Usefulness of accounting information systems for small business profitability in South Africa: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Accounting information systems are an important instrument in the hands of administrators seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the face of fast technological innovation, having the knowledge, and demanding expectations from customers and business owners. The objective of the study is to investigate the empirical literature pertaining to accounting information systems and companies. This study uses a systematic literature review method to provide responses to the research issue, and the bulk of the research was conducted in industrialized economies where computerized accounting system approaches were widely adopted. The selected method of inquiry consists of the following phases: study choice, development of both inclusion and exclusion guidelines, research designation, quality of research assessment, data collection, and data compilation. Based on the paper’s findings, most small businesses fail to implement accounting information systems in their operations, resulting in low-efficiency levels because of the difficulty of preserving company information records. Furthermore, this systematic literature review adds to the prior literature in three ways: (1) it indicates the usefulness of accounting information systems; (2) it expresses the suggestions that might be implemented to boost the accounting information system; and (3) it describes the research gaps that require to be filled to encourage an improved adoption of accounting information systems for small business profitability.

Keywords

• accounting information system
• information system
• small business and profitability