabling more efficient, accurate, and timely financial reporting and decision-making processes.
The period under review spans from 2014 to 2021, a timeframe that captures significant
technological advancements and their adoption in the accounting functions of Unilever Nigeria
PLC.
Firstly, the study explores the adoption of various IT tools and software in accounting
practices at Unilever Nigeria PLC. This includes an analysis of enterprise resource planning
(ERP) systems, accounting software, and other digital tools used to automate and streamline
accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, and audit processes. The study
investigates how these tools have improved the accuracy of financial records and reduced the
Secondly, the research focuses on the impact of IT on the internal control systems at
Unilever Nigeria PLC. Internal control is a critical aspect of accounting that ensures the
integrity of financial reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements. The study
monitoring, enhancing data security, and reducing the risk of fraud and errors.
Additionally, the scope of the study includes an assessment of how IT has influenced
financial data and advanced analytics tools has transformed the way financial information is
used in strategic decision-making. The study explores how Unilever Nigeria PLC has leveraged
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IT to make informed decisions that align with the company’s financial goals and regulatory
obligations.
Moreover, the research covers the challenges associated with the implementation of IT
in the accounting system at Unilever Nigeria PLC. These challenges may include the high cost
of technology adoption, the need for continuous staff training, and the complexities of
integrating new IT systems with existing ones. The study also considers the strategies employed
by Unilever Nigeria PLC to overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of IT in their
accounting processes.
Finally, the study limits its analysis to the Nigerian context, considering the unique
ensures that the findings are relevant and applicable to similar organizations operating within
Unilever, has a rich history dating back to 1923 when it was established as a soap
manufacturing company. Over the decades, it has expanded its operations to include a diverse
range of products, including foods, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care items. By the
mid-20th century, Unilever Nigeria had grown to become one of the leading Fast-Moving
Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in Nigeria, leveraging its global brand and extensive
In the early 2000s, Unilever Nigeria began to recognize the increasing importance of
efficiency, and transparency in its accounting systems. This transition was part of a broader
strategy to align with global best practices and maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly
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Between 2014 and 2021, Unilever Nigeria made significant investments in IT
infrastructure, integrating advanced software applications into its accounting system. These
investments were driven by the need to adapt to the digital economy, which demanded more
robust and agile financial management processes. The adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP) systems, for instance, streamlined the company's financial reporting, budgeting, and
requirements.
The period also saw Unilever Nigeria embracing cloud computing and data analytics to
enhance its accounting practices. These technologies enabled the company to manage large
volumes of financial data more efficiently and provided real-time insights into its financial
performance. This strategic use of IT in accounting not only strengthened Unilever Nigeria’s
financial controls but also contributed to its overall business sustainability and growth during
this period.
1. Data: These are any non-random set of symbols they are also called raw files o facts, event,
transaction, which have been recorded and they are the input raw materials from which
information is produced.
Information: in this research the use of information will signify data have been produced in such
2. Application package: This is a set of programs together with the appropriate system
documentation. The package is designed to meet the needs of a number of users and is modular
in construction so that a limited amount of modification can be carried out to carter for the
3. MIS: Management information system is the provision of information for all level of
management in order to perform their routine functions such as planning, directing, organizing
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4. Database: Data base is a stored collection of related data needed by organization and
5.Ethernet: Ethernet is a popular network protocol and cabling scheme that uses a bus topology
and carrier sense multiple access/collision detection (CSMA/CD) to prevent network failure or
collisions, when two devices try to access the network at the same time.
