The collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data that is used by decision makers. An accounting information system is generally a computer-based method for tracking accounting activity in conjunction with information technology resources. The resulting statistical reports can be used internally by management or externally by other interested parties including investors, creditors and tax authorities.

|||An accounting information systems that combines traditional accounting practices such as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with modern information technology resources. Six elements compose the typical accounting information system:

• People - the system users.
  
  
  
• Procedure and Instructions - methods for retrieving and processing data.
  
  
  
• Data - information pertinent to the organization's business practices.
  
  
• Software - computer programs used to process data.
  
  
• Information Technology Infrastructure - hardware used to operate the system.
  
  
  
• Internal Controls - security measures to protect sensitive data.