This book is all about reducing the time required to complete financial transactions through the use of quality improvement, reduced control points, workflow management, and better technology. This is a very popular (and thick!) book, and is now in a second edition. I came up with the "Just-in-Time Accounting" name back in 1996, which has become rather popular -- Google has more than 10,000 Web hits on the phrase. |
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This volume will make a lot of accounting managers uncomfortable simply because it is about change, sometimes dramatic change, in their organizations. Bragg's goal is to apply a combination of total quality management and reengineering concepts to a typical company's accounting system. The desired result is a "lean and mean" accounting system that is more efficient and less expensive. Throughout the book, Bragg systematically analyzes functional areas of a typical accounting system, proposes changes, and then analyzes the impact on accounting controls and safeguards. His writing style is as crisp and clean as the ideas he presents. -- F.A. Marino, Assumption College
This book comprises numerous approaches toward handling and improving accounting systems. It consists of two parts; the first part comprises a number of very comprehensive chapters dealing with how to increase the speed of operations in the traditional accounting areas. Part two examines a number of areas that are needed to support the traditional areas. Existing accounting systems, both of the older and newer type, are discussed in considerable detail, with numerous recommendations for improving and updating them. Throughout the book, frequent reference is made to computer systems and how they should be handled. Anticipation of various types of accounting problems and steps recommended as to their resolution are well covered. -- Alexander Bohtling, CPA
Bragg analyzes each major accounting function and discusses methods for shortening the process by reducing the number of controls, automating procedures, and reducing paperwork transfers among employees. Some of the most valuable materials in the book were the before-and-after detailed process map flowcharts (for both traditional and recommended processes), the step-by-step value stream analysis for each process, controls mitigation, and new measurements and reports. For those organizations looking to create a more efficient and effective accounting process, this comprehensive nuts-and-bolts book is recommended for all accounting improvement and reengineering initiatives. -- Lance Thompson |