Intranet: this is a private network belonging to an organization (which was internet protocol) it
is used in Unilever Nigeria plc .it is accessible only by member of the organization require
6.E-Business: This is the use of internet in the conduct of business. 10. Extranet: this is an
7.Wireless network: Wireless network are wide area network (WAN), that allows user to
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
To understand the nature of the IT impact on firm performance, we must consider the fit
between the characteristic of the IT and the user’s tasks (Goodhue and Thompson, 2014). Since
processing, evaluating, and presenting data, the use of IT is likely to improve the productivity of
engagements. Therefore, the use of groupware technology is also expected to improve work
collaboration and communication within teams and thus enhance their productivity (Ellis et al.,
transactions or data to achieve a specific purpose (Gates, 2021). Information systems are driven
by Information Technology (IT), which consists of hardware and software that perform data
processing tasks, such as capturing, storing, retrieving, manipulating, and reporting data (Alter,
2016). It is recognized by Laudon and Laudon (2014) that until recently, information itself was
not considered an important asset for a firm. The management process was considered a face-to-
face, interpersonal art and a far-flung, global coordination process. Today, it is widely
recognized that understanding information technology is essential for managers because most
organizations need information technology to survive and prosper. Information systems are very
important in today’s business because they affect how managers decide, how senior managers
plan, and, in many cases, what products are produced and how they are produced. They play a
strategic role in the life of the firm. Laudon and Laudon (2014) recognize that there is a growing
interdependence between business strategy, rules, and procedures on one hand, and information
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software, and networks, including the internet, have helped organizations to become more
flexible, eliminate layers of management, separate work from location, and restructure
workflows, giving new powers to both line workers and management. According to Alter
(2015), information systems enable new forms of organization, new ways to work, and new
ways to compete. They can give new meaning to everyday things such as money, books,
According to Molan (2016), the evolution of IT can be broadly divided into a seven-
This model was extended into three areas where objectives of IT were identified as
follows:
It is recognized that most companies in Nigeria have embraced the use of information systems
However, not enough research has been done on the effects of information systems on
efficiency and profitability, as there are several concomitants that contribute to the efficiency
recording of financial data through automated systems, reducing manual errors and
improving accuracy.
ii. Data Processing: Advanced software processes large volumes of accounting data
iii. Data Storage: IT systems store accounting information securely, ensuring data
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iv. Data Retrieval: IT enables quick and easy retrieval of financial data, which is
statements and reports, enhancing the clarity and detail of financial information.
reports for internal and external stakeholders, including balance sheets, income
ii. Budgeting and Forecasting: Technology supports the creation of detailed budgets
traceability.
variances.
insights and data analytics for strategic planning and operational decisions.
ii. Investors: Reliant on financial statements to assess the profitability, stability, and
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v. Employees: Use financial information indirectly to understand the company’s
performance and stability, which can impact job security and benefits.
i. Informed Decisions: Accurate accounting information provides a factual basis for making
strategic decisions, such as investment opportunities, cost management, and pricing strategies.
ii. Risk Management: Financial data helps identify potential risks and manage them effectively
i. Accuracy: Reliable and precise accounting information is essential for making sound
decisions.
ii. Timeliness: Up-to-date information ensures decisions are based on the latest financial data
iv. Clarity: Clear and understandable data presentation aids in comprehending financial
v. Analytical Tools: Utilizing advanced IT tools for data analysis helps in interpreting financial
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2.2 THEORETICAL REVIEW
system explores the ways in which IT has transformed accounting practices, especially within
large organizations like Unilever Nigeria PLC. Information technology plays a critical role in
modern accounting systems by automating processes, enhancing accuracy, and improving the
accounting software that streamlines various accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, auditing,
and financial analysis. These systems reduce the manual effort involved in accounting, thereby
minimizing errors and improving the overall reliability of financial data. For instance, cloud-
based accounting systems allow for real-time access to financial information, facilitating
quicker decision-making and more effective financial management (Ahmad, 2015; Smith &
Thomas, 2016).
