ABSTRACT
The study explored the use of cloud-based accounting software by accounting students, in the University of Benin by highlighting its benefits such as real-time collaboration and scalability, as well as challenges like data security concerns. Cloud accounting shifts accountants' roles towards interpretation and decision-making, but issues like data privacy and performance persist. Despite challenges, cloud-based accounting software offers advantages over traditional methods and provides comprehensive accounting services online.
The objectives of this study aimed to examine accounting students' awareness, usage, and challenges in employing cloud-based accounting softwares. Four hypotheses were formulated to guide the investigation exercise. Primary data were used in the form of open ended questionnaire to obtain the required data. One hundred questionnaires were distributed personally to 400 level accounting student in the University of Benin. The responses were analysed using random sampling.
The key findings include male and female accounting students differ significantly in their current awareness of cloud-based accounting software; both qualitative and quantitative research methods show benefits for male and female students using cloud-based accounting software; there are significant differences in the challenges or barriers faced by male and female students in using these software tools; the current use of cloud-based accounting software differs significantly from its potential benefits or applications for male and female students; the benefits of using cloud-based accounting software significantly differ between male and female accounting students.
The study include accounting students' awareness, usage, and challenges in using cloud-based accounting software. Through surveys and interviews, it found moderate awareness among students, with varied understanding of features and advantages of cloud-based solutions; recognized benefits like increased efficiency, real-time collaboration, enhanced data security, flexibility, and reduced manual tasks, aligning with prior research; identified challenges such as data privacy concerns, integration issues, and limited internet connectivity, which need addressing to promote wider adoption; moderate current usage, with gaps between usage and potential benefits, indicating opportunities for improved adoption and utilization in accounting education, and recommend educational institutions (University of Benin) should implement awareness programs to educate accounting students about the features, advantages, and potential applications of cloud-based accounting software; institutions should provide adequate support and resources to facilitate the integration of cloud-based accounting software into the curriculum; efforts should be made to address students' concerns about data privacy and security associated with cloud-based accounting software; educators should encourage collaborative learning and engagement among students using cloud-based accounting software; institutions should regularly evaluate the effectiveness of cloud-based accounting software in meeting educational objectives and student learning outcomes.
