ABSTRACT
The “information revolution” is upon us and there is no industry or business function that is untouched. In recent years, advances in technology have caused organizations to consider and reconsider the implications that these fast-paced changes have on their business operations and environment. Sometimes it is helpful to pause and take stock of our surroundings as they change. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce some of the risks and opportunities surrounding the use of information systems for the processing of accounting and finance data within today’s ever-advancing business organizations. After reading this chapter, the reader is expected to have a better understanding of the purpose of accounting information systems (AIS) within an organization and be able to identify the roles that they play within business operation and management. The chapter will explore the some of the opportunities presented by using technology to enhance business processing as well as the risks that are involved. It will also examine some ways to mitigate the risks associated with AIS.
