Theoretical Grounds of Social Accounting

The article is aimed at clarifying the essence, purpose and place of social accounting in the accounting system. The approaches of domestic and foreign scientists to the interpretation of the concept of 'social accounting' are summarized. It is found that in all cases, researchers, in one way or another, associate the purpose of social accounting with the formation of the data for the preparation of non-financial reporting. The relationship between the data of non-financial reporting and the structure of objects of social accounting is clearly traceable. Western scholars often refer social costs to the objects of social accounting; and domestic and Russian scholars – social and environmental costs. The place of social accounting in the informational system of accounting is determined. The association of the social accounting with the concept of social responsibility of business is marked, and its role in the informational service of the interested parties is revealed. It is proved that in the development of the concept of social accounting it is advisable to be governed not by the opportunities of the existing accounting system but, primarily, by the specific purpose, in particular, creating a database for compiling non-financial reporting.