Book Review: The Routledge Companion to Accounting Information Systems, Edited by Martin Quinn and Erik Strauss, published in 2018 by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group: London and New York

Accounting Information Systems (AIS) is a continually evolving area at the heart of any organisation. The AIS is critical to organisational compliance, function, efficiency, decision making and communications. AIS also provide information and reports in both management form and statutory Financial Statements which evolve to meet changing regulations in accounting, industry standards and legislation. The evolutionary pace and pressure of global operations, e-commerce, pressures for Real Time Information (RTI) and transparency regarding financial information requires continual development and management of the AIS to optimise organisational performance outcomes (CitationPrasad & Green, 2015). For many, the AIS, and the data contained within it, has been considered a secondary ‘back room’ compliance function deserving of little interest or importance, whereas in reality, the AIS plays a critical role in terms of data and systems in any organisation (CitationHonjiang, 2015). Modern AIS’s are capable of processing, analysing and reporting on large volumes of complex information. Just as AIS had to evolve to meet RTI and eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), it must now consider the increasing demands for RTI, Big Data; advancements in technology and security threats. The unfortunate consequence of such a technical AIS is the demand on users to understand the framework and complexities of such a system, potential costs and the risks of cybercrime. Indeed, a lack of understanding or failure to utilise an appropriate AIS poses great risk for organisations ranging from poor decisions, inefficiencies, weak communications, lack of strategic and goal congruence, through to non-compliance of legal requirements.

As such, it is imperative that students studying accounting or finance and professionals operating within the accounting or finance function of the organisation understand both the importance and relevance of AIS and the fundamental role it holds in any modern organisation. An appreciation of the demands placed on the organisation from internal decision-makers and external stakeholders seeking reliable and robust financial information is also important. Educators play a key role in communicating the importance of the AIS and the dynamic relationship between AIS, stakeholders and accountants. As such, this is a timely opportunity for a new Accounting Information Systems book that outlines and provides more detailed and practical consideration of the technical underpinnings and organisational consequences, challenges and risks associated with big data, knowledge management, artificial intelligence, iCloud and data security. The book is of benefit to both students and practitioners seeking to keep abreast of their professional skills development.