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Blockchain as the Database Engine in the Accounting System

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  • Boon Seng Tan
  • Kin Yew Low

Abstract

This paper examines the prediction that blockchain technology will transform accounting and the profession because transactions recorded on a blockchain can be aggregated into financial statements and confirmed as true and accurate. We argue that blockchain technology affects the database engine of the accounting information system (AIS) through digitisation of the current paper‐based validation process. In a blockchain‐based AIS, accountants will no longer be the central authority but will remain the preparer of financial reports required by regulations; they will continue to influence policies such as the choice and accreditation of validators and serve as validators of last resort. Audit evidence still needs to be gathered for rendering of an audit opinion in a blockchain‐based AIS. While digitisation of the validation process reduces the error rate and lowers the cost of vouching and tracing, and immutability of blockchain data reduces the incentive and opportunities for fraud, a blockchain‐based AIS alone does not guarantee that financial reports are true and fair. Lower error rates and reduced incentives for accounting fraud in a blockchain‐based AIS are expected to improve audit quality. This prediction will need to be empirically tested when blockchain‐based AIS become available. Using the three‐tier architecture of the AIS, this paper addresses the gap in the literature that misses how characteristics of blockchain technology can influence the implementation of a blockchain‐based AIS with related implications for the accounting profession.

Suggested Citation

  • Boon Seng Tan & Kin Yew Low, 2019. "Blockchain as the Database Engine in the Accounting System," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 29(2), pages 312-318, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausact:v:29:y:2019:i:2:p:312-318
    DOI: 10.1111/auar.12278
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    1. de Villiers, Charl & Kuruppu, Sanjaya & Dissanayake, Dinithi, 2021. "A (new) role for business – Promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through the internet-of-things and blockchain technology," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 598-609.
    2. Luz Parrondo, 2023. "Cryptoassets: Definitions and accounting treatment under the current International Financial Reporting Standards framework," Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(4), pages 208-227, October.
    3. Vincent, Nishani Edirisinghe & Skjellum, Anthony & Medury, Sai, 2020. "Blockchain architecture: A design that helps CPA firms leverage the technology," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
    4. Bin Fang & Xinming Liu & Chen Ma & Yusang Zhuo, 2023. "Blockchain technology adoption and accounting information quality," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(4), pages 4125-4156, December.
    5. Diego Valentinetti & Michele A. Rea, 2022. "Blockchain e bilancio di esercizio: verso una convergenza di interessi "distribuita"?," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2022(2), pages 15-40.
    6. Andrew B. Jackson & Steven Luu, 2023. "Accounting For Digital Assets," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(3), pages 302-312, September.
    7. Dwivedi, Yogesh K. & Balakrishnan, Janarthanan & Das, Ronnie & Dutot, Vincent, 2023. "Resistance to innovation: A dynamic capability model based enquiry into retailers’ resistance to blockchain adaptation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    8. Lennart Ante, 2020. "A place next to Satoshi: foundations of blockchain and cryptocurrency research in business and economics," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 124(2), pages 1305-1333, August.
    9. Michael Kend & Lan Anh Nguyen, 2020. "Big Data Analytics and Other Emerging Technologies: The Impact on the Australian Audit and Assurance Profession," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 30(4), pages 269-282, December.
    10. Han, Hongdan & Shiwakoti, Radha K. & Jarvis, Robin & Mordi, Chima & Botchie, David, 2023. "Accounting and auditing with blockchain technology and artificial Intelligence: A literature review," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).
    11. Nguyen Phu Giang & Hoang Thi Tam, 2023. "Impacts of Blockchain on Accounting in the Business," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
    12. Nanja Kroon & Maria do Céu Alves & Isabel Martins, 2021. "The Impacts of Emerging Technologies on Accountants’ Role and Skills: Connecting to Open Innovation—A Systematic Literature Review," JOItmC, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-27, June.
    13. Rosanna Span? & Maurizio Massaro & Adele Caldarelli & Carlo Bagnoli, 2023. "Blockchain implications for the accounting realm: A critique of extant studies," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2023(1), pages 21-42.
    14. Wang, Kaike & Zhang, Xin & Wang, Shuhong, 2024. "Blockchain technology concerns and corporate financial risk prevention—A quasi-natural experiment for Chinese listed A-share companies," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 1496-1512.
    15. Cynthia Weiyi Cai, 2021. "Triple‐entry accounting with blockchain: How far have we come?," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(1), pages 71-93, March.

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