What is the Role of Blockchain in Accounting?

Imagine you wanted to rob a bank, but you needed a different key to open several doors until you reached the money. That would be quite the challenge! Blockchain technology in finance is just like this.

Blockchain technology has been making waves in the accounting world, with enhanced security, transparency, and clarity of financial transactions. In this article, we'll discuss the role of blockchain in accounting, its benefits, how it works, its impact on the accounting industry, and real-world use cases.

What is blockchain accounting?

Traditional accounting practices exist for regular banking and hard cash systems, but there are also accounting practices for blockchain, which deals in cryptocurrencies. Pursuing ACCA courses or an industry-oriented accounting and financial management degree with roots in FinTech can help you learn more about this subject.

What is blockchain technology?

Blockchain is a revolutionary decentralised and distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records data in chronological order. In simple terms, a blockchain requires authentication and keys to open cash flow every step of the way in the financial pathway, thus making the system decentralised.

To understand its application in accounting, let's start with the basics of blockchain technology.

About traditional accounting systems

Traditional accounting systems have served us well for years, but they have limitations. They often involve intermediaries, slow processes, and a high potential for errors. Blockchain aims to mitigate these issues, altering the way financial transactions are recorded and managed for good.

Benefits of blockchain in accounting:

Enhanced transparency: Blockchain ensures all parties have access to the same ledger (accounting records/data), reducing fraud risks. According to a report by Deloitte, 53% of surveyed professionals believe that increased transparency is the primary benefit of blockchain in accounting.

Increased security: Blockchain is impossible to alter, duplicate, or forge making it extremely difficult for unauthorised alterations. A study by IBM found that blockchain can reduce data breaches by up to 80%.

Efficiency gains: Transactions are processed faster and with fewer errors, saving time and resources. The World Economic Forum estimates that blockchain could save businesses USD 365 billion annually by 2030.

Reduced costs: Eliminating intermediaries helps companies cut down their fees and expenses. A PwC report suggests that blockchain technology can reduce transaction costs by 35% in financial services.

Accurate auditing: Auditors can easily trace transactions using blockchain technology, leading to more accurate audits. According to a survey by EY, 95% of respondents believe that blockchain will simplify the auditing process.

How does blockchain in accounting work?

Blockchain in accounting relies on a network of computers (nodes) that validate and record transactions. These transactions are grouped into blocks and linked together in a chain. Different types of blockchain can be used for various accounting purposes.

Types of blockchain in accounting:

1. Public blockchain: Open to anyone and highly transparent.
2. Private blockchain: Restricted access, often used within organisations.
3. Consortium blockchain: Shared among a group of trusted organisations.

Benefits of blockchain in accounting:

• Improved financial reporting: Real-time data access enhances reporting accuracy. A study by Accenture found that blockchain can reduce reporting errors by 67%.
• Fraud prevention: Blockchain's security features deter fraudulent activities. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, organisations lose 5% of their annual revenues to fraud.
• Smart contracts: Self-executing contracts automate processes, reducing the need for intermediaries (middle management). Research by MarketsandMarkets predicts that the smart contract market will reach USD 300 million by 2023.
• Simplified reconciliation: Reduced discrepancies in financial records lead to smoother reconciliation processes. A report by McKinsey & Company suggests that blockchain can reduce reconciliation time by 80%.

Real-world use cases of blockchain technology

Blockchain technology is already making strides in accounting. It's being used for supply chain management, digital identity verification, and more.

1. Supply chain management: IBM's Food Trust platform uses blockchain to trace the origin of food products, reducing foodborne illnesses by 60%.
2. Digital identity verification: Estonia's e-Residency programme employs blockchain for secure digital identity verification, serving over 80,000 people globally.
3. Cross-border payments: Ripple, a blockchain-based payment platform, has partnered with over 300 financial institutions to enable faster and cheaper cross-border transactions. This technology can reduce cross-border payment costs by up to 60%, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.
4. Intellectual property protection: The WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) uses blockchain to record intellectual property rights, providing creators with immutable proof of ownership.
5. Healthcare data security: MedicalChain utilises blockchain to secure and streamline medical records, ensuring patient data remains confidential and accessible to authorised personnel.

How will blockchain technology affect the accounting industry?

Blockchain is set to transform the accounting industry in several ways as mentioned below:

• Streamlined processes: Blockchain enables faster and more accurate transactions. A study by Juniper Research predicts that blockchain could save financial institutions up to USD 27 billion annually by 2030.
•  Career opportunities: Demand for blockchain-savvy accountants is on the rise. A report by LinkedIn shows that blockchain-related job postings have increased by 550% in recent years.
• Regulatory changes: Regulations will evolve to accommodate blockchain technology. Governments worldwide are exploring how to regulate blockchain to ensure its safe and responsible use.

Future of accounting with blockchain

The future of accounting is undeniably intertwined with blockchain. Embracing this technology will be crucial for staying competitive and relevant in the accounting field. Deloitte predicts that blockchain will become a "critical asset" for financial institutions.

As finance professionals, it's essential to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of accounting and financial management. In this comprehensive guide, we've explored the fascinating world of blockchain in accounting. We've uncovered how blockchain technology enhances transparency, security, and efficiency in financial transactions.

Blockchain offers exciting opportunities to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in accounting practices. Given all the advantages and merits of blockchain technology, the finance sector is rapidly evolving to be able to implement this on a global scale. It is safe to say that blockchain is the future of financial transactions.

As the accounting industry continues to evolve, consider embracing blockchain technology as a valuable skill set. By understanding its basics and potential, you'll be well-prepared for the future of accounting and financial management.

To stay ahead of the curve, think about enrolling into an industry-oriented accounting programme like the accounting courses offered at The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF UK) today.