tools for thorough documentation and accurate record-keeping. This is particularly important for
multinational corporations like Unilever Nigeria PLC, which must adhere to complex financial
regulations. The use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems has been instrumental in
integrating financial information across various departments, thereby providing a unified and
However, the adoption of IT in accounting also presents challenges, such as the need for
continuous updates to keep up with technological advancements and the risk of cybersecurity
threats. As companies like Unilever Nigeria PLC continue to rely on IT for their accounting
needs, it is crucial to address these challenges to fully leverage the benefits of technology in
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2.3 EMPIRICAL REVIEW
more efficient and accurate financial management. The empirical literature on this topic
highlights various studies that explore the integration of IT into accounting practices and its
For instance, Adeyemi and Aderibigbe (2014) conducted a study on the adoption of IT
in accounting systems within Nigerian manufacturing companies. Their findings revealed that
IT integration significantly improved the accuracy and speed of financial reporting, thereby
enhancing decision-making processes. Similarly, Okoye and Ezejiofor (2015) examined the
In a more focused study, Olatunji and Fadare (2016) explored the impact of IT on
accounting practices specifically within Unilever Nigeria PLC. They found that the
statements and reduced the risk of human error. This study was pivotal as it directly assessed
the subject within the context of a major multinational company operating in Nigeria.
accounting systems across various industries in Nigeria. Their research concluded that
performance and compliance with regulatory standards. This study highlighted the importance
In a more recent study, Adekunle and Owoeye (2021) examined the impact of IT on
accounting systems in Nigerian FMCG companies, including Unilever Nigeria PLC. Their
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2.4 SUMMARY
The impact of information technology (IT) on accounting systems has been transformative,
particularly within large organizations like Unilever Nigeria PLC. Between 2014 and 2021,
systems, which relied heavily on manual entry and processing, were prone to errors and delays.
With the adoption of IT, Unilever Nigeria PLC has been able to automate many of these
processes, reducing the likelihood of errors and enabling real-time data processing. This has
improved the accuracy of financial reporting and decision-making processes within the
accounting software and tools have allowed Unilever to analyze large volumes of data quickly
and accurately, providing deeper insights into financial trends and patterns. This capability has
empowered the company to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and
Moreover, the integration of IT in accounting systems has enhanced the security and
integrity of financial data. Unilever Nigeria PLC has implemented robust IT systems to protect
sensitive financial information from unauthorized access and cyber threats. This has helped the
company maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and build trust with stakeholders
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CHAPTER THREE
INTRODUCTION
The research methodology for this study on the impact of information technology (IT) on the
accounting system at Unilever Nigeria PLC involves a structured approach designed to achieve
the research objectives. A descriptive survey research design is employed, which allows for the
collection of quantitative data from a defined population. This approach is particularly suitable
for understanding the influence of IT on accounting practices within the company, as it enables
the researcher to gather detailed insights from a specific group of individuals knowledgeable
The research design for studying the impact of information technology (IT) on the accounting
system at Unilever Nigeria PLC will employ a mixed-method approach. This design is chosen
and qualitative data. The mixed-method approach allows for a robust analysis, balancing the
numerical precision of quantitative research with the contextual depth of qualitative insights.
The study will be conducted using a descriptive research design. This approach is appropriate
because it enables the researcher to describe the existing conditions regarding the integration of
IT into the accounting systems of Unilever Nigeria PLC. A case study strategy will be used,
infrastructure. This case study approach allows for an in-depth exploration of how IT has
transformed the company's accounting practices, making it possible to generalize the findings to
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2. Population and Sampling Techniques
The population for this study comprises the accounting and IT staff of Unilever Nigeria PLC. A
purposive sampling technique will be used to select participants with relevant experience and
knowledge in IT and accounting systems. This ensures that the data collected is rich and directly
staff, and finance managers, will be selected to provide a diverse range of perspectives on the
Primary data will be collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
The questionnaire will be designed with Likert scale questions to quantitatively assess the
respondents' perceptions of IT's impact on various aspects of the accounting system. Interviews
will provide qualitative data, allowing for a deeper understanding of how IT influences
Secondary data will be gathered from company reports, financial statements, and relevant
Quantitative data from the questionnaires will be analyzed using statistical tools such as SPSS.
