Digitalization of accounting: The experience of China

Abstract

Subject. This article discusses the modern processes of transformation of the accounting sphere in the context of the development of digital technologies, considering the experience of the People's Republic of China. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the current trends in the digital transformation of accounting, considering China's experience as a case study, highlight the main technologies, problems, prospects, and substantiate the need for digitalization of the accounting sphere at the present stage of economic development. Methods. For the study, I used scientific observation, analysis and synthesis, systematization, generalization, and the systems, content, and comparative analyses. Results. The article reveals the main problems of the formation of theoretical concepts for accounting in the digital era. Based on the analysis of the digital transformation of accounting, considering the case of the largest Chinese companies, it highlights the problems of introducing digital accounting technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises in China. The article also offers to consider the ideas and approaches of prominent Chinese scientists involved in the digitalization of accounting, including the idea of the importance of creating a new theory of accounting in the digital era. Conclusions and Relevance. Using a synergistic approach helps consider the relationship and mutual development of two areas, namely accounting and IT, which are currently under constant transformation. On the one hand, China's experience shows the extensive practice of introducing advanced digital technologies into the accounting sphere and its transformation, as well as noteworthy attempts to develop a new concept of digital accounting, which is still influenced by traditional accounting concepts, but on the other hand, it reveals a number of problems and inconsistencies that are characteristic of many countries. The results of the study can be applied in accounting practice and theoretical developments in the field of accounting.