SYNOPSIS:

Despite the widespread use of transaction processing accounting systems (TPAS), there has been very little research into the features that make one system better than another. This study investigates the most popular class of TPAS, namely computer-based general ledger (GL) systems. A total of 229 responses from two surveys mailed to large Australian companies is used to examine twenty-one simple hypotheses about GL systems and their environment. Computer-based GL systems are found to consist of a number of programs for data capture, on-line inquiry, reporting, cost allocation, budgeting, and chart of accounts maintenance. Percentages of respondents using these features are tabled. User satisfaction with OL systems is found to depend on the quality of these features and user's understanding of their system. GL systems are usually fed with data from sub-systems such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Fixed Assets. Percentages of respondents using these sub-systems are also tabled.