Key Differences

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Difference Between Manual and Computerized Accounting

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manual vs computerised accountingIn accounting, the financial transactions are recorded, processed and presented to generate financial statements, that is useful to the readers, in making decisions. Traditionally, accounting is done manually, by a trained accountant, with the use of registers, account books, vouchers etc. But with the emerging technology, nowadays, computerized accounting is in vogue, due to its accuracy, convenience and speed.

Both manual and computerized system is based on the same principles, conventions and concept of accounting. However, they differ only in their mechanism, in the sense that manual accounting uses pen and paper, to record transactions, whereas computerized accounting makes use of computers and internet, to enter transactions electronically.

In this article, you can find the substantial differences between manual and computerized accounting.

Content: Manual Accounting Vs Computerized Accounting

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonManual AccountingComputerized Accounting
MeaningManual Accounting is a system of accounting that uses physical registers and account books, for keeping financial records.Computerized Accounting is an accounting system that uses an accounting software, for recording financial transactions electronically.
RecordingRecording is possible through book of original entry.Data content is recorded in customized database.
CalculationAll the calculation is performed manually.Only data input is required, the calculations are performed by computer system.
SpeedSlowComparatively faster.
Adjusting entriesIt is made for rectification of errors.It cannot be made for rectification of errors.
Backup Not possibleEntries of transactions can be saved and backed up
Trial BalancePrepared when necessary.Instant trial balance is provided on daily basis.
Financial StatementIt is prepared at the end of the period, or quarter.It is provided at the click of button.

Definition of Manual Accounting

Manual Accounting, as the name signifies, is the paper-based accounting system, in which journal and ledger registers, vouchers, account books are used to store, classify and analyse financial transactions of an organization. It is often used by small businessmen, such as sole proprietors, shopkeepers, etc. to maintain the record of the business transactions, due to lower cost.

One of the advantages of the manual accounting system is its easy accessibility. It is also characterised by confidentiality, which makes the sensitive information hacking free. Nevertheless, manual accounts can only be prepared correctly if the accountant possesses good knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting.

Moreover, human error, such as incorrect recording of the transaction, the omission of the transaction, figure transposition and so forth, is likely to occur while the preparation of manual accounts which cannot be ignored.

Definition of Computerized Accounting

Computerized Accounting can be described as the accounting system that uses the computer system and pre-packaged, customised or tailored accounting software, to keep a record of financial transactions and generate financial statements, for analysis.

Computerized Accounting system relies on the concept of a database. The accounting database is systematically maintained, with active interface wherein accounting application programs and reporting system are used. The two primary essentials are:

  • Accounting framework: The framework comprises of principles and grouping structure for maintaining records.
  • Operating procedure: There is a proper procedure for operating the system so as to store and process the data.

Further, it requires front-end interface, back-end database, database processing and reporting system to store data in a database-oriented application.

The merits of computerized accounting rely on its speed, accuracy, reliability, legibility, up-to-date information and reports etc.

Key Differences Between Manual and Computerized Accounting

The difference between manual and computerized accounting is explained below in points:

  1. Manual Accounting refers to the accounting method in which physical registers for journal and ledger, vouchers and account books are used to keep a record of the financial transactions. On the other hand, computerized accounting implies the method of accounting, which uses an accounting software or package, to record the monetary transactions, which happen to an organization.
  2. In manual accounting, recording of the transaction can be done through the book of original entry, i.e. journal day book. Conversely, in computerized accounting, the transactions are recorded in the form of data, in the customised database.
  3. In manual accounting, all the calculations, i.e. addition, subtraction, etc. with respect to the transactions are performed manually. In contrast, in computerized accounting, there is no need to perform calculations, as the calculations are performed by the computer automatically.
  4. In manual accounting, a person remains involved all the time, with the accounts, to enter and update transactions, which is tedious and time-consuming too. As against, in computerized accounting, once the transaction is entered, it is automatically updated in all the accounts to which it relates and thus, the process is comparatively faster.
  5. In manual accounting method, if there occurs an error while entering and posting the transaction in the books of accounts, then adjustment entries can be passed, for getting accurate results. Moreover, adjustment entries are also made to comply with the matching principle, i.e. the expenses of the accounting period should match the respective revenues. On the other hand, in computerized accounting, to comply with the matching principles journal and vouchers are prepared, but adjustments entries are not passed for rectification of error unless the error is an error of principle.
  6. One of the merits of computerized accounting which manual accounting lacks is that in manual accounting there is no way to back up all the entries and financial statements, but in computerized accounting, the accounting records can be saved and backed up.
  7. In manual accounting, the trial balance is prepared only when it is required, whereas, in computerized accounting, instant trial balance is provided on a daily basis.
  8. In a manual accounting system, the financial statement is prepared at the end of the period, i.e. financial year. On the contrary, the financial statement is provided at the click of a button, in the computerized accounting system.

Conclusion

As the number of business transactions increases, it is difficult to manage accounts manually, as it takes a lot of time to update a single transaction in all the accounts that it affects. In computerized accounting, a number of limitations of the manual accounting have been removed. Whenever the transactions occur, the entry is made and it is updated automatically in all the accounts that it affects, in the computerized accounting.

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Comments

  1. yamank says

    you are very good in making differentiation …
    every thing is very symtematic and logical…
    with lots of love ..
    thanks

    Reply

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