Descriptive statistics, including means, frequencies, and percentages, will be used to summarize
the data. Qualitative data from interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis, which
involves identifying patterns and themes related to the research questions. This combination of
5. Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations will be strictly adhered to throughout the research process. Informed
consent will be obtained from all participants, ensuring that they understand the study's purpose
and their role in it. Confidentiality will be maintained, and the data collected will be used solely
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3.2 POPULATION OF THE STUDY
observations related to a specific phenomenon that the researcher is interested in studying. This
concept is critical as it defines the scope of the study and determines the generalizability of the
In the context of this research study, the population was drawn from one of Nigeria's
leading multinational companies, Unilever Nigeria PLC. The focus is on the accounting
department located at the company’s head office in Lagos. The staff within this department
constitutes the population for this study. Unilever Nigeria PLC, being a significant player in the
consumer goods industry, provides an ideal setting for understanding the impact of information
The population of the study includes a total of 70 employees and management staff from
the accounting department. This includes individuals occupying various roles within the
department, ranging from junior accounting staff to senior management. By selecting a diverse
group of individuals from different levels within the department, the study aims to capture a
the accounting practices at Unilever Nigeria PLC, providing insights into how information
technology is integrated into their systems. This approach also ensures that the study findings
are reflective of the actual experiences and practices within the department, offering valuable
Furthermore, this population selection aligns with the study's objectives, which include
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targeted and relevant insights that can inform both academic understanding and practical
ICT 30 43
ACCOUNT 20 29
FINANCE 20 29
TOTAL 70 100
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3.3 DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE AND TECHNIQUES
To determine the appropriate sample size for this study, a convenience sampling technique was
employed. This method was chosen due to its practicality and the need to focus specifically on
the staff of the account department. The rationale behind this focus was to ensure that every
concentrating on the account department, the study aimed to avoid selection bias and ensure that
A sample size of 65 was selected, which represents a little more than 10% of the total
population of the department. This percentage was deemed sufficient to capture the diversity of
opinions and experiences within the department while still being manageable in terms of data
collection and analysis. The questionnaires were distributed directly to the staff members of the
account department to facilitate a quick response. To enhance the response rate, efforts were
made to encourage the respondents to return the completed questionnaires promptly. Follow-up
reminders were also employed to ensure timely participation and the accuracy of the data
collected.
The sample size was determined using the Yaro Yamane formula, which is commonly used for
calculating sample sizes in research involving finite populations. The formula is expressed as:
n= N
1 + N(e)2
Where:
- e is the margin of error, typically set at 0.05 for a 95% confidence level,
- 1 is a constant.
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For this study, the total population N was 70. Applying the Yaro Yamane formula:
n= 70
1 + 70(0.05)2
n= 70
1 + 70(0.0025)
n= 70
1.175
n = 59.57 = 60
After rounding, the sample size was determined to be 60. However, to ensure broader
representation and account for potential non-responses, the sample size was slightly increased to
65. This adjustment was made to enhance the reliability of the findings and ensure that the
results could be generalized to the entire population of the account department. The careful
selection of the sample size, combined with the distribution strategy, was designed to produce
valid and reliable results that would contribute meaningfully to the understanding of the topic
under investigation.
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3.4 SOURCES OF DATA
In every research work, there must be a reliable resource from which data are collected,
the sources of data available to the researcher are listed and explained below.
The subject matter of this research, is for the purpose of this study gathered data primarily with
the use of questionnaires to save time and finance. The questionnaire was designed to allow for
easy comprehension by respondents and also to reduce bias and allow anonymity, which
Secondary data were collected from published materials such as journals, conference, workshop
papers, text books, and newspapers on the impact of information technology on accountant’s
performance in an organization.
INSTRUMENT
Case Study of Unilever Nigeria PLC," the data collection instrument plays a pivotal role in
questionnaire will be employed as the primary data collection instrument. This tool is designed
to capture the respondents' perspectives on how information technology has influenced the
accounting processes within Unilever Nigeria PLC. The questionnaire will consist of closed-
ended questions, utilizing a Likert scale format to measure the degree of agreement or
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Validity of the Instrument
Validity refers to the extent to which the instrument measures what it is intended to
measure (Heale & Twycross, 2015). To ensure the validity of the questionnaire, the content will
be carefully designed to cover all aspects of the study's objectives. Expert judgment from
professionals in the fields of accounting and information technology will be sought to evaluate
the relevance and clarity of the questions. Furthermore, a pilot test will be conducted with a
small sample from the population to identify any ambiguous items and make necessary
adjustments. This process ensures that the instrument accurately reflects the variables under
study.
Reliability pertains to the consistency and stability of the instrument over time (Tavakol
& Dennick, 2011). To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach's alpha
coefficient will be calculated, which measures the internal consistency of the items. A
Cronbach's alpha value of 0.7 or higher will indicate an acceptable level of reliability.
administered to the same group of respondents at two different points in time. Consistent results
across these tests will further confirm the reliability of the instrument.
integrating both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The primary data
employees within the accounting and IT departments of Unilever Nigeria PLC. The
questionnaire included Likert scale questions designed to capture respondents' perceptions and
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Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key managerial personnel
in the finance and IT departments to gain deeper insights into the strategic implementation of IT
tools in the accounting processes. These interviews aimed to complement the quantitative data
integration.
Secondary data was gathered from the company's financial reports, internal records, and
relevant literature on IT adoption in accounting from 2014 to 2021. This period was chosen to
capture recent technological advancements and their impact on the company's accounting
practices.
The data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The
quantitative data collected through the questionnaires were analyzed using statistical tools such
as SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including mean, frequency, and standard deviation, were used to
summarize the data, while inferential statistics, such as regression analysis, were employed to
determine the relationship between information technology adoption and the performance of the
accounting system.
The qualitative data from the interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically to
identify common patterns and themes related to IT impacts. The combined analysis provided a
In this study the impact of information technology on accounting system, the research is
limited by time. Though this research ought to be very broad and all embracing the research is
limited by time to go that far and treat this exhaustively. The study was also limited by secrecy
of information in the company, which requires permission of the company higher authority
Despite these limitations, the project work will be useful to any person that wants to
know about the impact of information technology on accounting system. This research though is
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expected to be very broad and all embracing, it is limited to the impact of information
technology on accounting system and this is due to the fact that this is the researcher main
CHAPTER FOUR
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DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.0 INTRODUCTION
The chapter will be used to analyze the questionnaires that were distributed to the respondents
who are staff of Unilever Nigeria plc .during the course of the research work in chapter 3, a total
65 questionnaires within fifteen (15)questions each, covering both bio-data and critical aspects
of the subject of research were issued to the staff using a simple random techniques, which was
eventually returned to the staff. A total of 60 out 65 questionnaires issued were received from
MALES 42 70
FEMALES 18 30
TOTAL 60 100
From the above, 42 respondents represent 70 percent of males while the remaining 18
20-30 30 50
31-40 21 35
41-above 9 15
Total 60 100
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The above table shows that 30 respondents represent 50 percent are between 20-30 years old,
while 21 respondents are 40 yrs and 9 respondents are aged 41yrs and above representing 35
SSCE/WAEC - -
OND/AL 21 35
HND/B.SC 27 45
M.SC/MBA 12 20
TOTAL 60 100
20-30 30 50
31-40 21 35
41-above 9 15
Total 60 100
OND and A’ level holders mainly composed of junior staff while 27 respondent representing 45
percent having HND/B.sc and the remaining 12 respondents representing 20 percent have
obtained M.sc or MBA these categories are composed of middle to top management level.
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Option Frequency Percentage (%)
GMA/ACA/ACH 15 25
ACIB/PCIB - -
Total 60 100
The above shows that only 15 respondents representing 25 percent have professional
qualifications of either ICAN or the institute of Chartered Bankers. The data relating to the
views and perceptions on the study topics as gathered from the questionnaires can be analyzed
below:
TABLE 4.1.4 Have IT and IS (Information system) tune with the current trends in the
Agreed 12 12/60x100/1 20
Disagree - - -
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
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The table above shows that there is general agreement as to the application of IT and IS in the
TABLE 4.1.5 Did organization (Unilever plc) speeds a lot of its budget in updating its
information system?
Agreed 15 15/60x100/1 25
Indifferent - - -
Disagree 36 36/60x100/1 60
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
Disagree - - -
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
The response to the question above shows that 30%respondens representing 60 percent disagree
with the fact that there is massive budgetary spending on it 15 respondents representing 25
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TABLE 4.2.1 Employees of the organization encouraged to contribute in the design and
Agreed 12 12/60x100/1 20
Indifferent 6 6/60x100/1 10
Disagree - - -
Disagree Strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
The table shows that 42 respondents representing 70 percent strongly agree with the statement
TABLE 4.2.2 Does information technology (IT) has a role in the future of the accounting
profession?
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Source: field survey 2014
Agreed 15 15/60x100/1 25
Indifferent 12 12/60x100/1 20
Disagree 9 9/60x100/1 15
Total 60 - 100
Agreed 12 12/60x100/1 20
Indifferent 6 6/60x100/1 10
Disagree - - -
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
Analysis as to question above can be seen thus, those that generally agreed are 18 plus 15
TABLE 4.2.3 How is the impact of information technology training increase the
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Agreed 10 10/60x100/1 16.7
Indifferent - - -
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
The table shows 45respondents representing75 percent of the population strongly agree, and 10
respondents representing 16.7 percent also agree but 5respondents representing 8.3 percent
disagree.
TABLE 4.2.4 Is there need for the accountant and IT professional to work jointly in
Agreed 30 30/60x100/1 50
Indifferent 9 9/60x100/1 15
Disagree 9 9/60x100/1 15
Disagree - - -
Total 60 - 100
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Source: field survey 2013
From the above data most of the respondents attests to the fact that the accountants and
TABLE 4.2.5 Will management and security control work effectively if staff are not
Agreed 27 27/60x100/1 45
Indifferent 15 15/60x100/1 25
Disagree 9 9/60x100/1 15
Total 60 - 100
Agreed 30 30/60x100/1 50
Indifferent 9 9/60x100/1 15
Disagree 9 9/60x100/1 15
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
As can be seen from the table even though majority of staff believe there should
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Table 4.2.6 Do you agree that the use of information technology has increase the
Agree 30 30/60x100/1 50
Indifferent 12 15/60x100/1 20
Disagree 3 3/60x100/1 5
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
In the above table15 respondents representing 25 percent strongly agree as to the market
Agree 45 45/60x100/1 75
Indifferent 6 6/60x100/1 10
Disagree - - -
Disagree strongly - - -
Total 60 - 100
As depicted in the table above 90 percent of respondents agree in the staff literacy level
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4.3 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
efficiency of accountants at Unilever Nigeria PLC, a chi-square test was conducted. The
test statistic (TS) calculated was 34.32. Given that there are k = 5 categories, the degrees
of freedom (DF) for this chi-square test are calculated as k - 1, which equals 4. The
corresponding critical value for the upper 5% point, denoted as q(0.05), of the chi-square
The results of the chi-square test are summarized in Table 4.15, which shows that
the calculated chi-square value (X²c) is 34.32. This value, compared to the tabulated chi-
square value (X²t) of 9.49, indicates a significant difference. Specifically, since the
calculated chi-square value is greater than the tabulated value (X²c > X²t), the null
rejected.
Moreover, the significance level (Asymp. Sig.) associated with this test is 0.000,
which is far below the level of significance (α) of 0.05. This further strengthens the
decision to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis, suggesting
information technology into the accounting processes at Unilever Nigeria PLC has likely
led to improvements in efficiency. This could manifest in various ways, such as faster
handle complex accounting tasks. The strong statistical evidence supports the view that
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contributing to overall organizational efficiency. Therefore, the decision to adopt and
CHAPTER FIVE
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5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
efficiency. The findings, supported by studies conducted between 2014 and 2021,
highlight several key areas where IT has transformed the accounting landscape at
One of the major findings is the enhancement of accuracy and speed in financial
reporting. Information technology has significantly reduced manual errors and delays in
resource planning (ERP) systems has automated many routine tasks, leading to more
accurate and timely financial reports. This automation has not only improved the
reliability of financial data but has also enabled quicker decision-making processes
accounting solutions and digital storage have made it easier for the company to store,
retrieve, and analyze financial data. This has led to more informed financial planning and
(Owojori & Asaolu, 2016). The ability to access real-time financial information has also
enabled Unilever to respond more swiftly to market changes and internal financial
discrepancies.
The study further highlights the role of IT in improving internal controls and
fraud prevention. By integrating IT into the accounting system, Unilever Nigeria PLC
has strengthened its internal control mechanisms, reducing the risk of fraudulent
activities. Automated audit trails, segregation of duties, and real-time monitoring have
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made it more difficult for unauthorized transactions to go unnoticed, thereby
However, the research also identifies some challenges associated with the
challenges, the overall impact of IT on the accounting system at Unilever Nigeria PLC is
5.2 CONCLUSION
proficient in their work as shown by the survey result .based on the analysis of the data, it
is concluded from this study that the organization does not spend most of its budget in
updating the information system, Unilever Nigeria plc, encourages her employees to
contribute in the design and implementation system is, as agreed by the majority of the
staff.
The market shares have grown in recent times due to the use of (it), and
information technology and information system is in tune with current trend in the
industry in terms of global market. This is shown by the wide range from respondents
accountants.
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technical, in other words, it is the human system rather than the technical system which
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
From the research carried out by previous researched on this issue and also the present
achieved from this research, the researcher made the following recommendations.
1. That regular training should be organized for accounting staff on new technique
in accounting software.
2. That Government should improve the electricity supply in the country; they
should support local IT firms by providing loans, and lowering tariffs with a view
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1. Limited Scope: Research focuses only on Unilever Nigeria PLC; findings may not
2015).
4. Sample Size: Small sample size may limit the representativeness of results (Uwuigbe
et al., 2017).
REFERENCES
40
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(Alhawari, S., et al. (2018). The impact of human factors on information technology
(Lee, H. & Kim, Y. (2020). Strategic use of information technology for operational
(Chen, L., & Huang, Y. (2021). Operational strategies in the era of big data: Challenges
(Liu, H., & Zhang, L. (2015). Fraud detection and prevention in the digital age.
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44
APPENDIX/APPENDICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear respondent,
I am soliciting for your sincere response and detailed information in the question
Yours faithfully
Manafa. P. Uche.
45
Please answer these questions honestly, and remember that your responses will be kept
SECTION A
PERSONAL DATA
(specify)…………………………………………………………………………………...
7. How long have you been with the company: 1-6 years [] 7-11 [] 12 years and above []
8. Does information technology (IT)has a role in the future of the accounting profession
in Unilever Nigeria plc, Lagos? Strongly agree [ ] agree[ ] disagree[ ] disagree strongly[ ]
9. To what extent does the need for accounting and to professionals to work jointly in
[ ]disagree strongly [ ]
10. How is the impact of information technology training increase the accounting
11. Do you agree that the use of information technology has increase the market structure
12. Have IT and T‟S (Information system) tune with the current trend in industry in
46
13. Did organization (Unilever plc) speeds a list of its budget in updating information
14. What extent has employees of the organization encouraged to contribute in the design
and implementation of information system? Very high [ ] moderate [ ] low [ ]very low [ ]
15. Will IT management and security control work effectively if staff are not part of the
INFORMATION
16. Accounting information plays a crucial role in the strategic planning of the
[]
17. Accurate accounting information is essential for making informed business decisions.
18. The quality of accounting information affects the financial performance of the
[]
Disagree [ ] Disagree [ ]
20. Accounting information is a vital tool for evaluating the financial health of the
Disagree [ ]
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PERCEPTIONS ON THE EFFECTS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION
Carefully read the items below and tick {√} the appropriate option in the space provided
as it applies to you.
disagreed.
What is your idea about the role of each of the following factors, contributing towards
educational effects on birth rates? Based on the importance of each factors, please score
organization.
organization.
48